Few things are as life altering as the birth of a first child. Once thought of as the mother’s job, modern fathers are often just as involved in parenting, from the midnight colic fits to the diaper malfunctions. Father’s day is the perfect opportunity to let him know that his hard work has not gone unnoticed. Unfortunately, knowing how to choose first father's day gifts can be difficult. The key is to think about the father receiving the gift. Is he practical or sentimental? Is he active or a homebody? Asking these questions will lead to the perfect first father's day gift ideas.
Keepsakes
Handmade keepsakes are always appreciated on a first or any father’s day. While the baby probably won’t be creating an artistic masterpiece anytime soon, there are still plenty of projects that allow him or her to participate. A simple example is to use a nontoxic ink pad to create an imprint of the baby’s footprints. These could be framed or even placed on a cotton tee shirt. Just imagine how tiny those feet will look at the same time next year!
Traditional
A tie for father’s day might not be very original, but sometimes clichés exist for a reason. Some dads prefer practical gifts, so why not turn traditional into a tradition? The eventual collection will be a reminder of each year of fatherhood. The reoccurring gift could be anything he likes if ties aren’t his style. A nice alternative might be a coffee mug purchased from somewhere the family visited throughout the year.
Family Day
Buying gifts for some men can be difficult, as they never want more “stuff.” A more creative gift might be in order for these dads. Plan a special day for the family to spend together, such as picnic in the park with his favourite foods. The possibilities are endless. The family can visit an aquarium, head to the beach, or strap on the baby backpack for a hike. The important thing is spending time together as a family, celebrating his important new role as father.
Dad’s Day Out
Then again, maybe the best gift would be a day away from his new pride and joy. Of course he loves his new son or daughter, but chances are he also misses some aspects of his life before the baby. Planning a day or night out with his friends would be a great way to remind him that he can be good father and still have a social life that doesn’t include naptime or cartoons. Would he enjoy an afternoon at the golf course or a night out at the pub? You know him best. Keep his interests in mind, and a gift of time with the boys is one he’s sure to appreciate.
Dad’s Day In
Similarly, one of the biggest transitions to life with a baby is a lack of alone time. A thoughtful gift idea for a first time father would be to wake him up with breakfast in bed and then take the baby out for the day. He can turn up the television as loud as he wants without worrying about waking the little one or simply sleep, something that all new parents need. He’s sure to end his day feeling rejuvenated and excited to jump back into fatherhood with gusto.
A successful gift is one the recipient enjoys. Most fathers are just looking to be acknowledged for their momentous new undertaking. Any first father's day gift that shows an appreciation of his hard work and new role as a father is sure to be a hit.