When it comes to sentimental new dad gifts, how mushy the gift you choose to give him is up to you. But one thing is for sure, custom gifts are where it’s at. If you’re looking for a keepsake gift for a new dad to touch his heart, make it personal.
Updated May 24, 2023
Creating a custom gift with engraving, photos, or printed sentiments written from the heart is a simple way to create something memorable for him.
Most of the gift ideas below can be customized for a brand-new father or for dads who have been on the job for a while!
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Personalized New Dad Gifts make perfect Sentimental Keepsakes
By personalizing what would normally be considered an everyday item with a message from the new baby son or daughter, any item can be turned into a sentimental gift for the new Dad.
Even the most macho of guys can melt into softies when it comes to their kids.
Of course, most Dads love funny gifts (who doesn’t??) but sentimental new dad gifts can really tug on the ol’ heartstrings. They make a nice keepsake too.
So What Do You Buy A New Dad To Melt His Heart?
From engraved jewelry and compasses to personalized photo books and scrapbooks, there are quite a few options to look at for expectant father gifts, new dad hospital gifts, or something sentimental to commemorate his first Father’s Day.
Some may think it is a bit sappy, but I honestly think it’s sweet. And since you’re reading this, I’ll assume that you do as well.
A new Dad picture frame is always a solid choice but you can take that idea even further by turning your digital photos into something really special for him.
For my husband, I created a digital photo book through an online printing company to celebrate his first year and a half of fatherhood.
I compiled and uploaded some sweet photos of him and our son from newborn through his first 18 months to create a beautiful photobook.
I gave it to him as a birthday gift that second year. (That’s still considered new Dad territory in my mind!) I included some photos of our IVF journey to parenthood, maternity pics too, and included captions to narrate the book.
He is a pretty tough guy on the outside but he got a little teary-eyed when he opened his gift.
It’s just such a precious time in that first year with a baby and sometimes it feels like a blur.
Having those photos preserved in a hard-bound photo book is something for your family to cherish for a lifetime.
I find Etsy and Amazon are great for finding unique custom-made gifts for any occasion and there are plenty of sentimental new dad gifts to be found on both.
10+ Sentimental New Dad Gifts/First Father’s Day Gifts
- Daddy & Me Scrapbook
- Personalized photo book
- Custom picture frame with ultrasound photo
- Laser etched picture engraved crystal
- Engraved jewelry
- Personalized keychain
- Engraved compass
- Engraved Pocketwatch
- Custom t-shirt
- Personalized Dad mug or tumbler
- Engraved wallet
- Hand stamped wallet card with a letter from your child
- Engraved trophy
daddy and me Scrapbook/Memory Book For New Dads
A Daddy and Me scrapbook or memory book is one of the best sentimental gifts for new or expectant fathers.
A scrapbook is a perfect way to document their very first adventures and celebrate your first Father’s Day as a new family.
Naturally, Mom & Dad will be in charge of filling out the first section. But as the years go by and your child gets older, they can add their own artwork and messages to Dad!
If you are an avid scrapbooker or crafty in general you could design and create a personalized scrapbook. A sweet cover with a title like “The Very First Adventures of Daddy and (your child’s name)” will surely make him smile.
Personalized Photo Book
If you love the idea of a personalized memory book but are not that into scrapbooking, a personalized photo book might be for you. As I said above, this is what I did for my husband around a year after my son was born.
I chose the sweetest pictures I could find of him and my son together, some of us all together, and some with extended family as we welcomed our son to the world.
Then I added cute personal captions and dates throughout. I had mine done through Costco but there are many online printing companies that offer this service.
Laser Etched Picture Engraved Crystal
These custom 3D photo crystals are so very cool. ArtPix will take your photo and turn it into this beautiful keepsake through the magic of laser etching technology. What a beautiful and unique idea!
Personalized Picture Frame with Ultrasound Photo
An adorable way to turn your ultrasound photo into a keepsake item is to have a personalized picture frame made. I found some I really liked at Brandon ScottAD’s shop on Etsy. The frame has space for a custom poem or whatever writing you want on one half. The other half is used for your ultrasound photo.
Engraved Jewelry
Jewelry isn’t just for Moms! I mean, of course, it depends on if your guy is a ‘jewelry guy’ or not. But if he is you can find some excellent masculine pieces for him.
Stainless steel link bracelets look really sharp and can be easily engraved with a personalized message for Dad.
A 3-D rectangular pendant (or a bar necklace) engraved with a personal message to Dad is an excellent choice.
Or perhaps a dog tag-style necklace would suit his taste. There are even some that turn photos into necklace pendants.
Personalized Keychain
If the new dad in your life isn’t a ‘jewelry guy’ per se, then maybe a keychain would work.
All the same personalizing techniques that can turn jewelry into sentimental new dad gifts can be done on a flat keychain.
engraved pocket watch
Another great dad gift idea is an engraved pocket watch!
If you’re into all things vintage, you might especially love the old-fashioned-looking ones as I do. They are so classy-looking and really make a statement.
Engraved Compass
I love this idea! A compass engraved with a personal message about navigating the world makes a unique gift for new dads. A lot of the compasses I found on Etsy are geared towards parents to give to kids but why not the opposite way?
A message about Dad being the guide for the child could be just as easily written.
Something like...Dear Dad, Here’s to many adventures together, Dad, Let’s navigate this journey together, or I’d be lost without you.
If an actual compass doesn’t seem like the right fit, an engraved compass keychain might be a better idea for him!
Custom T-shirt
For Dads who live in comfortable clothing and prefer t-shirts to button-downs, you can’t go wrong with this a Dad tee.
T-shirts aren’t strictly reserved for funny sayings! Simple phrases like Proud daddy, Papa Bear, or Promoted To Daddy est. 2023 (or whatever the year) all make cute t-shirt ideas.
The new Dad will wear it with pride and while not overly sappy, could still be considered a sentimental gift.
This matching set with a Papa bear t-shirt and Baby Bear onesie is absolutely adorable!
New Dad Mug
If your guy is a coffee drinker this is a no-brainer. Just like a t-shirt, a mug with a Dad saying doesn’t have to be overly sentimental. But it is still a nice little gift that he can use every day. If you prefer something personalized, Vistaprint and other online printing companies can easily do this.
If a mug isn’t his style, consider a tumbler with a saying such as “Promoted to Dad” or something similar.
personalized engraved wallet
A personalized wallet engraved with a photo is a cute, unique dad gift idea too! It’s something he will use and see every day as a reminder of his special place in the “Dadiverse”!
Hand-Stamped Wallet Card
A daddy wallet card with a little poem or message is something your guy can tuck in his wallet, a private keepsake just for him.
Prefer something more personalized? JanetCanStamp on Etsy creates these and they are so precious! Some have pre-written letters where you add your child’s name on the bottom but she also does custom wallet cards. Make it unique with a personal message from baby to dad.
Engraved Trophy
An engraved #1 Dad trophy makes a cute sentimental new dad gift. I’m not talking something the size of the Stanley Cup here. But a small trophy that he can keep on his desk at work or in the home office could be cute. A little cheesy? Perhaps…but you know your man best.
Wrapping Up
Customize any of the items above to create perfect sentimental new dad gifts for the expectant father in your life. Just type in any of these search terms on Etsy and you will find so many talented artisans to create your gift.
The beauty of all of these gift ideas is that they are all able to be personalized especially for him. Your choice will depend on what level of mushiness you want to deliver.
Do you think he’d prefer an everyday item like a piece of jewelry, or would he rather a private keepsake to tuck away in his wallet? You know the new dad in your life best so customize whichever gift you choose just for him. In my experience, even the toughest of tough guys get their hearts melted by their babies and kids.
Becoming a father for the first time is a big deal! I’m certain any new dad would appreciate one of these sentimental gifts to remember this most special time in his life.
Until next time, K.
Kelly Blakely is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.
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