ALT-3 First Fathers Day Gift Ideas
What do you get for a man who is sleep-deprived and up to his elbows in dirty diapers, besides a strong cup of coffee and a bottle of hand sanitizer? There are plenty of years ahead for him to look forward to receiving that tired old necktie, so make this first Father's Day a special one with some unique gift ideas.
Is the new father a sports fanatic? Get him and the baby matching jerseys from his favorite team. Not only will this make a priceless picture for the scrapbook, it may also mark the beginning of a lifetime bond between father and child. Matching outfits can be arranged for a variety of other hobbies, ranging all the way from fishing to war-reenacting. Honor the new dad's passion and get creative! And don't be old-fashioned-this idea works well for a boy or a girl.
Like many first-time fathers, you may know a man who seems like he might be about to buckle under the pressure of his new responsibilities. For those times when he feels he might be in danger of losing his sense of humor entirely, he should read Bill Cosby's "Fatherhood." Ripe with wit and honesty, this book is full of the legend's characteristic comedy, which will comfort the new dad by letting him know that his experience, alternately absurd and wonderful as it may seem sometimes, is par for the course.
If he's the type who likes to show off pictures of his baby to practical strangers while standing in line at the bank, then a new way to carry around photos may be the perfect gift. If he is inclined to high-tech gadgets, he might enjoy a digital photo wallet that he can easily update with the baby's latest pictures. On the other hand, if he's the kind of guy who doesn't like messing with new-fangled electronics, you can opt to go low-tech with a new, traditional wallet (chances are his old one is beat up anyway) that has the capacity to hold more photos.
Maybe the man you have in mind would prefer more sentimental, keepsake type of gifts. Take his favorite picture of the baby (so far) and have it put on a coffee mug for him to carry around the office. That way he can nonchalantly brag to coworkers about how beautiful his baby is without getting on anyone's nerves. On this same line of thinking, he would probably also love a picture frame for his desk that reads #1 DAD (just in case anyone didn't know). You could also start a new family tradition by giving him a do-it-yourself stepping stone with the baby's hand prints every year for Father's Day, with each personalized stone marking the child's growth.
Extended family can also pitch in together to give him a wonderfully fitting first Father's Day gift: a coupon book full of free babysitting vouchers. The new dad, as well as the new mom, will be very thankful for a night out for dinner and a movie. They may even owe you their sanity, which is a gift that keeps on giving.
