Gear

The 21 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Dads: Our 2021 Picks

Because everything changes once you have kids.

by Donna Freydkin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Valentine's day gifts for new dads

When a man becomes a father, his identity can become subsumed by the tiny human he’s helping to raise. Hey, it happens to the best of us. And that’s why picking out considered, thoughtful gifts for dad takes more effort than ordering a hackneyed mug online or grabbing a ridiculous drugstore card. When it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts for dads, think function ahead of form. Or in a perfect world, a seamless combination of both.

You want gifts that make him feel seen. Feel appreciated. Feel understood. Things like multi-faceted briefcases that double as diaper bags in a pinch, backpacks that allow dads to bring their kids camping with them, and headphones that can help them make the most of very rare workouts. Here are new dad gifts, ranging from pithy to practical, that any guy would be happy to open this Valentine’s Day.

Structured Stretch Pant by Brady

Tom Brady's eponymous brand crafts everyday pieces from space-age materials. Whether you're on the links or at a barbecue, this breathable, lightweight, and flexible pants will keep you looking put together.

$95
Bugout EDC Knife by Benchmade

Short of custom-made knives, Benchmade reigns supreme for lust-worth everyday carry blades. The company's Bugout is the apex of this apex, with a locking blade and Made-in-the-U.S. construction.

$175
Original Bondaroo T-Shirt by DadWare
$44.99
10-in-1 Multifunction Tool Keychain by Atech
$19.98
Plus Long Range Meat Thermometer by Meater
$94.95
Tech Kit by Bellroy

The upscale Aussie brand delivers, yet again. This kit is perfection, because tangled cords and missing charges are annoying at the best of times. It zips out flat for easy access, has a magnetic slip pocket that fits a power bank, mesh pockets for random items, and a floating wall with an elastic cable organizer. Meaning, everything he needs, at his fingertips, new dad exhaustion be damned.

$59
Compact Adventure First Aid Kit by VSSL
$135
Restore Sound Machine and Alarm Clock by Hatch
$129.99
Wood Fired Margherita - 10 Pack by Roberta's Pizza

There's no wrong time for a great slice of pie. And Roberta's make some damn fine pies. These pizzas are wood-fired and frozen, and shipped straight to him. Because even when we're not in a pandemic, going out to eat as a new dad is a pipe dream, at best.

$149
Ring Toss Game by Elite Sportz
$48
Daily Routine Kit by by Humankind

We love this brand because of its commitment to sustainability, and the superior quality of its products. This kit contains everything he needs on hand to get through the day: Deodorant, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and floss. And when he runs out, he keeps the containers and get refills, thereby vastly reducing landfill waste.

$45
Titanium Carabiner with Built-in Bottle Opener by Valtcan
$25.99
Emberton Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Marshall
$149.99
CBD Body Lotion by Lord Jones

CBD is said to have soothing properties, and there's no better CBD lotion out there than this one, from Lord Jones. The luxury CBD brand's cream feels great, has hints of sage, mint and green citrus, and is exactly what he needs after a long day with a newborn.

$60
Icelandic Flavor Salt Gift Set by Saltverk
$44.99
Attachment Lens for Phones by Moment
$109.99
Rambler 18-Ounce Bottle with Hotshot Cap by Yeti

Hot or cold, Yeti's bottle with be his daily driver. Versatile enough for coffee in the morning and a hand-poured beer in the evening, this hard-wearing vessel only looks better after a few dings.

$30
Wingman Multitool by Leatherman
$69.95
Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch by Withings
$179.95
Ponto Performance Pant by Vuori

Because there's no excuse for looking a slob, even when he has a newborn. These buttery-soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking pants have a straight-leg fit and look at home on the couch, or outdoors.

$84
Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro True Wireless Earbuds by Anker
$99

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