Don’t Forget Dad! 9 Father of the Bride Gifts

Photo: Real Bella Weddings / Cameron Flaisch Photography

It’s always fun finding the perfect father’s day gifts and birthday gifts for dad. And now that your wedding is approaching, you get to give your dad one of the most special gifts of all:

A father of the bride gift!  

If your dad is the kind of guy who has everything and never asks for anything, brainstorming great gift ideas can be tricky.

But we’ve done the hard part for you.

No matter what your dad is into or what he likes to do, these are our nine favorite father of the bride gifts that dad is sure to love!

Do You Have to Buy a Gift for the Father of the Bride?

When wedding planning, remember this: you don’t have to do anything. 

But it is customary to give gifts to the members of your wedding party. And we’re not just talking about bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearers, and flower girls. 

It’s also tradition to give a father of the bride gift, a father of the groom gift, and a gift to the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom.

You can expect to receive lots of incredible wedding gifts on the big day. But it’s traditional to give your bridal party and parents gifts in advance of the wedding day.

The FOTB gift can be from the two of you as a couple, or you can each buy a gift for your own dad and each other’s dad.

You can also combine your father’s gifts with your mother’s gifts and present them with something as a couple. If you both have stepparents, this is usually the way to go, as it cuts down on the number of individual gifts you need to buy.

Whether you give individual gifts or couples’ gifts, it’s best to set your budget as a couple. Spend as much as you’re comfortable spending and decide if you do or don’t feel the need to spend the same amount on each dad.

Giving a gift is never about how much you spend … It's always the thought and the meaning behind the gift that truly counts!

Okay … ready to start shopping for dad? Here are our favorite gift ideas to check out:

1. Personalized Cufflinks

Photo: Real Bella Weddings / The Woods Weddings

Father of the bride cufflinks are a timeless gift. Dad can wear them on the wedding day and every formal occasion in the future!

Cufflinks may seem like a traditional gift, but you can add a monogram or a custom detail to make them more meaningful. A personalized gift always shows that you put in some extra time, thought, and effort.

If you’d prefer to give dad a complete gift set of accessories, add a tie clip or tie bar and a money clip to the mix!

2. Customized Pocket Watch

Pocket watches never go out of style. So even if dad doesn’t wear a timepiece on his wrist, a pocket watch customized with his monogram, a special message, or special date is the perfect father of the bride gift!

A pocket watch isn’t just a cool trinket — it’s the sort of gift destined to become a keepsake that dad will treasure forever.

3. Engraved Cutting Board

Does dad love to cook? A cutting board can be a heartfelt, personal gift if you have it engraved with the family name or one of his favorite recipes.

Whether dad loves to BBQ outside on the grill or can assemble the most beautiful charcuterie board you’ve ever seen, a gift that he can use in the kitchen is sure to be a winner.

Not sure where to find a custom cutting board? There are thousands of them on Etsy.

4. Leather Slippers

There’s no need to rack your brain trying to come up with one-of-a-kind wedding gift ideas. A pair of comfy slippers are the perfect gift for dad!

Go for a luxe set with a shearling lining or a pair made from soft and supple leather. The better the quality, the more use he’ll get out of them.

Just be sure to give them to dad before the wedding day. That way, he’ll be able to slip them on right after all that dancing at your reception!

Haven’t decided what to give your groomsmen yet? Leather slippers make great groomsmen gifts as well.

Need a little more inspiration for your groomsmen gifts? Read: Beyond the Flask: Groomsmen Gift Ideas.

5. Engraved Wine or Whiskey Decanter

An engraved decanter is the ideal gift for the dad who likes to unwind after an eight-hour day with a glass of wine or whiskey. 

It's also a perfect choice for the dad who already has an at-home bar. And if he already has a decanter, that’s okay too. He’s sure to prefer the one you give him, especially if it’s engraved with his initials or with your wedding date.

Not sure if a single decanter is enough of a gift? Combine it with matching whiskey glasses, wine tumblers, or a stainless steel hip flask.

6. Golf Balls

If your father or soon-to-be father-in-law’s idea of a perfect day is hitting 18 holes or watching Phil Mickelson win the PGAs, golf balls are one of the best gifts you can give him.

Titleist, Callaway, Taylor Made, and all of the best golf ball brands offer the option to order custom golf balls. So consider adding your wedding date or a fun image to make this gift more unique!

7. Framed Photo

Photo: Real Bella Weddings 

We know what you’re thinking … a picture frame? That’s one of the most generic gifts you can give someone!

But when you include a photo of you as a little girl or of the groom as a little boy posed with dad on a special day, it’s sure to bring a tear to his eye. 

Photo frames come in every shape, style, and price point imaginable. No matter how little you spend on the frame, the meaningful photo you put inside is what will make this gift a hit.

Still shopping for the perfect bridesmaid dresses? Check out our collections:

Bridesmaid Dresses | Flower Girl Dresses | Junior Bridesmaid Dresses | Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses

8. Sports Memorabilia

For the diehard sports fan, sports memorabilia is always an appreciated gift. You can go the traditional route with an autographed baseball or opt for a more unique gift that brings back all sorts of father-daughter or father-son memories.

From bottle openers made from MLB baseball bats to wallets made from NFL jerseys, there are all sorts of cool, unique gifts out there for the dad that’s a lifelong sports fan.

9. Leather Duffel Bag

For the dad who loves to travel, a leather duffel bag is a useful gift. He can use it to carry his must-haves to and from the big day or to pack his essentials when he and mom embark on a weekend getaway out of town.

This is one gift that you can be sure he’ll use over and over again!

Conclusion

There’s no one best father of the bride gift that’s right for every dad. It really depends on who your father is, what he’s into, and how you want to thank him for being a part of your special day.

Whether it’s an inexpensive frame with a treasured childhood photo or a high-end pair of designer cufflinks, choose a gift that reflects you. No matter which you choose, you can be sure he’s going to love it simply for the fact that it came from you!

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