The first Father's Day is different from every year that follows. Whether you're still pregnant or already have a baby at home, this day is mainly about one thing: taking a moment to recognise his new role as a father. It doesn't have to be big, expensive or perfect. The small, personal things are often what stay with you the longest.
Are you looking for first Father's Day tips you can actually use? Then it helps to look not only at Father's Day gifts, but also at the stage you're in. An expectant father often needs something different from a new dad who has been surviving on broken sleep for weeks.
- Choose something that suits your stage: pregnancy or already having a baby at home.
- Make it personal with a card, photo, handprint or sweet message.
- Keep the day manageable: one lovely moment is often enough.
- Think not only about things, but also about rest, quality time and memories.
Start with your situation
The best first Father's Day tips do not start with the gift, but with the question of what this day means to him. For some, it is a first acknowledgement during pregnancy. For others, it is the first celebration as a father, with a baby in his arms and dark circles that practically reach the coffee machine. So it makes sense for the day to look different.
During pregnancy
If you're still pregnant, Father's Day often feels like looking ahead. The baby is not here yet, but fatherhood has already begun. Many expectant fathers are busy organising, worrying, feeling and getting used to everything that is coming. A small gesture that says "I already see you as a dad" can mean an incredible amount.
With a newborn baby
If your little one has already been born, the first Father's Day is often extra emotional. At the same time, it is also the phase when you get very little sleep and a tight schedule usually does not stand a chance. That is exactly why a warm, simple plan works best. Think of a quiet breakfast, a card from the baby and a gift for dad that he will really use.
His first Father's Day during pregnancy
A first Father's Day during pregnancy does not have to feel like a half version of the "real" thing. You can make it very special now too. The core is acknowledgement: you are showing that his role has already begun, even though the baby has not arrived yet.
- Write a personal letter or a short poem. Tell him why you think he will be a wonderful father, which moments of the pregnancy you found special together, and what you are looking forward to.
- Start the day gently with breakfast in bed, fresh coffee or his favourite breakfast treats. It sounds simple, but that kind of soft start immediately makes the day feel different from usual.
- Make the pregnancy tangible with a framed scan, a small photo book of bump photos, or a box with the first baby socks and a card tucked inside.
- Give something that suits his new role, such as a book about fatherhood, a practical gift for later on, or a small care package for the final weeks before the birth.
- Plan a quiet moment together without a to-do list. A walk, lunch or finishing the nursery together can already be enough.
For an expectant father, it is mainly the thought behind it that counts. So you do not need to look for the biggest gift. If he notices that you are consciously marking this first Father's Day, the day will quickly feel special.
His first Father's Day with a baby
With a baby in the picture, the first Father's Day naturally changes character. You have less time, less energy and usually less desire to feel like you have to do all sorts of things. That is exactly why the best first Father's Day tips at this stage are small, warm and practical.
- Let the baby "give" the gift, so to speak. A card with "Dear Dad" and a handprint or footprint instantly makes even a small gift special.
- Capture one moment in a photo. Not a complete photo shoot with stress, just a lovely picture of father and child together on the sofa, in bed or on a walk.
- Choose comfort instead of a busy programme. A big day out sounds nice, but a relaxed morning at home often works better with a young baby.
- Make something personal from the first weeks, such as a mini photo book, a framed print with the birth date and name, or a letter from the baby for later.
- Think about what he needs right now too. Sometimes that is a baby carrier, sometimes a good breakfast, and sometimes simply an hour to himself while you take over for a while.
The loveliest version of Father's Day with a baby is usually not the busiest one, but the most sincere. If he can enjoy his baby for a moment and feels that attention has been given to him too, you are on the right track.
What do you give a new dad?
What you give a new dad depends less on tradition and more on what he will genuinely use or remember right now. A good first Father's Day gift is usually personal, practical or something you experience together. If it also suits his personality, you have often got it exactly right.
Personal gifts
With a photo or message
Personalised Father's Day gifts are popular around Father's Day for a reason. Think of a photo book from the pregnancy or the first weeks with the baby, a framed photo, a mug with a sweet message or a keyring with a name and date. These kinds of gifts are not complicated, but they are very powerful because they immediately link the first Father's Day to a real memory.
As a lasting memory
If you want to give something that will still feel special years from now, choose a keepsake. A handprint in a frame, a letter for later, a star map marking the day of birth or a small memory box with the scan and first socks are all lovely examples. This works especially well for a first Father's Day, because it really is a first milestone.
Practical gifts
Useful in the first year
Practical gifts are anything but boring if they make his life easier. An ergonomic baby carrier, a good travel mug for on the go, a comfortable dressing gown, a grooming set or a good book about fatherhood are all useful options. New dads in particular often appreciate something they can genuinely use the very next day.
Good for his moment of rest
A new father does not only have to receive things for the baby. Something for himself can be very welcome too. Think of a small gift box with snacks, coffee or craft beer, a voucher for a massage, an evening of gaming without guilt, or simply a few hours of me-time. It may sound small, but in the baby phase, rest can almost feel like a luxury.
Doing something together
Not every first Father's Day gift has to come wrapped. Having breakfast, lunch, going for a walk, cooking dinner at home or doing a short photo session as a family of three can be just as valuable. Especially if he says that he "doesn't need anything", quality time is often exactly what he means.
What do you write on a card for his first Father's Day?
Many people spend longer doubting the card than the gift. That makes sense, because you want to write something that feels genuine. Above all, keep it simple. A short, warm message usually works better than a very big story.
For an expectant father
- My love, this is your first Father's Day and our baby is not even here yet. Even now, I can already see how much love and calm you bring. You are going to be a wonderful dad.
- Next year there may be a little one wriggling around here too, but today we are already celebrating you. I am so happy that you are stepping into this new role with me.
For a brand-new dad
- Dear Dad, your arms are already the loveliest place to be. Happy first Father's Day. Our baby is so lucky to have you.
- Your first Father's Day is one to treasure. Thank you for all the cuddles, care, patience and love.
- You may be sleeping less than ever, but you have also become a father. And it suits you very well.
How to keep the day fun and relaxed
The pitfall of Father's Day is trying to make too much of it. Especially during pregnancy or with a young baby, it is wiser to set the bar a little lower. That keeps the atmosphere good and makes the day feel genuinely nice instead of overfilled.
- Choose one main moment, such as breakfast, a gift or lunch. Not everything has to fit into one day.
- Take naps, feeds and energy levels into account. A good plan that leaves room to breathe works better than a tight schedule.
- Let go of perfection. A messy breakfast spread and a happy baby are often more fun than a polished picture.
- Ask yourself what he really values. Some dads want to go out together, others would rather stay at home and take it easy.
- Do not forget to take one photo. Not for Instagram, but for later.
- Make it more personal than expensive. An honest card often beats a standard gift.
Frequently asked questions about the first Father's Day
When is Father's Day in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, Father's Day falls on the third Sunday in June. That makes it smart to think about your gift or plans in good time, especially if you are still looking for Father's Day gift ideas or want to make something personal such as a photo book, card or handprint.
What are nice first Father's Day tips if you're still pregnant?
The nicest tips for a first Father's Day during pregnancy are usually personal and low-key. Think of a letter, breakfast in bed, a framed scan, a small gift box or a moment together where you consciously pause to reflect on the fatherhood ahead.
What do you give a new dad?
Ideally, you give a new dad something personal or useful. Good examples are a photo book, handprint, baby carrier, book about fatherhood, care package or some quality time together. Above all, choose something that suits him and the stage you are in.
Can a baby already give a Father's Day gift?
Yes, that is exactly what makes the first Father's Day so lovely. Of course the other parent helps, but a gift "from the baby" often feels extra special. A card, photo, footprint or small keepsake works very well for this.
How much should you spend on a first Father's Day gift?
There is no fixed rule for that. For a first Father's Day, the emotional value is usually more important than the amount. A small personal gift with a sweet message can mean more than something expensive with little feeling behind it.
How do you celebrate the first Father's Day without a big budget?
You can still do a lot without a big budget. Make breakfast, write a card, print a photo, make a handprint, choose a small Father's Day letterbox gift or plan a walk together. The first Father's Day is mainly about attention, not about how much money you spend.
Whichever form you choose, the best first Father's Day tips are almost always the simplest: make it personal, keep it manageable and let him feel that this new role is recognised. Then there is a good chance he will remember this day for a long time.
