There are few holidays more special to men than their first Father’s Day. It’s the day when they realize that Father’s Day is no longer an abstract concept. It’s no longer a day when they only recognize their father and grandfather – it is now their day, too. And if it’s his first Father’s Day, it’s a much-deserved recognition of the sleepless nights and groggy days, the diaper changes, the helpless fear he felt when his baby experienced her first cold. So, what gifts are out there to recognize this special, first Father’s Day in a unique way?
The Tower of Time ($24.95)
From Baby Heirlooms, this set of five handprint kits in ascending sizes is a wonderful gift for a first time father. Starting in your child’s first year, you take an imprint of their little hand. You do so every year thereafter, until you have a set that shows their growth from babyhood to age 5. Comes in pink or blue.
The Handprint/Footprint Photo Frame ($29.95)
If you’re looking for something that he can display everyday at home or at the office, then this gift will be perfect. Use the easy instructions to preserve your child’s handprint and footprint in the outer frames of this tri-fold display, then place his favorite picture of your little one in the middle. Another great find from Baby Heirlooms, it holds a 5″ x 7″ photo of your baby and is 9″ x 21″ in total length.
The Fun With Dad Frame ($16.50)
Who takes the time to nibble your baby’s toes or blow raspberries on her tummy? Daddy does! This light-hearted Fun With Dad frame found at Baby Gift Ideas celebrates the special bond between a baby and his or her daddy. This adorable 7″ x 9″ frame with 3D accents holds his favorite 4″ x 6″ photo of their special time together.
The 60 Image Digital Picture Wallet ($29.95)
If the proud new father in your life is anything like my husband, he loves to show off pictures of the baby. This gift integrates a standard men’s wallet with a popular digital photo frame. The viewer provides 16 MB of memory, and connects to your computer for picture management and reloading. The wallet contains seven credit card slots, an ID slip, a coin pouch with snap closure, a bill slot and a zippered pouch. A sure way to make showing off his pictures fast and easy.
Make A Special Father & Child Album (cost varies)
I did this for my husband and our son. My favorite scrapbooks for purpose are actually called The Perfect Scrapbook and are produced by Jill Rinner and a company by the name of Colorbok. I use the scrapbooks which hold 8″ x 8″ pages. The beginning of a book like this is something truly special – for his first Father’s Day, include the special first moments, like holding your baby in the hospital or giving him his bath. Then, as the years go by, add other special moments. Helping him ride his bike. Taking her to her first day of kindergarten. Playing tooth fairy when he loses his first tooth. Then, present the book each Father’s Day so he can see the special moments with his child that have been preserved from that year.
Why A Daughter Needs A Dad: 100 Reasons or Why A Son Needs A Dad: 100 Reasons Books ($10.17/each on Amazon.com)
These books are truly touching. The relationship between a father and daughter or a father and his son is something that is critical to every child’s well-being, but often overlooked. These books, written by Gregory Lang and Janet Lankford-Moran, are a celebration of a father’s valuable and unique role in his child’s life. This book will remind the special dad in your life that his presence really does make a difference.
Write Him A Letter (Free)
Between diaper changes and spit-up, teething and loads of laundry, many things can often go unsaid between new parents. So write him a letter – from you, or “from your child” – letting him know all of the things you may not have said. Like how you felt when he first held the baby. Or how glad your baby is when daddy sings to her at bathtime. Or how it touches your heart the way she smiles at him when he comes home at the end of the day. These are the kind of things that you know – but does he? Sometimes, a little reminder can mean more to him than any gift you could buy (just don’t tell his buddies!).
Make A Collage of His Favorite Moments (Varies)
Many sites now allow you to upload photos and turn them into a collage. I, personally, have done these as gifts to family for both of my children using Walgreens website. The cost depends upon the size of your collage, but you can generally expect to spend 20-45 minutes creating the collage and $10-$20 on the collage itself. One collage I did showed my daughter during one outfit, with all of the hilarious faces she made, titled “The Many Faces of Lily”. Photos showing special moments from your baby’s birth to his first Father’s Day will be a big hit.
