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Father’s Day is coming up in just about two weeks, so if you haven’t decided on a gift for the dads or father figures in your life, now’s the time. If you’re buying for a first-time father, you’ll want something special enough to make it worthy of such a momentous occasion yet practical enough that he’ll actually use it. We’ve rounded up the best Father’s Day gifts for new dads — whether they’re foodies, grill masters, or outdoorsy types. (And if you’re shopping for more than one person and need more ideas, we’ve collected all of our Father’s Day gift guides here.) Almost every item on the list is available on Amazon, but we’ve found many of the gifts elsewhere, too, for those who like to shop around. We’ve also organized them by price to help you stay on budget and noted which gifts will need expedited shipping to arrive on time.
$25 and under
For the new dad who needs a pep talk
Kids don’t come with instruction manuals, but this book from Instagram’s favorite parenting expert, Dr. Becky, can help him get a handle on how to parent mindfully.
For the new dad who just wants to be comfortable
Comfort is the name of the game when you’re elbow-deep in spit-up and dirty diapers. These cotton, polyester, and rayon-blended sweats are one of our top picks for their feel and value.
For the new dad who’s all about efficiency
These elastic shoelaces that Adam Scott told us about turn any shoe into a slip-on. Save time tying your shoes and spend more of it hanging out with the baby.
For the new dad who doesn’t get enough sleep
For the new dad who has a way with words
This book of crossword puzzles from New York’s archives will definitely keep his brain active.
For the new dad trying not to disturb his new roommate
This amber-hued book light makes a great gift for new dads who want to catch up on some reading without waking an infant (or partner) who’s sleeping in the same room. Strategist writer Arielle Avila says it doesn’t disturb her boyfriend while she reads in bed at night and the flexible neck bends at the perfect angle. It might even come in handy during 2 a.m. diaper changes.
For the new dad who enjoys an evening jog …
This tiny but mighty clip-on light makes it easier (and safer) to get some mileage after dark. Dad can clip one to his shirt for an après-bedtime run.
… or a post-sunset bike ride
This stylish, rechargeable bike light can be attached to your bike’s handlebar or set post, and according to Rellosa, it won’t “budge, even while riding over the gnarliest road bumps.”
For the new dad who’s a gadget guy
From opening bottles and peeling fruit to propping up a cell phone and screwing in loose bolts, this credit-card-size steel multi-tool can take on nearly any task.
For the new dad who wants to remember every moment
The first five years of fatherhood will be marked by milestones large and small, funny and difficult. Dad can jot down all of them in this easy-to-use journal that has space for writing only a sentence a day, so there’s no pressure to make it a whole thing.
For the new dad who’s keeping track of a feeding schedule
This Strategist-favorite Rollbahn notebook has a simple yet substantial design that Dad can use to record his baby’s feeding schedule, diaper changes, or any other caregiving notes.
For the new dad who’s constantly reheating his coffee
This 12-ounce insulated coffee cup from Hydro Flask is my husband’s favorite because it’s the perfect size and feels good in hand. If the new dad in your life prefers to sip coffee throughout the morning, like my husband does, this mug will keep it hot for hours.
$50 and under
For the new dad who needs his coffee fix now
Instead of waiting for a full pot of coffee to brew, he can mix a tablespoon of Jot with hot or cold water for an instant java.
For the new dad who’s training for the marathon
These running socks from Bandit are sweat-wicking, antimicrobial, and have just the right amount of compression to keep his feet comfortable while he racks up those miles.
For the new dad who misses the golf course …
With this portable putting green, he can practice in the living room. (If he’s looking for more of a challenge, read about how John Rotunno, the dad of one of our former editors, used the mat to turn his living room into a mini-golf course.)
… and the new dad who can squeeze in a game
According to actor Rob Lowe, these are “the best golf balls in the world.”
For the new dad whose hoodie needs an upgrade
A half-zip looks a little more polished and is just comfortable — if not more, since there’s no bulky hood getting in the way. This one from Comfort Colors is a Strategist favorite.
$100 and under
For the new dad who has an eye for design
If he’s a design nerd, he’ll appreciate this new edition from Phaidon that presents 100 of the most creative and innovative product designers working today.
For the new dad who loves stationery
For the serious diarist, this gorgeous leather notebook from Papier can be monogrammed with his initials.
For the new dad who wants a uniform
This chore coat will make getting dressed in the morning and going out the door a breeze.
For the new dad who’s a shutterbug
Take all his photos and present them to him in this lovely hardcover book with a linen cover you can personalize with foil-stamp lettering.
For the new dad who wants to hide his under-eye bags on Zoom calls
Dermatologists we spoke to about the best products for under-eye bags all told us that caffeine is the “No. 1 ingredient” for making skin look more awake. This eye cream that those same doctors recommend is “chock-full of caffeine and ginseng,” two ingredients that “will reduce puffiness and make eyes look less tired.” It’s also simply packaged, so it doesn’t necessarily look like an under-eye treatment.
For the new dad who adds hot sauce to absolutely everything
The wild roller coaster of cravings doesn’t always end once the baby arrives — and that includes sympathy cravings, too. To satisfy the taste for something spicy, this trio of fancy hot sauces by Truff is made with premium ingredients like black truffles, organic agave nectar, and red chili peppers.
For the new dad who loves a cold one
This colorful growler will make his home (or store-bought) brews that much more fun to drink. It can also hold water, for when drinking and dadding isn’t an option.
For the new dad who likes to have a soundtrack
A small portable speaker will keep the tunes going wherever Dad is. This small but powerful model is our favorite.
$200 and under
For the new dad who likes to hold the baby close
Our best-in-class carrier works for a range of body types and is comfortable for both Mom and Dad. (I should know, my husband and I used this with both our boys when they were babies.)
For the new dad who’s back in the office
When he’s back to the office, new baby pictures can go straight from phones at home to this frame on his desk — he won’t miss a thing. Aura’s Mason frame is our top pick for digital frames; Strategist deals editor Sam Daly says the app makes adding photos a breeze.
For the new dad who wants to keep his cool factor
Keep Dad stylish and the rest of the family entertained when the baby inevitably tries on these classic sunglasses.
For the new dad who’s looking a little rough around the edges
After consulting with experts, we named this shaver the best overall electric razor for most people because its rotary mechanism means it can handle both stubble and the fuller beard that a new father may have grown during the baby’s first few week’s at home. What’s more, the larger surface area of rotary razors like this means they take less time to pass over your face, making it an especially great idea for the new dad who’s looking a little scruffy but doesn’t have time for a luxurious routine in front of the mirror.
For the new dad who needs a low-key hobby
He can stay at home and pick up a new hobby while hanging with the baby.
$200 and up
For the new dad who multitasks
He can read a book while keeping the baby happy in this best-selling bouncer.
For the new dad committed to late-night feedings
He’ll be able to glide, swivel, and rock the baby to sleep in this comfy best-in-class nursery chair that also comes with an ottoman for putting up his feet.
For the new dad determined to make his kid a purist
Start them on vinyl early with this Audio-Technica turntable. It’s one of our top DJ-recommended turntables, and it’s fully automatic and easy for beginners to use.
For the new dad who’s always ready for s’mores
Whether he’s brave enough to take the baby on a camping trip or would prefer to sit around a fire in the backyard, this Solo Stove firepit will keep smoke to a minimum and toast marshmallows to perfection.
For the new dad who’s extra tense
If his shoulders and back are tense from rocking a baby for hours, he might appreciate some more forceful pressure around his shoulder blades and neck, which is where this NBA-approved muscle massager comes in.
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