Celebrating the First Father’s Day:

Please note: The following article may be triggering for people who are trying to conceive or who may have suffered a miscarriage in the past. Please take care while reading this article.

Father's Day is a special occasion for many families and dads, and it can be even more exciting when you're celebrating a first-time father. For many expectant dads, this will be the first official holiday where they’ll be acknowledged as a father and will be one of many new and precious milestones. You might be wondering: ‘Do expectant fathers celebrate Father's Day?’. Absolutely! The anticipation and joy of becoming a dad for the first time deserves a memorable and meaningful celebration, so in this article, we’ll explore some thoughtful and creative ideas to make the day special for the dad-to-be in your life.

1. Personalised Gifts

Customised T-Shirts: Get a matching set of t-shirts for the dad-to-be and the future baby. It's a fun and cute way to celebrate their new roles. Another cute alternative, if you already know the gender of your baby, is to get one of those baby rompers that says, ‘daddy’s girl’ or ‘I love my daddy’.

Engraved Keepsakes: Non-baby related items like keychains, watches, cufflinks or even a simple pocketknife with an engraving can serve as a lasting reminder of this special time. Consider the expectant dad’s interests and hobbies to help decide which item would be most personal. 

2. Memory Books

Dad-to-Be Journal: Milestone moments are often a great time to pick up journalling, so a journal for an expectant father to jot down his thoughts, hopes, and experiences during the pregnancy journey and beyond makes a wonderful gift. You can even go the extra mile and get one custom-made. Journals are great because they’re practical, serve as a tool for wellbeing, and become a precious keepsake to look back on in the future.

Baby Memory Book Starter Kit: Never heard of one of these before? It’s a beautiful book for the more sentimental and nostalgic man, where he can start documenting milestones and special moments even before the baby arrives.

3. Practical Baby Gear

Nappy Bag for Dad: Choose a stylish and functional nappy bag that you know he’d be proud and comfortable to carry about. Be sure to look for one with plenty of pockets and space for all baby essentials.

Baby Carrier: Another great option is a dad-friendly baby carrier that’s comfortable and easy to use. Again, use what you know about his taste, colour preference, and whether he’s an outdoor man or a city slicker to inform your decision. This gift can be a symbol of the close bond he will have with his baby.

4. Tech Gadgets

Smart Baby Monitor: If your dad-to-be is tech crazy or a gadget junkie, a high-tech baby monitor can be both an exciting gift and provide them with peace of mind for once the baby arrives. Look for features like video, temperature monitoring, and smartphone connectivity.

White Noise Machine: Another great option is a good quality white noise machine, which can help ensure both the baby and the parents get some much-needed rest.

5. Relaxation and Self-Care

Massage or Spa Day: Pregnancy can be a stressful and/or overwhelming time for both parents. A relaxing massage or a day at the spa can be a great way for the dad-to-be to unwind.

Book of Fatherhood Tips: A fun and informative book on fatherhood (of which there are quite a few on the market) can provide some light reading and helpful advice. You may want to ask around and get some recommendations from friends and family.

6. Experience Gifts

Prenatal Class: Why not enrol in a prenatal class together? It's a great way to prepare for the baby’s arrival and bond as a couple. You could present the booking confirmation inside a Father’s Day card.

Adventure Day: Plan a day filled with activities he loves, whether it’s hiking, a long bicycle ride, or a sporting event. It’s a great way to celebrate his last Father’s Day before the baby arrives.

7. Personal Touches

Handwritten Letters: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your excitement and love. Share your thoughts on what an amazing dad he will be. This simple, yet beautiful gesture will mean the world to any father-to-be. Entering parenthood for the first time can surface many emotions – fear or worry thrown into the mix too. This letter can serve as encouragement and a confidence boost.

Photo Album: It’s never too early to start an album with pictures from the pregnancy. You can include ultrasound images, bump photos, and any other special moments during this time, leading up to the birth of the baby.

8. DIY Projects

Nursery Decor: For the handymen who are keen to start nesting, why not spend the day working on a DIY project for the nursery together? It could be painting, assembling furniture, or crafting decor items.

Custom Playlist: Who doesn’t love a custom playlist! Compile a list of songs that have special meaning to you both or that you want to share with your baby. You can play it for him on Father’s Day and even spend some more time together, adding to the list and using the time for special, heartfelt conversations.

Final Thoughts

Father's Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the journey of fatherhood even before the baby arrives. Gifts for new dads can be thoughtful, practical, and personalised. They can be big or small, cheap, and cheerful or sentimental. Whatever you choose, you’ll no doubt make the dad-to-be feel special and appreciated and the most important thing is to acknowledge and cherish this exciting time in your lives.