Father’s Day Ideas for Expecting Dads (Meaningful + Fun Gifts He’ll Actually Love)
Looking for Father’s Day ideas for expecting dads? This guide includes practical gifts, sentimental keepsakes, funny dad gifts, and unique Father’s Day ideas for first-time dads and expectant fathers preparing for baby’s arrival.
There’s something really special about celebrating a man’s very first Father’s Day while you’re still waiting for your baby to arrive.
Maybe there’s already a nursery coming together. Maybe you’re deep in the world of registry lists, baby name debates, and wondering how tiny newborn socks can possibly be. Or maybe the pregnancy still feels surreal, and you’re both trying to wrap your heads around the fact that a brand new little person is about to change your lives forever.
Either way, if you’re shopping for an expecting dad this Father’s Day, you might be wondering: Can expectant fathers celebrate Father’s Day?
Absolutely!
In my opinion as both a mom and postpartum doula, the transition into fatherhood starts long before the baby’s arrival. Becoming a dad begins in all the little moments leading up to birth: assembling furniture, attending appointments, talking to the unborn baby, researching car seats at midnight, and quietly carrying the weight of becoming responsible for someone else.
A first-time dad may not have changed diapers yet or survived the chaos of toddlerhood, but becoming a father starts during pregnancy. Many dads begin bonding deeply with the baby before birth. They hear the heartbeat for the first time, feel kicks, help prepare for labor, and imagine what life will look like once the newborn baby arrives.
Celebrating Father’s Day during pregnancy can also help an expectant father feel included during a season where so much attention naturally shifts toward moms and babies. This is a huge transition for dads too. So yes. Expectant fathers deserve to be celebrated too.
If you’re looking for meaningful, funny, practical, or unique Father’s Day ideas for expecting dads, this guide is full of gift ideas and ways to make the day feel special.
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What to Get an Expecting Father for Father’s Day?
The best Father’s Day gifts for expecting dads usually fall into one of three categories:
- practical gifts he’ll actually use
- sentimental keepsakes
- funny or lighthearted gifts to make the transition feel exciting instead of overwhelming
Below are some of the best gift ideas for expecting dads, whether he’s a practical guy, an emotional guy, or someone who survives stressful situations almost entirely through humor.
Practical Father’s Day Gifts for Expecting Dads
1. A High-Quality Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is one of the most practical gifts for a new father.
Dads often end up loving babywearing because it gives them a special bond with the baby while keeping their hands free. It’s also incredibly helpful during those early months filled with sleep deprivation.
My husband preferred this classic baby carrier and used it for all of our kids. It lived in his bag and he swore by it!
2. A Diaper Backpack
A stylish diaper backpack or diaper bag backpack that he can stock exactly the way he wants (versus trading off with his partner) instantly makes dads feel more prepared for their new role.
Look for one with:
- insulated bottle pockets
- easy storage
- stroller clips
- plenty of compartments
Bonus points if it doesn’t scream “baby bag” or look like he borrowed it from his wife. While there are some great neutral diaper bag options out there, my husband actually ended up preferring an old Vans backpack!
3. Coffee Subscription
Honestly? This may be one of the most realistic expecting dad gifts on the list.
A coffee subscription becomes very appreciated once those middle-of-the-night wakeups begin.
4. Baby Monitor
A reliable baby monitor is one of those practical gift ideas couples truly use every day.
Many modern monitors include:
- handheld devices
- phone apps
- sleep tracking
- temperature monitoring
For one that works over WiFi, you can’t go wrong with the Nanit baby monitor. Our family is obsessed with ours, and only wish we would have gotten one with our first baby! If dad would prefer something a bit more old-fashioned, there are also lots of great baby monitors that work without Wifi too.
5. Massage Gun
Pregnancy is hard on moms, but dads often spend months assembling furniture, carrying boxes, and helping physically prepare for the baby too.
A massage gun can be a surprisingly thoughtful gift.
Sentimental Father’s Day Gifts for Expecting Dads
6. A Handwritten Father’s Day Card
Sometimes the simplest gifts become the most meaningful.
A heartfelt Father’s Day card sharing why you’re excited to watch him become a dad can easily become one of his favorite keepsakes.
If you’re wondering how to say Happy Father’s Day to an expecting dad, honesty is enough. Tell him:
- why you already think he’ll be a great father
- what you admire about him
- how excited you are for this next chapter
7. A Framed Ultrasound Photo
Simple? Yes.
But it works every single time! Adding a note like “Can’t wait to meet you, Dad” makes it even sweeter.
8. A Digital Picture Frame
A digital picture frame is a wonderful gift idea because it grows with your family.
Start by loading ultrasound pictures, pregnancy announcement photos, bump pictures and baby shower memories. Then continue adding photos after the baby arrives.
This digital picture frame is my very favorite. It has an app that anyone can add to once granted access, and is the same frame we have in our own home and have also gifted to long-distance grandparents.
9. A Children’s Book About Dads
A sweet children’s book about fatherhood becomes a meaningful keepsake and future bedtime tradition.
This is especially perfect for an avid reader.
10. Creative Studies of Your Baby
Some companies create artistic renderings or “creative studies” based on ultrasound images. These can become beautiful nursery artwork and make really nice keepsakes as your little one grows older.
Funny Father’s Day Gifts for Expecting Dads
11. Funny Dad Shirts
Classic “Dad Bod Loading” or “Promoted to Dad” shirts are popular for a reason. They’re easy, fun, and perfect for first-time dads.
12. A Giant Set of Diapers
Wrap up a huge set of diapers like it’s the world’s fanciest gift. Honestly, future parents will absolutely use them.
Pro tip: Skip the newborn size and give size 1 and size 2. Many babies outgrow newborn diapers in a flash (and some are born too big for them).
13. Survival Kit for New Dads
Fill a basket with:
- energy drinks
- snacks
- coffee
- earplugs
- pain relievers
- funny notes
It’s a practical and hilarious fun gift.
14. A “Sleep While You Can” Basket
This is one of my favorite creative ways to celebrate expecting fathers with humor. Include:
- cozy socks
- snacks
- a face mask
- a sleep spray
- his favorite candy
Because everyone jokes about newborn sleep deprivation… and honestly, they aren’t wrong.
Unique Father’s Day Ideas for Expecting Dads from Their Partner
15. Plan a Relaxing Date Night Before Baby Arrives
Sometimes the best gift isn’t a physical item. A quiet dinner, favorite takeout, or a relaxing evening together before the chaos of newborn life begins can feel incredibly meaningful.
You can also take it a step further and plan a romantic babymoon to get away one last time before the big day.
16. Take Maternity Photos Together
A lot of dads don’t realize how meaningful these photos will become later. This is a perfect time to document this stage of life together. Maternity photos as a family are really the first photos of your new family!
17. Create a Time Capsule for Baby
Write letters to your future child together and save small keepsakes from pregnancy.
18. Build the Nursery Together
Turning nursery setup into a full Father’s Day activity can actually be really special. Add music, order takeout, and make a memory out of it.
19. Record Baby’s Heartbeat
Some families create stuffed animals or recordings using the baby’s heartbeat monitor audio. It becomes an incredibly sentimental keepsake.
Supporting Expecting Dads During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes life for dads too. While moms are physically carrying the baby, dads are often quietly processing financial pressure, excitement, anxiety, identity shifts and fears about being a good parent and partner.
Celebrating an expecting father on Father’s Day reminds him that he matters, too.
The Best Father’s Day Gifts Aren’t Always Expensive
You don’t need a giant celebration to make Father’s Day meaningful. One thing I always tell new moms: the perfect Father’s Day gift doesn’t need to be elaborate. The transition into parenthood already feels emotional and overwhelming.
Sometimes the best gifts are simply the ones that say:
- “I see you.”
- “I appreciate you.”
- “You’re already becoming an incredible dad.”
- “You’re going to be amazing at this.”
Especially for a newly expectant dad, reassurance and emotional support goes a long way.
A thoughtful gift, favorite meal, handwritten note, or quiet moment together can become one of those memories you both hold onto later.
Because years from now, when you’re deep in the chaos of parenting, there’s something really sweet about remembering the very first Father’s Day before your baby was even here.
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