Choosing a birthday gift for a new dad offers a wealth of opportunities for friends and family. Although there's no reason why you can't continue to buy gifts for him like you would any other year, take the opportunity to think of gifts that he, as a new dad, may find especially timely, humorous or useful. When choosing a present for the new father, consider his personality and his needs. Chances are that he'll appreciate anything you can think of, especially if it makes his new job as a parent a little easier.
Official Greetings
Treat the new dad to an official greeting for his new baby from the White House. The greeting offers a welcome to the child, marked with the Seal of the President of the United States in gold at top and signed by the current president and his wife. You can request such a greeting by sending a note with the baby's name, birth date and mailing address to:
White House Greetings Office
Room 39
Washington, DC 20500.
These greetings are free and must be requested via regular snail mail.
Name a Star After Baby
The International Star Registry allows individuals to officially name a star for the new baby to celebrate a christening day. The newly named star will be documented and mapped. Dad will be mailed a certificate and a map locating the star, so he and his child can find it in the night sky for the rest of their lives.
Digital Camera
Buy a new dad a digital camera so he can take as many pictures of the baby as he wants. A camera and supply of batteries offer the new dad the opportunity to follow the growth and development of his child, to capture those big moments with a new baby, to record the child's discoveries and to store them on computer or print them for photo albums that will bring years of memories and enjoyment.
Baby Backpacks
Gone are the days when baby was relegated to a hand carrier. Buy the new dad a baby backpack or kangaroo pouch so he can take his child with him anywhere--walking, doing housework and hanging out with friends. Baby backpacks offer hands-free baby transportation that keeps baby safe, secure and close.
Mementos
Give Dad a lasting birthday memory of his little one by dipping the baby's hand in washable paint or ink and making Dad a framed piece of art featuring his child's handprints. You may also include footprints if you wish. Have a local artist or crafty acquaintance create a framed display or shadow box containing the prints, a baby photo or a memento, such as the baby's hospital bracelet.
Relaxation Coupons
Print up a handful of coupons contributed by Mom, grandparents, friends and other family members to treat Dad to some much deserved birthday relaxation. Include certificates for such luxuries as an uninterrupted nap, an afternoon at the golf course, an evening out with friends or a date with Mommy, with friends or family offering babysitting duties. The sky's the limit with such ideas, which have the added benefit of allowing extended friends, family and grandparents time to bond with baby.
