Best Gifts for Dads to be
If a friend of yours is joining the ranks of dads-to-be, you may feel compelled to purchase him a congratulatory present. Historically, this puts men in a quandary. What do you get for a man who is soon to be a father? There is a very simple answer: It depends. You must draw from your familiarity with his situation, and from what you know of his personality. I recommend selecting between the four gifts below.For a father who is nervous about being able to spend time with his wife, or how he is going to get things done at home, I recommend that you purchase a baby swing. I recognize that such a gift may seem unmanly. Nevertheless, he will pray with tearful thanks to God that you were provided to him as a friend when, after hours of continuous wailing, the little munchkin finally catches a 20-minute nap in the swing. TheFisher Price Papasan Starlight Baby Swingis an excellent, thought pricey, choice of swing. It swings from side to side and front to back, so that it can satisfy the widest variety of children. It is also notoriously quiet, and delightfully soothing for babies. If this device doesn't put the little one to sleep, nothing will.
For a father who has concerns over the dealing with the pregnancy, or doesn't know much about raising children, a book on pregnancy or parenting would be both inexpensive, and very appropriate. I found the "What to Expect" books to be fantastic. They are aimed at couples, so there is information for Dad as well as Mom."What to Expect When You're Expecting"goes from conception to shortly after birth, whereas"What to Expect: the First Year"covers delivery to the end of the first 12 months. Either book is a magnificent asset in both educating the father and calming the mother. Sometimes, calming the mother is an invaluable gift to the father.
Finally, what do you get for the dad-to-be that has everything? There are always the heartfelt and thoughtful, but ultimately less useful gifts, that you can never have too many of. If he's a smoker, give him a Padron Family Reserve No. 45. A magnificent smoke, it's not your average congratulatory cigar, and is proably the best gift for a smoker. If he's not a smoker, hand him a bottle ofLagavulin16 year old scotch whiskey. Either item is an event by itself, and sure to make him grateful.Dads-to-be can be very hard to shop for, so you must combine what you know of him, to what you know of fatherhood. Try the recommended gifts, and you surely will not be met with a blank stare. Also, be sure to include with your gift an offer of support. The father may not know now, but when the baby comes, they will desperately need someone to make dinner, clean house, or get groceries. That may not be a big investment for you, but for the new father, it will be a lifesaver.
