For a baby shower, a dad should bring practical, dad-focused gifts like a comfy baby carrier, a "dad bag" (backpack style diaper bag), useful gear (bottles, bibs), or fun stuff for himself like streaming subscriptions or meal delivery gift cards for those late nights; or even better, offer time with babysitting or household help for after the baby arrives. Gifts for him focus on making his new routine easier or giving him a break, while gifts for the baby (often expected) should be practical or future-focused (bigger sizes).
What Should You Get an Expectant Dad?
Enjoy a boozy sightseeing trip around the city of your choice for your dadchelor party or dad baby shower. You'll all pedal this quirky bike around the streets as you sip on loads of delicious beer. A party playlist will set the mood as you wave to passers-by and enjoy a laugh with your mates before the baby comes.
Can the Dad-to-Be and Men Attend the Baby Shower? While traditionally baby showers have been female-only events, it's becoming more common to include the dad-to-be and other men.
Thoughtful gifts buy for a new dad to survive the newborn weeks
The "5 Gift Rule" for men (or anyone) provides a structured, thoughtful approach to gift-giving, focusing on quality over quantity by choosing one item from each of these categories: Something they want (wishlist item), Something they need (practical essential), Something to wear (clothing/accessory), Something to read (book/magazine), and Something to do/experience (tickets, hobby item, or a fun surprise they didn't know they needed).
The concept of push presents - gifts given to commemorate the birth of a baby - is no longer just for mums. More families and partners are now choosing to honour fathers with thoughtful gifts that show appreciation, create lasting memories, and welcome them into fatherhood with open arms.
Sometimes referred to as the “Manshower” or the “Dad-chelor,” the male version of the baby shower has, in recent years, become a thing.
The Guest List Can Include Anyone. Most of us have heard the classic baby shower rule that only women should attend a baby shower, but more and more expecting parents are having co-ed baby showers so they can celebrate with all their family and friends (not to mention the dad-to-be!).
Traditionally, a close friend or family member (not the expectant mother) hosts and pays for the baby shower, often sharing costs with co-hosts, but modern practices vary, sometimes involving the parents or splitting costs among a larger group, with the goal being to "shower" the parents with gifts, not charge guests.
Now let's get into the common questions, who pays for the baby shower, and does the mom or parent-to-be pay for the baby shower? Generally, the host (or hosts) pays for the baby shower. However, it's also common for some guests to get together and cover the costs between them.
Eight ways to plan a men-friendly baby shower
If you're hosting a party on behalf of both parents, include both of their names on the invitation. Traditionally, the name of the mom-to-be goes first, but any order is fine!
By gifting a book, you're not just celebrating the baby shower, you're helping put the new baby on the path to success. Instead of writing a message on a card, you can scrawl your loving note on the book's inside cover.
For a dad who has everything, consider personalized items (custom portraits, engraved compass), experiences (cooking class, concert tickets, weekend trip), subscriptions (coffee, meal delivery), useful upgrades (smart meat thermometer, quality tech like AirPods, car accessories), or nostalgic gifts (old friends, childhood items) to provide unique value or cherished memories, focusing on thoughtful upgrades to his lifestyle or experiences over more 'stuff'.
A diaper party is a fun, low-key gathering, usually for the dad-to-be, where guests bring diapers and wipes instead of traditional baby gifts. It's a great way to stock up on baby essentials while celebrating the upcoming arrival.
A typical baby shower lasts about 2-3 hours. As guests arrive, they are offered food and drinks and they mingle. Once all of the guests have arrived and had a chance to enjoy food and drink, about 30-45 minutes into the shower, the games begin. There are usually 3-5 different games lasting for another 30-45 minutes.
5 People You Should Definitely Not Invite to Your Baby Shower
Educational toys or book sets also make thoughtful gifts. Additionally, practical presents such as nappies (or nappy cakes), baby care sets, and pushchairs are always appreciated by new parents.
Traditionally the baby shower was for women only. But we are seeing a new trend where the fathers and some men are invited as well. I personally think it is a good idea to get the father and other men involved. They learn about items that babies need.
A dadchelor party, man shower or baby stag is a baby shower for men. It is a celebration of the birth or expected birth of a child, and the transformation of a man into a father. However, the focus tends to be more on allowing the expectant father to have fun before the arrival of the baby.
The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.
The 4 Gift Rule for birthdays (or holidays) is a minimalist approach to gift-giving, providing four specific types of presents: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read, creating a balanced, intentional, and less overwhelming gift-giving experience for kids and adults alike. It encourages mindfulness, reduces overspending, and focuses on meaningful items rather than excessive toys, often promoting literacy and practicality.
A picture frame is a classic gift for first-time dads—and with good reason. It allows them to showcase their favorite photo of baby on their bedside table, on their desk or anywhere in between. “I've bought a 'Dad' picture frame, which I will put their first picture in and give it to him as soon as it is ready.
Congratulations and best wishes! Wishing you health and happiness as you begin this new adventure. Welcome to parenthood! You're going to be an amazing [mother/father].