(That You Can’t Buy at Target)
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and while ties and “World’s Best Dad” mugs are nice and all, as a newborn photographer here in Grand Rapids, I spend a lot of time with new dads, and seasoned dads, all levels of “dad-hood” and get to observe these guys closely. They’re usually a mix of overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and utterly smitten with their kiddos. Trust me, there are a few things they really want that you won’t find on any store shelf. And who knows, maybe this list will inspire some truly thoughtful (and maybe even hilarious) gestures this year.
Here are 10 things I’ve gathered that dads actually crave for Father’s Day, the kind of gifts that truly hit home:
1. A Nap: 1. A real one. Not the 12 minutes on the couch while the baby screams in the background and someone’s dog is barking on a TikTok. Dads want a nap where they wake up confused about what year it is.
2. A baby cry translator: Is it hunger? Gas? Just a dramatic flair for the theatrical? While us moms havea built in, biological translator, Dads are often feel clueless trying to figure out the ever-changing language of baby cries. A baby translator would be a game-changer. (And lets be honest dads like their gadget)
3. A Self-Changing Diaper (That Actually Works): Okay, this might be a total fantasy for both moms and dads, but imagine a diaper that not only signals when it’s time for a change, but also… changes itself. No more wrestling matches, no more questionable smells lingering in the air.
5. Breakfast in Bed, Made with Love (and Only One Sneeze) by Their Kiddos:Forget gourmet spreads. What a dad really wants is that slightly-burnt, probably-crumbled breakfast-in-bed effort from his tiny humans. Bonus points if there’s only one sneeze involved and a truly heroic, artery-clogging pile of bacon. That’s true love.
6. The Remote Control That Never Gets Lost (And Always Has Batteries): It’s a simple pleasure, but the frustration of a missing or dead remote during that precious sliver of downtime is real. This is a superhero-level gift.
7. A Homemade Macaroni Necklace: Forget a five course Italian meal; what truly warms a new dad’s heart (and maybe snags a chest hair) is that macaroni necklace. Crafted with intense concentration by tiny hands, it’s undeniable proof he’s their hero, adorned with enough carbs to fuel a small marathon. Just pray it doesn’t fall apart before his kids insist that he awkwardly wears it to the grocery store.
8. The Ability to Pause Time During Precious Moments: Those tiny baby yawns, the first gummy smiles, the way they fit perfectly in your arms – these moments are fleeting and Dads gush over those too. The power to freeze time, even for a little while, would be the most treasured gift of all.
9. Guilt-Free “Me Time”: What a dad truly craves is that sacred, guilt-free escape. Whether it’s to “organize tools” (read: scroll through car videos), “run an errand” (read: hit a bucket, or two, of balls at the driving range), or just stare blankly at the wall in glorious silence, the ultimate Father’s Day gift is knowing they can vanish for a bit without the “Are you still out there?” text.
10. Confirmation That He’s Doing a Great Job: Amidst the chaos and sleep deprivation, a simple, heartfelt acknowledgment that he’s a wonderful dad goes a long way. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that come straight from the heart.
So, while you might not be able to gift these exact things this Father’s Day, hopefully, this list sparks some ideas to show the dads in your life how much you appreciate them. And, to all the dads out there, from the new dads navigating their first sleepless nights to the dads-to-be stocking up on diapers, to the incredible step-dads and those who play the dad role with unwavering love, we see you. To those dads struggling to conceive, your love and longing are deeply felt. To all the amazing fur dads spoiling their four-legged kids, and especially to those missing their dads today, I’m sending a big hug (and high five). Happy Father’s Day to every single one of you!
If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and expecting a little one soon, I’d love to chat about capturing those precious, fleeting moments of early fatherhood. Trust me, those photos will be the ultimate gift that lasts a lifetime, even if they don’t include a self-changing diaper.
