The best gifts for new dads can vary hugely, but when you get it right it has the power to make life so much easier for them and their new family. We've researched, tested, and reviewed the most wanted daddy presents, according to dads themselves.
While new dads don't quite have the same life and body upheaval as new mums do (what with navigating matrescence, figuring out the mental load, and how to get on with the best breast pumps), they still do face changes in their life and there are gifts that could make their lives a little easier as they support the new mother.
First, here's how we chose the best gifts for new dads;
- Reviews: We try to review all products we deem 'best' but where we've been unable to test ourselves, we dig deep into comments to check what consistently scored highly from verified shoppers who rate them for value and quality.
- Price: We have included gift ideas to suit all budgets. It's worth noting, though, that some suggestions might be pricier than expected, but that's because we know that some people buy and gift from large groups.
- Variety: Life as a new dad can throw curve balls and needs that dads never even knew they had might crop up. We've got you covered in the useful gifts to give.
When a baby is born, it is an exciting time for the whole family and understandably mum and baby get showered with lots of cute and practical gifts, but how about the dads? From practical gifts to boost his confidence, or keepsakes and mementos, we share a huge array of gifts for new dads to choose from.
The best gifts for new dads
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RRP: £8 | Delivery: £3.45 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
With a matching 'mummy' one too (£8 at John Lewis) these mugs are selling fast. They're the perfect size for a coffee 'as big as your head' as new mum Lisa tells us: "I bought this to announce I was pregnant, and it went down a storm. And now, post-baby, I'm happy to report that it's dishwasher safe and microwave safe, so he can reheat all his forgotten cups of coffee".
RRP: From £29 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
"I bought my brother this t-shirt as he's actually quite stylish and picky with what he wears, but this one was deemed 'cool enough' for him when his twin boys arrived," Sophie tells us.
And with over 2300 4-star ratings on Amazon, this cotton-blend crew neck tee is a great addition to the wardrobe of any new dad.
RRP: £12 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
“My mum bought me this after my first son was born," Lee, dad of two tells us. "It's helped me to know that I'm not alone. Great read, and even if you're super-confident about dadhood, this will still be useful. But if, like I was, you're bricking it somewhat, this book is definitely worth it."
RRP: £18 | Delivery: £3.75 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
“All dads need one of these to hide their unwashed hair under after long nights with a newborn baby. Trust me, he will be living in caps," dad-of-three, Matt, tells us. "I loved this one, as it had a P for Papa on the front, which is what my eldest calls me."
RRP: £15 | Delivery: £3.99 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
“My wife bought me this so I could enjoy singing in my showers... that was my life pre-baby but now it comes in so handy for her, as it accepts voice calls too. So if I'm in for too long and she needs baby back up quick - like a code brown - she drops me a quick 999 call," dad-of-two, Dan, tells us.
RRP: £27 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
While we don't recommend this as a replacement for a baby carrier, it's a cute short-term solution when arms get tired. "My works mates bought this and it was great to wear as an extra layer over our actual baby carrier too, it kept our little one extra snuggly."
RRP: £69.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Listen, sleep deprivation can affect everyone differently, and dad-of-twins, Liam, was no different. "My sister bought me this after the first two weeks of fatherhood - I'd already missed two Health Visitor appointments because I kept losing my keys," he tells us.
RRP: £54.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Buy from this small UK business and you get to choose your grind preference with this ethically sourced hand-roasted coffee and add a personalised message. "My sister bought me this as she was adamant I'd need coffee 'on tap' now that I'm a dad... she's not wrong."
RRP: £16.99| Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
"One thing no one really told me about parenting was just how much walking you do. Every weekend we're out and about finding walks with our kids, so this is the best gift ever - put a pub lunch at the end of it and everyone's a winner." Dad, Joe, tells us.
RRP: £275 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Not cheap, but a brilliant 'all in' gift given from a group of friends or family. “We had this for all of our kids and can not recommend it more. It was such a game-changer to have this kind of support when carrying a child. My lower back loved it!" Dad-of-four, Rich, tells us.
RRP: £38 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Like new mums, dads can sometimes let self-care slip after the birth of a baby - it's totally understandable. So treat them to a posh lather. This soap is infused with the fresh, spicy, and woody notes of the aftershave, ALLURE HOMME, and it leaves the skin both clean and subtly scented.
RRP: £145 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
With over 4000 4-star ratings it's easy to see why this has made it onto our list, especially as dad-of-one, Lewis, swears by it. "I'm sorry but microwaved coffee makes me sad. This keeps my coffee my temperature for over an hour. Game-changer."
RRP: £118 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
"A cosy throw as a gift might seem off for a new dad, but hear me out," Dad-of-three, Rob tells us. "I have snuggled down with sick kids under 'my throw', kept my breastfeeding wife warm with it, and draped it over chairs as our den. Get the throw and love it."
RRP: £8.99 | Delivery: £3.50 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Personalise this stainless steel keyring with the title daddy, plus the date and time. "Not only was this the best keepsake, but I literally see it every day," Dad of one, Dig, tells us. "It reminds me of when my kid's birthday is... there are a lot of numbers in my life and sometimes - sometimes - I can't remember."
RRP: £14.50 | Delivery: £3.50 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
For any dads who like a bottle of beer, this chic bottle opener is not only aesthetically pleasing but also tells everyone that the owner is a daddy. "My brother really wants his kids to all call him Papa, so I got this for him as a prompt... for his 6-month-old," Siobhan tells us.
RRP: £25 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Waterproof for up to 30 meters, this is a great present for any dad to capture memories of his mini-me. "I got myself this and fully recommend it for a gift idea. I got some great shots of my son's first swimming experience, it was amazing." Dad, Alex, tells us.
RRP: £29 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
The dad version of the best-selling mum box. It has a Weleda cream for men, bergamot organic deodorant, a Barber Pro eye mask, cotton socks, and hand cream. "The hand cream in this box was the best by far - all the washing and sterilizing was taking its toll." Dad, James, tells us.
RRP: £14.99 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
The best gift for someone who is a fan of few words but likes to capture memories. "My brother bought me this, so far it just has 'tired' in it on every page, but he assures me it will get more interesting as my newborn grows." New dad, Nate, tells us.
RRP: £65 | Delivery: £4.95 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
These slip-on slipper shoes are shaped from a water-repellent shell with a warm insulated lining. "These were amazing to have to hand when I was traipsing our newborn out to the car at 3 am to try and get them to sleep," dad, Eli, tells us.
RRP: £9 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
"After the birth of our first son, I had to pick up a lot of skills and fast. One of those skills was cooking. So when my mum bought me this in those first few weeks it was a lifesaver. Yes, our diet is mainly pasta, but when you're sleep-deprived it will do." Dad-of-two, Eamon, tells us,
RRP: £6.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
While it's an ongoing joke that dads seem to find a way to spend time on the loo throughout parenting, this book will actually come in handy for all adults in the house, let's be honest. "My mate bought me this book and advised me to 'choose the when and how long' wisely," Dad, Rob tells us.
RRP: £13 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
With all the walking parents do these days, make sure the dad in your life stays hydrated. And this is no ordinary water bottle, it’s a Smart Bottle with a tea filter, keeps drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours, and holds up to 480 ml of liquid - that's more than a can of Coke. "I bloody love it for cold days on the sidelines," Dad, Les, tells us.
RRP: £18 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
These are designed with a fleecy lining and slip-resistant tread for ultimate comfort as you relax after a long day. "These socks made all the difference throughout winter when I was up and down feeding our son. My feet stayed cosy throughout. They're a definite recommend from me." Dad, Pete, tells us.
RRP: £27.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Personalise the story with dad’s name, whether he’s a papa, a daddy, stepdad, granddad – or something unique. Add up to four children’s names and characters. Include your own dedication, and choose from four cover colours. "I got this for my husband when he was feeling down about parent preference." Mum, Jess, tells us.
What can I get a new dad as a gift?
Anything to help him adapt to life as a parent, like a temperature controlled mug, cosy blanket, underwater camera or even a personalised keepsake like a custom photo frame. Think useful, practical and sentimental.
Once you've bought the new dad in your life the best gift he could ask for take a look through our best gifts for a new mum round up. And then maybe prep yourself for the 1st birthday party, and take a look through some of our best personalised children's books or maybe you're stuck with what to write in the 'new baby' card? We've got all the best inspirational quotes for kids that could work perfectly.
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