We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
60 Best First Father's Day Gifts for All the Proud New Dads
From the helpful and useful to the ultimate gag gift, he'll love these presents.
Once he becomes a dad, he's going to hit many first milestones: first middle-of-the-night feeding, first diaper blowout, first time he hears babbling and swears the baby said, "Dada." But none is more exciting than his first Father's Day. And when it comes to getting new-dad gifts, you there are many routes you can take. You can opt for something sentimental, with personalization that commemorates his first year. You can find something useful that'll help him level up his dad game. Or you can try to find something that tickles his funny bone, because sometimes you just have to laugh.
With all that in mind, these are the best first Father's Day gifts to buy in 2023. Write out a sweet Father's Day card from the new bundle, present these to him over Father's Day dinner and have the perfect Father's Day Instagram caption at the ready, because the moment is going to be picture-perfect. Just don't be surprised if he tries to deflect from the emotion of his reaction with some corny dad jokes that make everyone groan.
He might not be able to game as much as he used to, but we imagine when he does, this new BFF is right by his side. The only way they could look cuter with these shirts.
With all of their new responsibilities, first time dads will need to have their devices powered up at all times. A top seller on Amazon, this station will charge three devices at once.
There will likely be some sleepless nights during the first few years, so help him get a good nights sleep. Our testers loved its hybrid fill, adjustability and shape retention.
RELATED: The Best Pillows of 2023
Letters to My Baby
This book makes it easy for fathers to share their thoughts on becoming a dad for the first time. It has 12 letter-writing prompts, like "My first impressions of you were," or "All the things I hope you'll try someday." Later, they'll be an awesome gift for Dad's now-all-grown-up baby.
You pick the date (the day he became a dad), the names you want displayed and the quote to go along with it, and this Amazon user will ship you a custom print of what the sky looked like that night.
Sleep Aid Device
Sleep Aid Device
In the beginning, sleep might be a rarity. So, it's important that when it's time to snooze, he actually can. With just the touch of a button, he can easily fall asleep naturally in eight to 20 minutes, depending on his current sleep habits.
Portable Fireplace
Whether he needs a breather outside, or wants to host a dad's night in the backyard, this portable fireplace will help set the mood. It works with smokeless and odorless rubbing alcohol, and can even be used indoors.
Everything in his life needs to be simplified now. This wallet can carry all of his cards, cash and photos without the bulk. It also has RFID blocking for added protection.
It's the best gift to get those soon-to-be dads. Just pop in a sonogram photo and get ready for all the "awws." It also comes in a cool clip-style frame.
Magic & Mixology Virtual Night
If he can't have a night out, give him the next best thing: In this 75-minute virtual experience, he'll get a little of everything courtesy of magician Matt Szat. First, Szat will lead viewers through the making of a craft cocktail (with a few surprises). Then he'll do illusions of his own, and even teach viewers how to do a card trick. Dad can do it all while keeping one eye on the baby monitor. If he's not into magic, there are other virtual experiences to be had, like a coffee-tasting class or an '80s cocktail class.
If he doesn't like big displays of affections, go with something small yet sweet. Here, you can add the name of his baby, along with a cute message right on the keychain. You even have the option to get it wrapped.
Subtle, cool and most appropriate, Amazon reviewers say the fit is excellent, it's super comfortable and is particularly good for taller men. "It’s so soft, fits true to size, and I love the simplicity of something so special," one person wrote.
Pizza Pie & Slice Matching Outfits
What could be better for a First Father's Day photo than coordinating Daddy & Me outfits? If pizza isn't his thing, you can also get coordinating t-shirt-and-bodysuit outfits with big blind and small blind casino chips, a growler and a half-pint, a taco and taquito and a burger and slider, among other designs.
Corkcicle 12 oz Stemless Tumbler
Corkcicle 12 oz Stemless Tumbler
Look out! Here comes your friendly, neighborhood drink container. This 12-oz cup is perfect for wine, but the triple-insulation also makes it good for any hot or cold beverage of his choice. Corkcicle has other Spider-Man vessels that are larger, or other Marvel themes including Captain America, Loki and Black Panther, among others.
Father's Day 3D Pop Up Card
Father's Day 3D Pop Up Card
He's definitely going to keep all the cards from his first Father's Day, so make it a good one. Here's a Mandalorian-inspired 3D card that features baby Yoda getting pushed by Boba Fett.
He's going to need all the fuel he can get, so make it good. He'll get two bags of coffee that have hints of chocolate, blueberry, honey and almond. Bonus: Reviewers say the bags stay fresh for a long time.
Dad & Me Activity Bucket List
Dad & Me Activity Bucket List
Sure, they can't start on these activities together until the baby is older, but dad will be chuffed to receive it anyway — and he'll get to start dreaming of his life raising kids. The box includes ideas for 100 shared activities, like hula-hoop contests and making a video together that you watch a year later.
Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack
Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack
If you're a family of outdoor enthusiasts, the Good Housekeeping Institute rated this the best baby carrier for hiking. Experts thought it gave long-lasting support and appreciated the built-in sun shade.
Lyricpop Books
What's Dad's favorite song? If he's lucky, Akashic Books has turned it into a board book for its Lyricpop series and Dad can read it out loud during story time. Some titles include "Where Is My Mind" by Pixies, "Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M, "Strawberry Swing" by Coldplay, "We're Not Gonna Take It," by Twisted Sister, "Sweet Child o'Mine" by Guns N' Roses, "We Got the Beat" by The Go-Go's and "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers, among others.
Total Body Advanced Stepper Machine
Total Body Advanced Stepper Machine
If he can't make it out to the gym, bring the gym to him. This stepper is small and can be stashed away easily when it's not in use, and he can break it out whenever he finds a few minutes to get in a quick workout.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Watch Next
77 Sweet Father's Day Instagram Captions
61 Easy Father’s Day Dinner Ideas
40 Father's Day Quotes From Wife to Husband
85 Meaningful Father's Day Quotes
