Holiday Gift Guide for New Dads (Practical, Meaningful, and Actually Useful!)
By Dr. Alli Chisholm, PT, DPT
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While we all tend to focus on baby & mama in those early newborn days, we can’t let the non-birthing partner fade into the background.
I still remember watching my husband become a dad for the first time — the love and awe in his eyes, mixed with that quiet panic of “Wait… what do I do now?” He wanted so badly to help and bond with our daughter, but (like most new dads) didn’t quite know how — because, well, he didn’t have the magic milk-making boobs.
That in-between space — where dads want to be involved but aren’t sure how — is where so much emotional and family magic happens. Helping them find confidence and connection early on not only strengthens the bond with baby but also supports you, mama, in feeling like you’re not doing it all alone.
When new dads want to help, but don’t know how, inviting them to join in those small, meaningful moments can change everything:
Being the one to babywear for a walk outside — trust me, watching your baby cuddle into your partner during those strolls is heart-melting.
Handing the baby to mama during those middle-of-the-night feeds so you don’t have to shuffle around in the dark alone.
Making a quick, nourishing meal while you’re cluster-feeding on the couch during the witching hours.
Ending the day together — baby snuggled between you, your favorite show on, glass of wine (or mocktail) in hand, just being together.
So, if you’re making your holiday list, don’t forget the new dad in your life. They matter, too. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite gifts for new dads — things that support bonding, make parenthood easier, and help them feel seen in this big life transition.
Bonding with Baby (Hands-Free + Heart-Full)
Let’s start with the good stuff — the moments that build confidence and connection between dad and baby.
Ergobaby Omni 360
My tried-and-true favorite. This carrier grows with baby and adjusts easily between parents. Plus, it’s so supportive that even long walks (or grocery trips) feel doable.
Tactical Baby Gear Baby Carrier
For the firefighter, military, or outdoorsy dads — this one’s a win. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and, as one mom told me, “the only carrier my husband actually wants to wear.”
Daddy & Me Books
There’s something incredibly tender about watching a dad read to his baby, seeing the way your little one is enraptured by your partner’s voice.
Here are a few of my go-tos:
DADA by Jimmy Fallon — because who doesn’t want their first word to be “Dada”? (and it’s written by Jimmy Fallon, so another entertaining win!)
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad / Why a Son Needs a Dad — beautiful reads that make every bedtime feel special.
I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar — nostalgic and adorable. Make sure to add this to your list of Eric Carle classics!
Go the F to Sleep — not exactly a bedtime read, but trust me, it’s therapy-level funny when you’re deliriously tired. Listen to this reading by Samuel L. Jackson for an extra laugh.
Half Pint & Full Pint Matching Tees
It doesn’t matter if your new addition is a boy or a girl, these half and full pint tees are such a cute way for the non-birthing partner and new baby to have a bonding moment!
Recommended Bottles for Shared Feeds
When families are ready for bottles, this is one of the easiest ways dads can bond. Those quiet nighttime feeds, where baby locks eyes with dad — pure magic. Checkout Holiday Gift Guide for Babies 0–6 Months for my top bottle picks that help reduce gas, reflux, and colic (because when baby’s tummy is happy, everyone sleeps better).
L.L. Bean Wicked Good Moccasins
Not every gift has to scream “baby.” Dads deserve comfort too. These are warm, supportive, and built to last — perfect for those endless nighttime pacing sessions around the house.
Out-the-Door, No-Stress Gear
If there’s one thing that’s universal for new parents, it’s that getting out of the house suddenly becomes an Olympic event.
Tactical Baby Gear Diaper Bag
This one’s rugged, practical, and customizable — basically the diaper bag dads are proud to carry. Tons of compartments, a built-in changing pad, and a design that says “I’ve got this.”
My husband donning his Tactical Baby Gear Diaper Bag and Grunt Style “Girl Dad” t-shirt on our first family hike!
Portable Changing Kit
Because blowouts never happen when you’re prepared. Keep one in the car, one in the stroller, one by the door — trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Hands-Free Sneakers (Kizik)
If you’ve ever tried to put on shoes while holding a car seat, you know why these are genius. Just slip them on and go.
Grunt Style “Dad Tax” Tee
When our first was born, I got my husband a shirt that said “Girl Dad” — still his favorite to this day (and now even more accurate with our third little girl on the way!). This “Dad Tax” one is a fun spin on a very real truth: if it’s on your plate, it’s fair game.
Hiking Backpack
If you’re an outdoorsy family like us, this is a must-have. Once your baby outgrows the front carrier, a hiking pack opens up your world again — long walks, hikes, adventures. It’s a sanity-saver.
Practical Tools for the Season
Let’s be honest: most dads don’t want “fluff.” They want things that work.
Hydro Flask Coffee Tumbler
Because no one — and I mean no one — drinks their coffee hot with a newborn. Keeps it warm (or cold) for hours and fits in car cup holders.
Apple AirPods (Noise-Cancelling)
We had no idea how loud babies could be until our second came along. My husband’s Apple Watch once literally warned “Decibel level too high — vacate area.” These saved his sanity (and my eardrums).
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
Between assembling swings, clipping endless toy tags, and opening Amazon boxes, a good multitool is worth its weight in gold. It’s one of those “I didn’t know I needed this until I did” items.
Recovery, Strength & Sanity
Parenthood is beautiful, but let’s not sugarcoat it — it’s exhausting. Helping dads recover physically and mentally goes a long way.
Massage Gun
Carrying a baby, bending over cribs, pacing the house — it all adds up. This massage gun is the best relief for sore shoulders (and bonus, you can use it, too).
Dr. Squatch Beard Oil + Soap Set
Simple self-care goes a long way. My husband loves this brand — smells clean, natural, and not overwhelming (which, postpartum nose-approved!).
Keurig Coffee Maker
We used to be French press people, but newborn life changed that real fast. Quick, easy caffeine access = a happier household.
Something Hobby-Related
I’m a huge believer in not losing yourself after baby. If your partner loves golf, music, cooking, or running, find a small gift that keeps them connected to them. It’s good for everyone when dad has something that fills his cup.
The Baby Owner’s Manual
We bought this before our first was born, and it still makes me laugh. It explains baby care like it’s tech troubleshooting — funny, easy to digest, and surprisingly accurate.
A Final Note from the Heart
Yes, the new mom and baby deserve to be showered with care — but the non-birthing parent matters just as much. When dads feel capable and connected, it supports the entire family unit.
So this holiday season, celebrate the dads who are learning the ropes, staying up late, making bottles, or rocking a fussy baby so mom can rest. They might not say it, but these gifts (and those moments) mean everything.
💡 Want more holiday ideas for the whole family?
Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for Babies 0–6 Months for developmental and feeding-friendly picks.
My How to Help Your 0-6 Month-Old LOVE Tummy Time (Even If They Cry Every Time) FREE guide is a great addition for any family learning to enjoy tummy time without tears.
And if you haven’t yet, peek at my Holiday Gift Guide for New Moms — because every parent deserves to feel supported.