The 45 Best Gifts for New Dads to Help Them Survive First-Time Fatherhood
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
Whether you’re a friend, family, coworker, or partner, finding a gift for a new dad can be daunting. If you’ve never been a dad, it can be difficult to come up with gift ideas for new dads that are at all helpful, as it’s not an experience one can truly understand secondhand. Even those of us who are part of the fraternity of fathers probably don’t remember what it was like to be a new dad—an experience that, among other things, is entirely delirious.
To come up with the best gifts for new dads, Men’s Journal cast a wide net, hauling in gifts at a wide variety of price points across apparel, technology, kitchen gear, grooming, golf gifts, and even books. These gifts address the various needs new dads have, from learning how to relax as a new parent and enjoying the priceless memories to protecting their suddenly larger family. There’s also a funny new dad gift or two thrown in for good measure.
Each of these gifts would work well for the upcoming holiday season, as there’s something on this list that every kind of dad would be happy to unwrap. They’d also be great, of course, for a dad’s birthday gift, first Father’s Day, or just because. And while MJ can’t give new dads what they really need—more time and less stress—the best gifts for new dads will make a very special time in their lives that much easier.
The 45 Best Gifts for New Dads of 2023
Some combination of exhaustion and a desire to protect their baby from the outside world turns many new dads into homebodies for the first few weeks (or months) of fatherhood. There’s nothing better during this period than a classic robe, like this one from L.L. Bean. The soft, midweight Portuguese flannel fabric is perfect for late-night feedings, and the sharp tartan patterns have an unmistakably classic paternal heir about them.
[$79; llbean.com]
These top-rated slippers from Glerups allow for easy slipping on and off while holding an infant. The felted wool construction is soft and breathable enough to prevent foot sweat, with supple leather soles ideal for indoor use. They’re the kind of splurge many guys, now in full-on provider mode, might not go for, which is why they make such a fantastic gift for new dads.
[$100; rei.com]
Dads often take the lead on building all the stuff kids need, and there is a lot of it. Cribs, activity centers, high chairs, gliders, bouncers—the list goes on. This compact tool is the perfect gift for new dads ready to get to work. It has everything they might need to put all that stuff together, and it will also serve them well as the home repairman on call through the rest of their kid’s childhood. And, even if it mostly sits in the garage collecting dust until it’s needed, the peace of mind of having tools is still worth more than the price tag.
[$55 (was $60); amazon.com]
Hand sanitizer is a staple of every household with a newborn. It’s a tool that protects their fragile immune systems from the germs of the outside world and their parents from the more disgusting parts of their new job. This three-pack of Noshiku pocket hand sanitizers allows new dads to stash them where they’re needed, and the upscale smells and all-natural moisturizers lend a certain luxury to perpetual hand sanitizing that new dads will truly appreciate.
[$26; amazon.com]
It seems nuts that many strollers don’t come with cupholders, but it is the sad reality. Thankfully, this clip-on cup holder attaches securely to any stroller, comes with a slot to store a phone, and has a second cup holder that clips on to hold the kid’s milk bottle as securely as Dad’s coffee mug. It’s the definition of a low-investment, high-reward item that first-time parents will be thankful to receive.
[$15; amazon.com]
Trade sources whole bean and ground coffees from small roasteries across the country and delivers them directly to its customers. It’s a great way to ensure new dads always have great beans to brew while simultaneously allowing them to try out new coffees and support small businesses everywhere from Canton, Georgia to Redding, California to Viroqua, Wisconsin. Prices start at $40 for two bags delivered however frequently the new dad likes, but gifting more means getting a better deal, down to $17.92 per bag when ordering two dozen.
[from $108; drinktrade.com]
There are two reasons to get AirTags for new dads. One, strollers can cost a lot of money, and having a way to track it, in case it ever goes missing, is well worth the cost of one of Apple’s GPS trackers. Two, they’re an invaluable way for new dads to find things they’ve misplaced amid the chaos and clutter that having a baby brings, at least in those early months when no one has the energy to tidy up.
[$89 (was $99); amazon.com]
Sleep deprivation and the stress of parenting can darken and puff up a new dad’s eyes, so a good under-eye treatment is a more-than-welcome gift. This pricier eye cream from Sunday Riley is worth the investment, with caffeine, lutein, and horse chestnut delivering instant results. It’s also a nice reminder that caring for someone else doesn’t mean you should stop caring for yourself.
[$65; amazon.com]
Athleisure that looks respectable is a key part of any modern dad’s wardrobe, and these moisture-wicking pants from Vuori are an excellent place for new dads to start. They have a classic five-pocket design, complete with a button and belt loops, and, at first glance, look like the khaki pants your dad might have worn. That said, it’s the fabric, which has both anti-odor and flexible, four-way stretch properties, that sets them apart and makes them a great pair of dad pants.
[$128; vuori.com]
New dads don’t have time to go to the coffee shop or craft bespoke pour-over coffees throughout the day. They need a regular supply of dependably delicious hot coffee ready whenever, and that’s what this classic Cuisinart coffee maker provides. It makes 14 cups at a time and the carafe sits on a warming plate that eliminates the need for microwaving that second or third cup of the day.
[$100; nordstrom.com]
Waking up at an odd hour, feeding the baby, and then not being able to go back to sleep is a common experience for new dads. Watching a movie on the Criterion Channel, a streaming service from the leading purveyor of classic Hollywood, international, and art house films, is a great way to fill the time the new dad in your life probably doesn’t have yet. It’s a great place to experience films he’ll one day share with the kids after they exit their Paw Patrol era.
[From $11/month; criterionchannel.com]
Whether it’s stooping over to fasten the buckles on the car seat or sleeping in the nursery glider with an infant on your chest, parenting offers no shortage of opportunities for back pain. A Thera Cane is a great way to..
