30 Best Father of the Bride Gift Ideas He'll Cherish
Stuck on what to buy as a wedding gift for the father of bride? Fret no more, we've compiled the ultimate father of the bride gift guide
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Your wedding day is a big day for your dad; whether or not he’s walking you down the aisle, making a father of the bride speech, or simply taking in the occasion, it’s likely to be an emotional one for him. With this in mind, some people like to show their appreciation with a father of the bride gift.
After all, the wedding party are often given little tokens of affection, so why not treat the original man in your life to a little something too? We've rounded up some of the very best father of the bride gift ideas to inspire you...
In a hurry? Here are some quick picks for you.
Sentimental Gifts for Father of the Bride:
A personalised photo album or framed picture
Customised cufflinks with a meaningful engraving
An engraved watch with a special note or wedding date
A memory box filled with meaningful mementos
Practical and Unique Father of the Bride Gifts:
A high quality leather wallet with monogramming
A customised tool set
A subscription service for his favourite wine or coffee
An engraved pocket knife
Experience Gifts for the Father of the Bride:
A VIP experience at a concert, theatre of sports game
A father-daughter bonding experience
A private tour or weekend getaway you can enjoy together
Humorous and Fun Gifts:
Funny father of the bride socks
Custom bobblehead figure of your dad in a tuxedo
A novelty T-shirt or mug
30 Wedding Gifts for Father of the Bride
Read on for our edit of the best Father of the Bride gifts to show your Dad you care. Or, if you have more questions on how to pick the best gift for your dad, head to the FAQ section.
1. Best Dad Mini Hardback Photobook - Papier
Remind your dad of all of your best moments together, with this sweet photobook. It includes 40 pages worth of photos and will be perfect for him to flick through on your wedding morning to keep the nerves at bay.
It could also work as a post-wedding day gift, so you could include photos from the big day too.
Expert Take: If you want to include more memories, the book also comes in a 100 page version, where you can add up to four photos per page.
2. Father Of The Bride Handkerchief - Extra Special Touch
If your dad is a weepy one, this luxury handkerchief is a lovely Father of the Bride gift for him to keep in his pocket on the big day, for dabbing his eyes at the end of the aisle, during the speeches, or even during the father-daughter dance.
Expert Take: This comes in a gorgeous presentation envelope, meaning you don’t need to worry about wrapping it.
We're obsessed with Made Yours for classy personalised items and this cap is no exception. You could pop you wedding date on the back and have his name or F.O.B embroidered on the front so everyone knows he's the main man.
Expert Take: This also comes in a gorgeous green shade!
If you’ve chosen to get married at a sentimental location, be it a family church, where you were christened or even where your parents got married, a sketch of the location is a lovely, sentimental gift which would look perfect hung up in his home. Just provide a photo of the destination and it will be hand drawn in Devon.
Expert Take: You can personalise all elements of this father of the bride present, from the frame, to the font to what the copy says.
We know socks for your Dad is a bit of a cliche, but why fix what isn't broken? These Egyptian cotton ones from Falke can be personalised with your wedding date and make for a lovely reminder of the special day.
Expert Take: You can choose from a range of colours so you can pick the perfect shade to match your wedding palette.
6. Father of the Bride Cufflinks - The Little Keepsake Company
These delicate cufflinks come in stainless steel and can be customised with a message of your choice. We like the idea of your wedding dates, but you could put your dad’s initials, making them great for re-wearing on other occasions.
Expert Take: To make this gift feel even more luxe you could invest in a wooden trinket box for safe keeping.
7. Simple Father of the Bride Card - Little Olive Branch Co
Your father of the bride gift doesn’t have to be expensive. This sweet card is enough to let your dad know you appreciate all that he does for you, and leaves room for you to be as sentimental as you like as it’s blank inside for your message.
Expert Take: This card can be customised with your wedding date on the front, making it an extra special keepsake from your day.
8. Father of the Bride Wine Bottle Holder - Not on The High Street
If your dad loves wine or whiskey, this personalised bottle box is ideal for gifting him his favourite tipple. You can customise it with your own special message, too.
Expert Take: We love that this father of the bride present means you can buy a bottle of wine he actually likes, yet still personalise it. Genius!
9. Father of the Bride Whiskey Tumbler - Soho Home
We get it, not all dads will appreciate an engraved gift. This whiskey decanter is perfect for dads who enjoy a night cap and he can use it for years to come.
Expert Take: If you're feeling extra generous you could add in a few glasses too...
You can never go wrong with gifting a luxury fragrance and this one, by Molton Brown, is a favourite of ours. If you take it in store at select locations you can have it engraved with the date of your wedding.
Expert Take: This is a sophisticated fragrance with notes of pepper, cardamom and lavender - perfect for your dad on this special day!
A great practical gift this suit bag will keep your dad's suit pristine for your big day, plus he'll use it time and time again. It comes in tan and navy so you can take your pick, plus the leather details make it look extra special.
Expert Take: Add your dad's initials, name or a memorable date to make this a gift to remember.
A luxury car diffuser is one of those gifts that you don't know you need until you receive one. This option from Diptyque is ideal for any automotive enthusiasts and looks super chic.
Expert Take: Bais is one of Diptyque's most popular scents with notes of blackcurrant and rose. But if you're looking for something slightly different you can choose from a range of different scents.
A watch is a classic gift and one your dad will wear every day. This one by Pininfarina combines the aesthetic of a traditional watch with extra features like a heart rate monitor and sleep tracker.
Expert Take: This watch can be customised with different strap types to really tailor it to your dad's taste.
Nothing says thank you like receiving a classic Fortnum's hamper. Most dads will appreciate this one filled with cheese board essentials but they have a wide range of different options to choose from.
Expert Take: Have this delivered a few days after your wedding to help ease the post-wedding blues.
A great gift for the day before the wedding, or even the day itself, this shaving kit will help your dad get ready in luxury.
Expert Take: The Moroccan Neroli scent is is a real winner if your dad is into grooming. It's a blend of sandalwood and neroli which is perfect for warmer weddings.
16. Classic Car Driving Experience – Red Letter Days
Your dad has probably spent a lot of time listening to you and your partner deliberate over venues, flowers and canapes so why not treat him to some alone time? Red Letter Days have loads of options including this Classic Car Driving Experience.
Expert Take: Your dad will be able to choose from a range of models including the Shelby Cobra, Aston Martin DB5, Mustang GT500 'Eleanor', Jaguar E-Type, Ford GT40, Mustang 350, Mini Cooper and MK1 Escort.
This sentimental book is great to make sure you and your dad still get to spend quality time with each other once you've started married life. It's full of 100 things to do with your dad with space to add pictures and notes about your time together!
Expert Take: If quality time is your dad's love language, he'll love this gift.
Tick off your father of the bride and mother of the bride gifts in one purchase with these customisable mugs - perfect for parents that can't function without their morning coffee.
Expert Take: These beautiful hand-crafted mugs can be made to order with any message and come in a range of colours.
Keep your father of the bride gift simple with this personalised dressing gown - perfect for the dad who likes minimal fuss. He can wear it as he gets ready on the morning of the wedding as well as for years to come, plus there's no extra charge for the service!
Expert Take: If your dad is more of an extravert opt for one of Desmond and Dempsey's gorgeous prints.
23. Father of The Bride Rose Bush Gift - The Gluttonous Gardener
For the green fingered father of the bride, this is the gift that keeps on giving. It includes a blossoming pink rose, a personalised wooden plaque and full care and growing instructions, with the bush and-packed in a timeless re-useable wooden crate.
Expert Take: Personalise the crate as you see fit, be it with your dad’s name, your wedding date or a heartfelt message - it’s your call!
24. Personalised Father of the Bride Thank You Card - Ink and Fred
This cute card can be personalised to make it look just like you and your dad, from your dress style to his hair, skin and suit colour - he’ll be wowed by the attention to detail!
Expert Take: Your dad likely isn’t expecting a father of the bride gift, so a personalised card is sure to make him smile even more than expected on the big day.
25. Personalised Embroidered Initials Washbag - Lisa Angel
Just because it’s father of the bride gift doesn’t mean his role in the wedding has to be on the present. A simple monogrammed gift always goes down well, if you ask us, and this embossed washbag is timeless.
Expert Take: Make this an extra special gift by filling the washbag with your dad’s favourite things, be they after shave and skincare, or chocolate and sweets.
26. Personalised Photo Filmstrip Leather Bookmark – Not On The Highstreet
If your dad is an avid reader, why not give him this personalised bookmark from Lisa Angel? You can add your own lines of text to the top and select four pictures. We'd add some from recent years, and a couple of cute childhood snaps too.
Expert Take: If you’re also buying a father of the bride card, you can slip this little token inside too, saving you time wrapping it. Slip it inside his order of the day, if you're inclined!
27. For the Stepfather of the Bride Card – Yellowstone Art Boutique
If you’ve got an important step-father in your life, don’t leave him out of the father of the bride gift-giving! A simple yet poignant message in a personalised card says it all and will mean a lot to him to be included.
Expert Take: These cards can be personalised to include your wedding date.
This Marmalade Mimosa and Bacon Naan Roll Kit is the perfect gift for any dads that enjoy time in the kitchen. It'll make two mimosas and two of Dishoom's famous Naan rolls for you to enjoy together! Win-win!
Expert Take: If your dad is a real fan of Indian food you could opt for a Dishoom gift card as well so you can get a father-daughter date booked in post wedding.
29. Personalised Initial Leather Hip Flask – Aspinal of London
A hip flask is a popular father of the bride, best man and bridesmaid gift and is sure to go down a treat with your dad. The flask is made from durable stainless steel and protected with a stylish, 100% genuine leather cover - you can personalise this gift by having your dad’s initials added to the cover, which comes in a range of coloured leathers.
Expert Take: Aspinal offers a fabulous gift-wrapping service at check-out which is well worth the extra money.
30. Personalised Father Of The Bride Jewellery Box – £45, Dust and Things
Ideal for dads who can’t keep their side of the bed tidy, this can sit on his nightstand and house everything from his specs and watch, to ear plugs and an eye mask.
The lid features a leather loop handle for easy access and three separate compartments to help make sorting an easy task.
Expert Take: Though it sits at a sizeable 5cm tall with a 25cm diameter, you'll be surprised at how efficient this item is in terms of storage; it also looks sleek, meaning it won't clutter countertops or bedside tables.
Got questions about your father of the bride gift? Luckily for you, we've got answers...
Do you buy The father of the bride a gift?
While not as commonly considered as bridesmaid and best man gifts - perhaps because traditionally, the father of the bride would have made a contribution to funding the weddings, there’s no reason to leave the father of the bride out of the gift giving.
It can be a really special way to show your dad you appreciate him, and to allow him to have something to remember the day by.
How much should you spend on a father of the bride gift?
As with any gift there really isn't a perfect amount to spend, it should simply be based on what feels right for you. The main purpose of giving your dad a gift is to show him your gratitude and that could be through something as simple as a heartfelt card or as extravagant as a new watch. Remember, it's the thought that counts, no matter the cost!
Does the father of the bride give a gift?
No, not traditionally. If he’s a particularly generous guy, he might give his new son/daughter-in-law a sentimental gift, such as his own wedding day cufflinks to wear, but it’s not customary for the father of the bride to give a gift.
Gestures are of course always welcome - we know one father of the bride who treated his new son in law to a spin in his vintage car on his wedding morning - something he’d been requesting throughout his decade long relationship with the dad's daughter!
If the father of the bride wants to treat his daughter, we’re sure that would be gratefully received, but never expected. Again, perhaps this is because traditionally, the father of the bride contributed to paying for the wedding, so no further gift was needed.
Now you're clued up on what to gift your dad, why not brush up on what some of the father of the bride duties might include on the day...
Search wedding favours 🎁
Request pricing and information from local Wedding Favours suppliers
From pottery classes and mini breaks to custom watercolours, honeymoon luggage and luxury bedding, we've got the very best wedding gifts to shop right now
Discover 25 thoughtful, fun and luxury gift ideas for your wife for every occasion – from anniversaries and birthdays to Valentine’s Day and push presents
From walking her down the aisle to writing that all-important speech, here's everything you need to know about father of the bride roles and responsibilities
