Having a baby is a life-changing experience. It's the type of event that can transform a footloose party guy into a responsible family man in a period of a few short months. If you have a friend or family member who is a new dad, it may be time to take a new approach to birthday gift giving. Gifts that include the new family in some way are likely to appeal to him.
Digital Camera
If the doting dad doesn't have a digital camera, giving him one will allow him to capture all those early family moments and baby milestones. Consider a camera that also takes video clips so he can capture first words and first steps with the same device. Look for a camera with the higest number of megapixels within your budget and choose one with a good zoom and sturdy construction.
Video Camera
While digital cameras are good for short video clips, video cameras allow you to capture whole events. Gifting a new dad a video camera will let him make home movies of first birthday parties, Christmas mornings, his daughter's first school play and other milestones. This gift allows him to relive his happiest moments whenever he pleases.
Dad Diaper Bag
You can give the new dad in your life his very own manly diaper bag. Companies like Cymax Baby make diaper bags that look less like purses and more like messenger bags made specifically for men. They feature masculine designs and even sports logos and offer all the functionality of a more traditional (and feminine) diaper bag. Bags are available in messenger, satchel and backpack styles.
Jogging Stroller
Fitness-buff dads can get their cardio in and still spend quality time with their new babies with a jogging stroller. These have two wheels in the back and one in the front for easier maneuverability on tracks, trails and sidewalks. They can be used for running, jogging, power walking and rollerblading, and some transform into carriers you can attach to your bicycle.
Diaper-Duty Tool Belt
The Daddy Duty tool belt is something you can purchase from Bama Babies and Birthdays.com or make yourself from a hardware store toolbelt. This funny gift idea contains everything a dad needs to change a diaper, plus things you wouldn't normally associate with a diaper change, like goggles, gloves, a face mask, clothes pins and an instruction book. These make entertaining gag gifts.
Coffee
New dads are no strangers to sleepless nights and since they don't have to worry about maintaining their milk supply like a new mom, caffeine may be the thing that keeps them going. A coffee shop gift card will not only provide days of caffeine therapy, but also a quick break as they leave their new dad duties to make a coffee run. If there's no coffee shop in convenient proximity, consider giving a new programmable coffee pot or bags of gourmet coffee.
