35 Sentimental Gifts for the Father of the Bride
Your dad has been there for you every step of the way, from learning to walk to walking down the aisle. Show how grateful you are for his continued love and support with thoughtful father-of-the-bride gifts that he'll use far beyond the big day. If you need help picking out a father-of-the-bride present (or maybe even a future father-in-law gift), we can help. We've rounded up the best wedding gifts for the father of the bride, from sentimental keepsakes to practical picks he can wear to the wedding. Don't forget to pair your gift with a handwritten letter to Dad to elevate the gesture. (Psst: We bet he'll love a note saying you may not live in the same house, but you'll always answer his calls.)
1. Sentimental Tie Patch
Small keepsakes that can be worn on the wedding day are one of our favorite ideas for wedding gifts to parents. For Dad, have your favorite throwback photo printed onto a heart-shaped patch, then sewn onto the inside of his tie. It can even be embroidered with a small note like, "Forever your little girl." It's supposed to be a secret just for him, but he'll definitely be showing it to all the wedding guests with pride.
2. Father-Daughter Dance Artwork
Get a piece of artwork as a sentimental father-of-the-bride present. If you plan to have a father-daughter dance at your wedding, have the song lyrics preserved on a printed canvas. Add a personal note for a thoughtful tribute to this memorable moment with your dad.
3. Personalized Whiskey Decanter
A bottle of whiskey is a good father-of-the-bride gift, but a luxe decanter filled with whiskey is even better. This sleek, modern decanter can be customized with his name or monogram on the front and a special message on the back, turning it into a cherished keepsake. It'll add a sophisticated touch to a special daddy-daughter toast on the wedding day.
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4. "I Loved You First" Cufflinks
Here's another gift for the father of the bride that'll evoke happy tears. These cufflinks say, "I loved you first" on one and a photo of the father of the bride with his daughter on the other. He'll (literally) be wearing his heart on his sleeve with this thoughtful and nostalgic gift.
5. Monogrammed Travel Pouch
This leather travel pouch is a father-of-the-bride gift that combines style and practicality. It's ideal for organizing his grooming essentials during travel so he looks his best no matter where he goes. We think it's an especially fitting option if you're having a destination wedding. Have it foil debossed with his monogram for extra sophistication.
6. Heartfelt Handkerchief Message
When it comes to the best father-of-the-bride gifts, we're suckers for anything sweet and sentimental, like these keepsake handkerchiefs addressed to Dad. This one reads, "Giving me away doesn't mean letting go. I'm so grateful to have you by my side, today and always." Four other quotes are available or you can write your own. Bonus: The hankie is machine washable, so he can actually use it to wipe his tears.
7. Digital Picture Frame
A digital picture frame is one of our favorite father-of-the-bride gift ideas. The perfect balance between practical and thoughtful, it's a fun way to show off all your wedding photos. When you get your final edit, upload your snapshots to this handy device so he can relive the big day all over again. Bonus: You can keep adding pictures from future events, like your honeymoon or anniversary.
8. Personal Story Book
It's natural for weddings to make people reminisce about the past. Ensure your dad's valuable life lessons and memories are preserved with a Storyworth subscription. He'll be emailed prompts every week for a year which he can answer in his own words. Once the year is up, his stories will be assembled in a keepsake book the whole family can enjoy.
9. Engraved Tumbler
This engraved tumbler is one of the most unique father-of-the-bride gifts we could find. It's etched with a heartfelt message in your own handwriting (yes, really!) and his role title for a bespoke piece of glassware. Choose from two styles, then pair it with a bottle of whiskey so he can sip in style.
10. Novelty Tie Bar
When it comes to selecting a gift for the father of the bride, aim for something that reflects his personality and interests. If he's a Star Wars enthusiast, this Luke Skywalker lightsaber tie clip is a fun accessory to add to his wedding attire. And, if he's not a movie buff, the site has dozens of other styles, including sports and holiday-themed designs.
11. Personalized Hobby Mug
A gift for the father-of-the-bride doesn't necessarily have to be wedding-related. If you're looking for something that's more personal to him, snag him a mug inspired by his favorite hobby. Choose from numerous customization options to match his appearance and most-loved pastime, whether that's golfing, reading, cycling or DIY.
12. Sparkling Wine Set
Shopping for luxury gifts for the father of the bride? Spoil him silly with a bottle of prosecco from Lamborghini, the famous car manufacturer. This dry sparkling wine comes in a fancy gold bottle with two crystal glasses engraved with the brand logo. Crack it open on the morning of the wedding so you can share a toast as you get ready. Cheers!
13. Chanel Fragrance Balm
Cologne is another great gift for the father of the bride, especially if he's hard to shop for. This Chanel fragrance balm has a rich moisturizing formula and blends citrus notes with sandalwood for a fresh, woody scent. He can use it on his hands, hair and beard, making it a versatile addition to his grooming regime.
14. Personalized Poetry Keepsake
You could write your dad a poem on your wedding day…or you could give him this unique keepsake. This personalized plaque is a sentimental father-of-the-bride gift he'll proudly display on the mantle. You can choose from seven poems or get creative and write your own. Either way, he'll be touched by this meaningful and memorable gift.
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15. Personalized Belt
Add the finishing touch to the father-of-the-bride's wedding day look with a custom belt. Choose between black, brown, tan, blue, green or gray leather, then have it engraved with a short message in up to three different places. You could even add a dad joke, like "Thanks for holding me up!"
16. Reclaimed Whiskey Barrel Watch
For luxe father-of-the-bride gift ideas, explore expertly crafted watches. We're fans of Original Grain, a brand that uses recycled wood to make timepieces like this reclaimed whiskey barrel watch. They also offer designs crafted from beer and tequila barrels, Taylor guitars, coffee beans and more. Better still, you can have the back engraved with a short message.
17. Hockey Stick BBQ Set
Have a hockey fan on your hands? He'll be super impressed by these BBQ tools made out of repurposed game-used hockey sticks. The set includes a spatula, bottle opener, tongs and fork—basically everything he needs to fire up the grill on game day. It's one of our favorite father-of-the-bride gift ideas for a dad who loves cooking and watching sports.
18. Monogrammed Pajamas
Pajamas aren't just great mother-of-the-bride gifts, you know! They're also a surprisingly thoughtful present for the father of the bride. This set includes a button-down top and matching pants made from soft modal fabric with contrast piping details. Have them monogrammed with his initials or simply, "Dad" to finish them off.
19. Fun Experience
Still looking for good gift ideas for the father of the bride? If he already has everything he could possibly need, try a fun experience gift. Tinggly's "Thank You" voucher allows him to choose from more than 14,000 activities, both in the US and internationally. To be extra thoughtful, you could offer to do something fun with him after the wedding is over. Trust us, it'll mean the world to him.
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20. Personalized Watch Box
If he already has a few timepieces, a personalized watch box is the perfect place to store them. This faux leather organizer holds five watches in its plush velvet interior and has a glass lid that can be engraved with a name or message. Each time he reaches for a watch, he'll be reminded of the meaningful moments shared and the significant part he played in your big day.
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21. Customized Baseball
Still searching for father-of-the-bride present ideas? We suggest something inspired by a cherished memory. If he spent countless weekends watching baseball with you over the years, he'll love this customized keepsake. The leather baseball is personalized with a message addressed to him in your own handwriting.
22. Compact Camping Flask
You love your father's adventurous spirit. Honor his outdoorsy personality with this dad-of-the-bride gift. The compact flask is perfect for camping or fishing trips and features double-wall insulation to keep his drink at the perfect temperature. It comes with a shot glass that is attached by a magnetic lock system, so he'll never lose it.
23. Beard Grooming Kit
Sometimes, the best father-of-the bride gifts are simple. If your dad has been rocking a beard for as long as you can remember, he'll appreciate this grooming kit. It's packed with self-care goodies, including beard wash, face lotion, hydrating beard butter, oil and a comb to tame his facial hair. Choose from three aromatic scents for a practical gift he can use before and after the wedding.
24. Father-of-the-Bride Socks
We love father-of-the-bride apparel that reflects the act he's about to fulfill. These socks list his role, the wedding date and a sweet message that reads: "Special socks for a special walk." They come in black, gray, brown, khaki and navy to easily coordinate with his formalwear. Add a matching drawstring bag so you can skip the gift wrap.
25. Personalized Golf Accessories
Ever thought about putting your face on golf balls? Love the idea now that you've heard it? Golfballs.com offers an array of customizable designs, including fun photo motifs. If you're looking for a wedding gift for your bride's father, these personalized golf accessories will make him chuckle. In addition to six golf balls, this set also includes tees, ball markers and a divot tool.
26. Fill-in-the-Blank Book
If you're not sure how to put your love for your father into words, this fill-in-the-blank book can help. It's full of prompts to tell your dad everything you appreciate about him. Talk about a sweet wedding gift for a dad from his daughter. He can reread it every time he misses you.
27. Cigar Case and Cutter
Growing up, he probably made you swear never to smoke, conveniently forgetting that he's partial to a cigar every now and then. Poke fun at his occasional smoking habit by giving him this cigar case and cutter as a father-of-the-bride gift. It's made from polished stainless steel and can be etched with his name or title.
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28. Illustrated Wedding Portrait
You don't have to wait until the wedding album drops for this father-of-the-bride gift from his daughter. Just choose from a large assortment of skin colors, hairstyles and attire options to create your illustrated lookalikes. Then add your name and wedding date as well as a custom quote. You can order it printed, framed or as a digital download.
29. Personalized Whiskey Barrel
Here's a father-of-the-bride gift and fun project in one: a personalized whiskey barrel where he can age his own spirits. You can choose the barrel only, or upgrade to a whiskey kit with one or three flavor essences. The result: He can enhance his favorite brand's whiskey to peak flavor up to 10 times faster than a professional distillery. Cool, we know.
30. Cozy Slippers
These cozy slippers are perfect for a FOB who loves to relax. They're made from suede leather and have a faux fur lining to keep his toes warm. We love the classic moccasin design and that they're affordable yet stylish. He can wear them on the morning of the wedding before slipping on his dress shoes.
31. Keepsake Fishing Lure
Looking for a gift for a father of the bride who enjoys fishing? He'll be hooked on this custom fishing lure, engraved with "father of the bride," your names and wedding date. Every time he casts his line, he'll reel in not just fish but fond memories of his daughter's special day. It's a catch he'll never want to release!
32. Novelty Whiskey Chillers
If you're shopping for a golfer, this father-of-the-bride gift is a hole-in-one. These golf ball-inspired whiskey chillers will keep his booze at the ideal temp without watering it down (which he'll definitely appreciate). Pair them with his favorite liquor so he can use them right away.
33. Engraved Wallet Card Inserts
Does he still carry your headshots from kindergarten through high school in his wallet? Add to his collection with this personalized wallet insert. One side displays a recent picture of you both, like from the wedding day, while the reverse features a custom note. It's made from stainless steel and is designed to withstand daily use without bending or tearing, so he'll have it for years to come.
34. Iron Figurine of Father and Daughter
Capture the heartfelt bond between a father and daughter with this sculpture. The unique piece depicts how you'll always see each other: him tall and strong, and you as his little girl, lovingly carried on his shoulders. Crafted from durable cast iron with a felt base to protect surfaces, it'll bring the warm fuzzies wherever he displays it.
35. "Like Father, Like Daughter" Mug
If you got your looks and mannerisms from your pops, this is a funny father-of-the-bride gift idea. It jokes, "Like father, like daughter…oh crap" and illustrates two hands fist-bumping, along with your names. Pair it with a bag of his favorite coffee grounds for a present he'll use long after the wedding day.
Our team received [some of] these products as promotional samples in exchange for editorial consideration and independent review.
Alison Meehan contributed to this article.