You’ve purchased thank you gifts for your bridal party and your mom to say thank you for all of their help with planning your special day. But don’t forget about dear old dad.
Even if he’s not footing the bill or helping with the planning, he will still play an integral role on your big day. Not only will he be walking you down the aisle, he must prepare a speech to give at the reception and will share a special father-daughter dance with you.
Finding the perfect gift is essential to show your dad how much he means to you. To help you do just that, we’ve curated a list of 21 of the best gift ideas for the father of the bride that you can surprise him with on your wedding day.
Gift Ideas for the Father of the Bride He’s Sure to Cherish
Finding the perfect father of the bride gift isn’t as easy as it sounds. Not only do you need something that he will treasure, but something that will pique his interest.
Our list not only offers a wide selection of customizable gifts, but it also contains items that he can use and enjoy over and over again. Best of all, each and every item can be purchased online so you don’t have to run from store to store looking for the right gift.
Ready to get started? Here are our best gift ideas for the father of the bride.
1. Custom photo frame
One of the most important walks you and your dad will ever take together is your walk down the aisle. So why not commemorate that special moment with a personalized photo frame from 28Collective, a star seller on Etsy. Made of vegan leather, the picture frame fits a 4×6 vertical photo and is laser engraved with the bride’s name and wedding date. It has an attached folding stand for easy display.
2. Story book
StoryWorth is a truly unique present that collects stories from your dad’s life by e-mailing him a question or prompt every week for a year. Once the year is up, everything is put together in a keepsake book for your family to enjoy. If you’re looking for an heirloom-worthy gift, this is it.
3. Father of the Bride gift box
This custom father of the bride gift box from The Wood Shack Gift Co. is the perfect way to surprise your dad with a few mementos from your wedding. A microwave and dishwasher safe ‘Father of the Bride’ coffee mug and socks for walking down the aisle are paired with a heartfelt note that reads: “Dad, of all the walks we’ve taken, this is the one I’ll remember forever.”
The star seller on Etsy typically ships within four to six business days, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to have your gift in hand.
4. Custom cufflinks
These handmade cufflinks are sure to touch your dad’s heart. With a photo on one and ‘I loved you first’ on the other, followed by a heart and your name, not only will it give him something special to wear on your wedding day, but it’s a keepsake he’ll be sure to treasure for all of his days.
5. Personalized football
If your dad is a fan of the NFL or college football, then this personalized gift from 905 Depot is sure to be a touchdown. Available in two sizes — a mini nine-inch or full size regulation — the football comes with a free black acrylic stand for easy display.
Simply choose the size you want and message this star seller on Etsy your dad’s name, the name of both you and your future spouse and your wedding date.
6. Engraved pocket watch
If you’re looking for a gift with the wow factor, this is it. This stunning, handmade, stainless-steel pocket watch has quartz engineering and a Roman Numeral style watch face. Carefully engraved with a sentimental message, it’s the perfect way to thank your dad for being such an important part of your life.
7. Custom tumbler or water bottle
Who knew a custom tumbler or water bottle could be so special? This adorable gift from the Diamond Gift Shop features a design of the bride and father preparing to walk down the aisle. On the back are the words ‘Today a bride, Tomorrow a wife, Forever your little girl.’ The design, achieved through a high quality sublimation printing process, is guaranteed not to crack, peel or fray.
You can choose from 12, 17, or 20-ounce options. All, except the aluminum sport version, are stainless steel and BPA free. When ordering, this star Etsy seller requests that you list the skin tone, hair style and color, suit and shoe color and name of your father. You then list your name, skin tone, hair style and color and dress style from the lists provided.
8. Engraved pocket knife
If your dad is outdoorsy, then this engraved pocket knife from Etsy star seller Everything Decorated is a great gift. Both sentimental and practical, this stainless steel knife features a folding blade, a wooden handle and a clip on the back of the knife so it can be easily attached to a pocket.
You can choose from black or traditional steel color as well as from two different fonts for the engraving. You can have up to three lines of text with a maximum of 28 characters per line.
9. Custom handkerchief
If you want to give your dad a keepsake that he can easily carry with him on your wedding day, this custom handkerchief from The Polka Dotted Bee is a good option. Made of premium cotton, you can choose the father-of-the-bride script provided or ask this star seller on Etsy for a custom message.
10. Engraved desk set
If your dad likes tools and has a home office that needs some sprucing up, this customized sign and hammer desk set from U Name It Personalized could be just what you’ve been looking for. Laser cut raised letters spell out ‘father of the bride’ and is followed by an engraved saying: “you gave me my past and thank you for helping me build my future.” The hammer is also engraved with ‘Dad, I loved you first.’
You can also request custom lettering from this popular Etsy shop if there is another saying you would like to be featured.
11. Custom golf balls
This set of three golf balls from Buffalo BottleCraft’s Amazon store is perfect as a keepsake, for practice or out on the course. You can opt for the standard father of the bride golf balls or you can personalize your gift with your dad’s name, his role in your wedding and the date of your special day. To request special text, click on the ‘customize now’ button to input the information you’d like used.
12. Wallet card
This brushed silver aluminum metal wallet card from Drifting Ducks on Etsy is a great way to let your dad know how you feel about him. The perfect size to fit in a wallet, it comes with its own envelope and organza gift bag. It’s the type of gift that he can carry with him or he can leave at home in a special place.
13. Custom socks
If you’re looking for something practical and fun to add to a gift basket, personalized socks for him to wear with his suit on your wedding day is a great touch. Available in black, navy or charcoal gray, one sock says ‘father of the bride,’ the other says ‘Special Socks for a Special Walk’ with a personalized wedding date.
14. Grooming kit
Want to help your dad look his best for your special day? A grooming kit from the Dollar Shave Club can help with that. Not only can he use it for a great shave for your wedding day, he’ll be able to use it again and again. If he loves it, you can order him a subscription for his birthday or Father’s Day.
15. Funny coffee mug
If your dad is a coffee or tea drinker with a good sense of humor, this father of the bride mug will give him a good chuckle every time he drinks his hot beverage of choice. Available on Amazon, the 11-ounce, ceramic mug is microwave and dishwasher safe so he’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time to come.
16. Whiskey glass set
If your dad fancies himself a whiskey connoisseur, then this engraved whiskey glass set is sure to make him smile. The set includes two glasses, nine whiskey stones, tongs, travel pouch and storage box. The box and glasses are laser engraved with the name, initial and phrase of your choice.
17. Custom fishing lure
If fishing is a pastime you and your dad share, then this keepsake fishing lure is a lovely way to remind him of all of the great memories you’ve created. This handmade lure from J Lynn Creations on Etsy features the saying ‘Always your little girl,’ which is hand stamped one letter at a time onto a brass blank. It can also be personalized with a date along the side if you wish.
18. Subscription box
If you want to get a gift that will keep on giving all year long, a subscription box is the way to go. Choose from boxes like the Hot Sauce of the Month club, Spiffy Socks subscription or The ManBox to name a few. You’re sure to find something to please your dad.
19. Personalized beer gift set
If your dad enjoys having a cold one now and then, personalized beer mugs will make that experience even more enjoyable. This beer gift set includes a wooden gift box, two beer mugs, and a bottle opener. Both mugs as well as the box are personalized with a name and initial.
20. Custom bamboo cutting board
If your dad is a barbecue whiz, he’ll be sure to appreciate this 18-by-12-inch custom cutting board. Customized with his name, this “Grillfather” board is just as useful as it is amusing and adds a bit of pizzazz to any kitchen.
21. Monogrammed travel case
If you’re hosting a destination wedding, then gifting dear old dad something to use while traveling to your wedding location is a smart choice. This travel case made of washed canvas and leather is the perfect size for all of his toiletries and shaving supplies. It can be personalized with his name, ‘father of the bride,’ ‘dad’ or anything else you decide on.
