7 Father’s Day Presents for Expectant Fathers

Buying for an expectant father is a bit different to buying for an expectant mother. Gifts for mum tend to be soft and sentimental. Gifts for dad usually land better when they’re a bit funnier, more practical, or something he’ll genuinely reach for once the baby arrives. That doesn’t mean a Father’s Day present for a dad-to-be can’t have heart, it just means the humour and usefulness tend to matter more.

He might not have the same physical countdown to the birth that mum does, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t counting down the weeks too. A good first Father’s Day gift, before the baby has even arrived, is a nice way to mark that he’s already a dad in every way that counts, even if the baby hasn’t made its entrance yet.

Here are seven ideas for Father’s Day presents for expectant fathers, ranging from silly to genuinely useful, with a few practical notes thrown in so you know what to actually look for when you’re buying.

1. A personalised onesie with a matching adult T-shirt

Dads don’t get nearly as many chances to dress up with their baby as mums do, so a matching set is a lovely way to even that out. You can go with a straightforward “Little Legend / Big Legend” type slogan, or lean into whatever inside joke your family already has. If you and your partner have nicknames for each other or a running family joke, that’s what makes this kind of gift feel properly personal rather than something bought off a shelf.

One practical tip: check the fabric on the baby’s onesie is soft cotton with flat seams and no scratchy tags, and go up a size if you’re buying it early, since babies grow fast and you don’t want it packed away unused before he’s even had a chance to wear it.

2. Something for the sports fan

If dad has a team he lives and dies by, a set of team-branded baby sleepsuits is an easy win. The baby obviously won’t be kicking a ball anytime soon, but dad will get a real kick out of having a tiny fan on the sofa with him during match day. Just be aware you’re making a decision on the baby’s behalf here that some kids will happily go along with, and others will rebel against by the time they’re a teenager. That’s part of the fun of it, honestly.

3. Personalised cufflinks

If you want something a bit more grown-up and lasting, cufflinks are a lovely option. Look for ones that let you engrave or laser-cut a private message, a due date, or the baby’s initials somewhere hidden inside. He gets to wear it to work, to weddings, wherever, with nobody else knowing what it means unless he wants to tell them. It’s a quiet, sentimental gift dressed up as a practical one, which is often exactly what new dads want.

4. A proper dad bag

Handing a new dad a huge, pastel-coloured changing bag with flowers on it is a fast way to make him feel silly every time he leaves the house. A proper dad bag, in a neutral colour or something with a rucksack style, solves this. Look for one with a padded changing mat included, an insulated bottle pocket, and enough separate compartments that he isn’t digging blindly for a dummy while the baby’s crying. A backpack-style bag also means both hands stay free, which matters a lot more once the baby is mobile.

5. A baby carrier or wrap he’ll actually use

A soft baby carrier is one of those gifts that genuinely earns its keep, especially in the newborn weeks when the baby wants to be held constantly and mum’s arms need a break. When you’re choosing one, look for a design that’s described as “hip healthy”, meaning it supports the baby’s knees higher than their bottom in an M shape rather than letting the legs hang straight down. This matters for healthy hip development, particularly in the first few months. A carrier with good back and shoulder support will also save dad’s back if he’s planning to wear it for any length of time, so it’s worth spending a bit more on quality here rather than going for the cheapest option.

6. A pool membership or swim course for two

Swimming can be a lovely activity for dad and baby to share, since it’s one of the few physical activities a baby can genuinely enjoy from a young age, and it gives dad a chance to bond in a way that doesn’t rely on the baby being able to sit up or crawl. That said, don’t book anything until the baby has arrived and you’ve checked with your health visitor or GP about when it’s sensible to start, as guidance can vary depending on the baby’s health and how well-maintained the pool is. Baby swimming classes designed specifically for infants tend to use lower chlorine levels and warmer water than a standard public pool, which is generally a gentler introduction than jumping straight into your local leisure centre.

7. A hiking carrier so the family adventures don’t have to stop

For dads who love the outdoors, a proper framed hiking carrier is often the gift that keeps a big part of their life intact after the baby arrives. Look for one with a padded, adjustable seat, a five-point harness, decent back support for the adult wearing it, and ideally a sun canopy. These carriers are generally suitable once a baby has good head and neck control and can sit unsupported, which is usually somewhere around six months, so this is more of a “grow into it” gift than an immediate one. Always check the manufacturer’s minimum age and weight guidance before use, and keep hikes shorter and shadier than usual in hot weather, since babies overheat more easily than adults.

Whatever you choose, the point of a Father’s Day gift for a dad-to-be isn’t really the object itself. It’s the acknowledgement that he’s already stepping into the role, even before the baby’s here, and that his excitement, nerves and love for this baby count just as much as yours do. That recognition tends to mean more than anything wrapped in paper.