Overview
If your husband is about to become a father, especially for the first time, a gift to mark this change of life may be both appropriate and touching. Baby keepsake gifts for a new dad can range from practical to playful to sentimental, depending upon his personality. Take the time to celebrate his excitement over a new baby and bring him into the process of pregnancy and preparation for your new addition.
Keepsakes
Keepsake gifts for a new father include picture frames, photo albums or even an engraved item like a watch or key fob. Choose a sterling frame if he has a classic, formal office or a more casual one in basic wood. Stamped or wood burnt frames are an option if you would like to include baby's name or information. Be sure to provide a family photo or one of dad with baby once she's arrived. Have a simple tag necklace engraved with baby's date of birth and name for a sentimental gift at RedEnvelope.
Practical Gifts
Baby gear has a tendency to be feminine or babyish, whether printed with over-sized flowers or pastel teddies . Chances are dad doesn't want to carry a pink diaper bag or wear a baby carrier in blue gingham. Consider giving him his own baby carrier, diaper bag or even a jogging stroller to allow him to tote baby along in style. Look for black, charcoal, chocolate brown, or moss green in sturdy and washable fabrics, like a strong canvas. You might even give him a comfortable and practical messenger bag that can double up for baby's needs.
Gadgets
Electronics of all sorts are nearly always a hit with dads. If he doesn't have a good camera, video camera or camera phone, any of these are ideal when baby is on the way. If he already has the gadgets and gear he wants, try some other options to celebrate baby's arrival. Give a gadget guy a digital picture frame to hold pictures of the new baby. Consider a digital brag book if he doesn't have a desk for framed pictures, like RedEnvelope's practical and high quality one (see Resources).