27 Sentimental & Meaningful Father of the Bride Gifts in 2024

Across nearly every culture worldwide, weddings are one of the most celebrated events in any person’s lifetime and often involve a showering of gifts upon the newlyweds, but some also like to bring the mother and father of the bride gifts. If this is your first time planning or attending a wedding for a close loved one – or yourself – you might ask, “What kinds of gifts are customary for family members? Do you get gifts for the father of the bride?” Typically, father of the bride gifts aren’t expected from anyone, but they can be a kind and thoughtful gesture to wish him congratulations, express gratitude for his support or formally ask for his participation on your special day. 

After you’ve decided to surprise the family patriarch with a gift, that still leaves the question: what are some good father of the bride gifts? Whether you’re looking for a meaningful token of appreciation, a luxurious gift basket or a great experience to share together, check out these awesome father of the bride gifts for inspiring ideas to make him feel special. 

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• Unique Father of the Bride Gifts
• Luxury Father of the Bride Gifts
• Meaningful Father of the Bride Gifts
• Father of the Bride Gift Boxes
• Father of Bride Gifts From His Daughter
• Gifts for Father of the Bride From the Groom

Unique Father of the Bride Gifts

1. Classpop! Gift Card

What are some unique father of the bride gifts to give your dad-to-be? How about an experience? A Classpop! gift card covers all your bases and it’s the ultimate experience gift card for in-person and virtual classes or events. He can learn to make sushi or pasta, get social with a paint and sip or even learn how to dance! The choices are abundant and it's a way to let him decide what he likes, so the pressure is off you.

2. At-home Espresso Maker

Kitchen appliances are usually one of the more popular bridal shower gift ideas, but dear ol’ Dad is sure to appreciate a new gadget too! If he doesn’t have one already, an espresso maker is one of the best father of the bride gifts, whether he’s always waking up early or sleeping in to savor that cup of joe. To make the gift extra special, include other barista essentials like a milk frother, espresso beans and a flavored syrup. 

3. Concert Tickets

According to a GetYourGuide survey shared in Brigham Young University’s The Daily Universe, about 40% of Americans would rather go to a show or concert than receive a physical gift, so why not surprise Dad with the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and make new memories? For one of the most unique father of the bride gifts that shows how much you care, pick up concert tickets to see his favorite band. Other great ideas could be tickets to a live performance or special convention.

4. Ultimate Driving Experience

If he’s always dreamed about cruising the coastline in a Porsche or revving a Ferrari through the city, set him up with a chance to drive his dream car. Companies like Tinggly offer a wide range of exciting driving experiences through scenic surroundings. This is undoubtedly one of the best unique father of the bride gifts for a dad who deserves to live it up for a day. 

5. YETI Backpack Cooler

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Cooler is a perfect father of the bride gift for a dad who loves to camp, entertain guests or attend outdoor events. One of the most unique and functional father of the bride gifts that he likely wouldn’t purchase for himself, this cooler can fit up to 20 beverage cans or 12 lbs of ice, and the backpack straps make it perfect for toting from the beach to baseball games to tailgate parties and beyond. After seeing how useful this cooler can be, you might be tempted to grab one for yourself too. 

6. Neck and Back Massager

Although he loved every minute of it, raising a daughter into a lovely bride has been a lot of hard work! After celebrating the big day, he deserves to put his feet up and relax, and a shiatsu neck and back massager is one of the best father of the bride gifts for a dad who’s always looking out for others. There is a wide range of massagers on the market, but look for one with a heating function for an extra special and soothing gift. 

Luxury Father of the Bride Gifts

7. Handsome Wristwatch

What does a father give his daughter on her wedding day? Sometimes jewelry can be a popular father of the bride gift for his daughter, but an eye-catching wristwatch can also be a good gift for the big man himself. Commonly given as groomsmen gifts, wristwatches are thoughtful father of the bride gifts, especially if you opt for a luxury brand like Omega, Cartier or Rolex. 

8. Impressive Chef’s Knife

One of the best luxury father of the bride gifts for a man who’s always cooking is a high-quality chef’s knife from a top-rated brand. You can find luxurious knives at a wide range of prices, but brands like Zwilling, Wusthof or Miyabi are very popular and trusted in the culinary industry. One reliable knife can be a luxurious gift all its own, but if you really want to spoil him with father of the bride gifts, purchase a whole set. 

9. Custom Tailored Suit

What is customary for the father of the bride? Typically, dad’s big moment involves dressing up to walk his daughter down the aisle, give a speech and show off with a father-daughter dance. Whether it’s for him to wear on the big day or future special occasions, if he’s never owned a custom-fit suit before, he certainly deserves one now.

10. A5 Japanese Wagyu

The wedding food will undoubtedly be fantastic, but nothing beats a tender home-cooked steak — especially if it’s real wagyu. Known as the highest grade of beef in the world, A5 Japanese wagyu steaks make for awesome luxury father of the bride gifts. Order this decadent, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth beef from a reputable site online like DeBragga, Holy Grail Steak or Snake River Farms and have it shipped directly to his door so he can enjoy a well-deserved night of luxury from the comfort of home. Go the extra mile and get him a subscription from CrowdCow.

You could also order a box of luxurious steaks from a company like ButcherBox and have them shipped to the doorstep of your favorite carnivorous dad. Whether he decides to share them with his family or keep all those hot juicy steaks to himself, steaks are some of the best simple and satisfying father of the bride gifts.

11. Leather Travel Duffle

Is he still lugging around a worn-out backpack from many years ago? For father of the bride gifts for a dad who’s always on the go, invest in a high-quality leather travel duffle. You can even have the duffle monogrammed or personalized, and he’ll be proud to take it anywhere from business trips to family vacations and private getaways. Go ultra luxurious with big name brands like Luca Faloni, Valentino and Moncler.

Meaningful Father of the Bride Gifts

12. Father of the Bride Handkerchief

If you need meaningful father of the bride gifts for a sentimental dad, a personalized handkerchief is sure to make him shed a tear — and come in handy when he does. Embroider the handkerchief with a handwritten note, words of encouragement or the lyrics of your father-daughter dance song for a meaningful keepsake he can wear close to his heart on the wedding day. 

13. Father of the Bride Cufflinks

Are you supposed to get the father of the bride a gift? While a father of the bride gift isn’t usually expected, it can be a sweet idea, especially if you choose something small but meaningful, like cufflinks he can wear to the wedding. Choose some luxurious cufflinks that match his favorite jewelry or opt for personalized cufflinks engraved with a quote or special image. 

14. Hidden Photo Tie

Surprising him with a special tie he can wear on the big day is already a great father of the bride gift. To make the occasion even more memorable, order a personalized tie with a photo hidden on the underside. When he flips the tie over, he’ll be delighted to see an old childhood photo or fond memory he’s shared with his darling daughter. Plus, the tie can easily be re-worn for future occasions to bring him happy memories wherever he goes. 

15. Pre-planned Date Night 

After a busy day doting on his daughter, one of the most meaningful father of the bride gifts is his own worry-free night out. This idea also works for mother of the bride gifts or as a way to honor the father’s partner’s role in the wedding. Plan a date night activity, book a dinner reservation with a card on file and choose a special dessert or bottle of wine for them to share when they get home. 

Father of the Bride Gift Boxes

16. Cozy Gift Set

A cozy get set is one of the easiest DIY father of the bride gift boxes or post-wedding gift ideas, and something he’s sure to appreciate after all the business and socializing. Pack a basket with new slippers, a blanket, a great movie he’s never seen, a bottle of his favorite spirits, snacks and popcorn — everything he’d need for the perfect Dad’s night in to help him unwind after the wedding.

17. Car Accessories Kit

Every father of the bride deserves to drive in style, but even if you can’t give him a fancy sports car, you can give him some father of the bride gifts to make his current ride feel more swanky. Depending on what his car needs, put together a gift box with floor mats, a handheld vacuum, cup holder coasters, a steering wheel cover, interior wipes and of course, a soothing air freshener. For an even more thoughtful touch, offer to take his car for a wash and detailing before adding the new accessories as a surprise.

18. Outdoorsman Essentials Box

Whether he likes camping, fishing, hiking, biking or kayaking, a bundle of outdoorsman essentials will always be one of the best father of the bride gifts. Stock your gift basket with items like a durable water bottle, flashlight, multitool and trail mix or jerky snacks. You can tailor the basket to his specific interests with other items like fishing lures, a duck call, a flint striker or biking tail lights. 

Father of Bride Gifts From His Daughter

19. Father Daughter Dance Artwork

The father and daughter dance is a special moment that any father of the bride looks forward to his whole life, so why not turn the cherished memory into one of the best father of the bride gifts? Through a brand like Lime & Lou you can create your own personalized “record” wall art, complete with the lyrics and title of your dance song. These father of the bride gifts are sure to make him smile every time he waltzes by.

20. Digital Photo Frame

The sweetest father of the bride gifts from his daughter are those that harken back to memories you’ve shared together. It’s impossible to capture all the great times in just one photo, so give him a digital photo frame pre-loaded with childhood pictures and fond or funny memories. When you receive the wedding photos from your photographer, you’ll be able to instantly upload them to his digital frame. 

21. Dad’s Life Story Journal

Whether he’s the strong and silent type or the dad who never stops joking, a story journal is one of the best sentimental father of the bride gifts from his daughter. There are several options available on the market, like the ubiquitous Moleskin, but most of these journals come with thought-provoking prompts to help him express his ideas and recount special memories of his life. Or you can craft your own one in a leather or book binding class. When the journal is filled, he can give it back to you to read and cherish for years to come. 

22. A Heartfelt Handwritten Letter

The best father of the bride gifts don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Write him a sweet handwritten note on pretty cardstock, being sure to thank him for his help in the wedding planning — and of course, in raising you! This is an especially sweet father of the bride gift to give him just before the wedding ceremony.

Gifts for Father of the Bride From the Groom

23. Sleek Pocket Knife

Is the groom supposed to get the father of the bride a gift? While it’s not usually expected, it can be a very kind gesture to plan a gift for your future father-in-law. When in doubt, thoughtful and practical gifts are always good father of the bride gift ideas, such as a sleek and high-quality pocket knife that he can carry with him every day and use for years to come. 

24. Custom Golf Ball Set

In the search for the perfect gifts for father of the bride from the groom, it can be tricky to pinpoint something that is unique but also practical and appreciated. You can’t go wrong choosing something that supports his hobby and shows that you care about his interests! If he’s a golfer, get him a personalized set of golf balls and tees and plan some future weekends to spend time golfing together. 

25. Personalized Whiskey Decanter

Personalized wedding gifts are great ideas for father of the bride gifts from the groom, especially if it’s something useful yet thoughtful. Whiskey is commonly given as a gift between men, and a personalized whiskey decanter will take the tradition to a new level. Have the decanter engraved with a special note, date of your wedding, his initials or a family crest or symbol. 

26. Sports Game Tickets

Easy father of the bride gifts to give from the groom, tickets to see his favorite sports team at an upcoming event near you will always be a hit. Many dads just want the opportunity to spend more time with their loved ones, so purchase enough tickets to go as a family or as a guys’ night out with just the two of you. To make the tickets even more special father of the bride gifts, look for a prime seating location, boxes or VIP packages. 

27. Engraved Catch-all Tray

He already trusts you with his daughter, so allow him to put his most important daily essentials in a trustworthy catch-all tray. Choose a polished, masculine and durable material like leather or wood and have the tray engraved with a personal message he can be reminded of every time he picks up his keys, wallet, sunglasses or other necessities. The tray can also be paired with other “drop zone” accessories like key hooks, a watch storage case or a wireless charger. 

Either before the big day or as a way to say “thank you,” giving the father of the bride gifts is a great way to honor Dad’s role in his daughter’s wedding — and in raising her into such a wonderful woman. While these father of the bride gift ideas should give you a good head start, every dad is unique, and he’s sure to be delighted and surprised by any father of the bride gifts you choose. 

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!