The birth of a child is a very special event for both parents. A new phase of life begins & friends and relatives want to express their joy independently of baby showers. Often, however, gifts are only given to the new mom or the newborn child.
Admittedly: They really do have the most work to do during the birth & later in the postpartum period. But to share the joy of the new arrival, you can also give gifts to the soon-to-be dads. But which gifts for fathers-to-be are nice and meaningful?
There are plenty of gift ideas for mom & child, but ideas for dad are a rarity. But that's over now! We have collected nine great ideas for you that can serve as inspiration if you also want to give dad a gift.
Gifts for fathers-to-be: unusual tips and ideas
Nine months of waiting for a baby also means nine months of anticipation for the miracle of life. While expectant mothers experience the pregnancy period on their own bodies, many men usually experience the exciting preparation time in a completely different way and with a little more distance, albeit with just as much joy.
Even during labor & birth, men can often do nothing more than stand by their partners and wait patiently. But that doesn't mean that soon-to-be dads aren't just as excited as moms. In most cases, the whole family, relatives and friends join in the excitement and are full of anticipation for the big event of the birth. First and foremost, of course, the parents-to-be.
And while people are busy collecting gift ideas on how to give mom & child a present, dad is often left out in the cold. So that you can also give dad a great gift, we have collected some unusual ideas for giving the gift of joy here.
#1: Guide for expectant fathers
Men also want to prepare themselves as well as possible for the time of pregnancy, birth and the days and weeks with a new baby. Fortunately, there are a number of informative and well-prepared guides for parents-to-be & also explicitly for the father-to-be.
These include, for example, the bestseller "Papa, sei bereit" (Dad, be ready) - here you'll find tips on all topics relating to pregnancy and the first year after the birth. Or the "Baby operating manual", an entertaining and smart guide in the style of a technical operating manual.
Topics such as "Troubleshooting acoustic signals" or "Activating sleep mode" are covered with a wink & a cheeky saying and a lot of humor.
#2: Scratch calendar
A great gift idea for fathers-to-be is a scratch-off calendar to sweeten the time until the baby arrives. Every day a new box is scratched out with survival tips, sayings, facts and information about babies, development and pregnancy.
The tips are tailored to the course of the pregnancy. Every day, dad learns something new about growth, development and size, as well as information about diapers, responsibility, safety & more.
#3: Tea blend for fathers
Children are a great thing, because they bring momentum to life. The transition from couple to parent can be a strain on many a relationship. Small rituals, such as having tea together in the morning, can help to bring structure to the day and keep you on track. Soothing and beautiful postpartum teas are a classic gift for new moms.
But even a father sometimes needs a break. This is exactly what the "Vaterglück" tea blend is for: a herbal blend of green honeybush, green rooibos, fennel, aniseed, camomile & safflower, which is perfect for stressful days for dad. But of course you can also enjoy a cup of this delicious blend together.
#4: Survival kit for the hospital
The long wait in hospital - many fathers can tell you a thing or two about it. It can be a real test of patience, especially because as a father you are in a rather helpless position.
There's no question about it: the most important thing is that the birth bag for mom and baby is well packed and ready to hand. But dad can also use a few things in the hospital while he - well - waits.
So how about a small, customized survival kit as a gift for expectant fathers? Useful items that belong in this innovative gift include
- A good, charged power bank: After all, dad in particular will be constantly keeping family, friends and acquaintances up to date with the state of things. There isn't always a power socket at hand to recharge that all-important smartphone.
- A few healthy snacks: Because the father-to-be also needs stamina and energy for the time in hospital. Great snacks include nuts, muesli bars, energy balls, bananas, oat cookies & peanut butter, colorful vegetable chips or roasted chickpeas.
- Small change: Because the dad-to-be may have to stay up all night and the coffee machine at the hospital will become his best friend. Alternatively, espresso shots from a can will do the trick. Then you won't be dependent on the machine if it goes on strike again.
- a coloring book for adults: Yes, you read that right. Because the father-to-be may hardly have the time to read or listen to a podcast. It can be reassuring to simply color in mandalas for some distraction, peace and quiet and to pass the time. Don't forget: Include some nice colored pencils.
#5: A subscription to an audiobook app
Waiting and waking is a concept that the dad-to-be will get to know during his time in hospital. But even in the first weeks and months with the baby, both parents will have to spend many nights in bed.
And then the minutes can drag on. How to spend the time when the baby doesn't want to let go of your hand? Reading a book is not an option for tired eyes and turning on the light is not an option.
So the solution: an audio book! There are now great apps that can be booked by subscription and offer access to thousands of recorded new releases, bestsellers and classics. Perfect for both parents, who can take turns with the nights & the subscription.
#6: Bonding shirt for fathers
Mothers usually have their baby placed directly on their bare skin after birth so that baby & mom can bond directly with each other. And many fathers also wish for such moments. Bonding shirts made from organic cotton, which are also available for men, are perfect for this.
The baby can be snuggled up in it without clothes, lying on dad's bare skin and both of them still stay nice and warm. This lovingly strengthens the basic trust between baby and dad - for a strong bond right from the start.
#7: Baby clothes, towels or cloth diapers
Why should only mom be given useful things for the little one? After all, at best the parents share the job of looking after the baby. That's why it's also a good idea to choose baby clothes, baby towels or simply nice cloth diapers as gifts for expectant fathers.
After all, parents can never have enough of everything. But make sure you buy skin-friendly & breathable fabric. If you are giving away clothes before the baby is born and you already know the gender, it is still best to choose neutral colors such as green, yellow or beige (and not pink or blue). Perhaps the parents-to-be don't want to dress their little one in color clichés.
#8: Swing2Sleep
The swing2sleepis perfect as a group gift for the whole family. The automatic spring cradle is a cozy, safe place for the little one to be gently rocked into the land of dreams and take long naps.
At the same time, the swing2sleep gives expectant fathers & mothers breaks and time. For example, to cuddle up as a couple, watch a movie, eat a pizza and indulge in sweet idleness.
#9: A time capsule
Sometimes parents-to-be find it difficult to put their emotions into words. So how about simply writing down your feelings. There are many beautiful letter books on the internet that are designed as a "time capsule".
They contain different colored stationery & several beautiful envelopes, as well as a little inspiration on different topics. Later, when the daughter or son is older, she or he can open the letters and read them themselves. In this way, the child can put themselves in the role of dad when he or she was still a baby. A special gift for fathers-to-be.
Gifts for expectant fathers: don't be shy
Of course, our nine ideas are just suggestions. You obviously know your friend, work colleague or brother who is about to become a dad better and are best placed to judge what he & the family might like.
However, as with all thoughtful gifts, the main rule is: it's the thought that counts. So you can hardly go wrong when choosing a gift. It's always a lovely gesture and the soon-to-be dad will definitely be happy to be thought of.
