25 Sentimental But Non-Cheesy Gifts for the Father of the Bride

He's a little cheesy, but his gift doesn't have to be.
Collage of father of the bride gifts
Photos, left to right: Original Grain, Loaves Fish Fellow, Lime & Lou, Cufflinks,Graphic: Falak Khoja
emily rumsey the knot editor
by
Emily Rumsey
emily rumsey the knot editor
Emily Rumsey
Assistant Commerce Updates Editor
  • Emily helps maintain and update e-commerce content for The Knot
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Emily worked as a website editor and manager for The Paleo Diet®
  • Emily holds two bachelor's degrees in Journalism and International Affairs with a Chinese minor
Updated Jul 17, 2024
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.

Here's why girl dads can be hypocrites: They tell you how amazing you are throughout your life, then they get upset when someone else sees it too. It's nothing personal to you or your fiancé; they just want what's best for you. Father-of-the-bride gifts will ease some of their worries—as will a plan to visit at least three times a year and to call every day.

A thoughtful father-of-the-bride present or a future father-in-law gift also thanks him for his love and support and reinforces the important role he plays in the wedding (and in your lives). It's a lot to ask of one present, but trust us, it's really the thought that counts here. Shop our favorite wedding gifts for the father of the bride below with sentimental and practical picks for any ol' man. Don't forget to pair your gift with a handwritten letter to Dad, because nothing says, "thanks for everything'" quite like your own heartfelt words.

1. Sentimental Tie Patch

Sentimental tie patch gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: ephemeraneedlework

We couldn't resist the urge to start off with something sentimental. What can we say? We work in the wedding industry, we're naturally sappy people. 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 childhood photo together 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. "I Loved You First" Photo Cuff Links

Sentimental cufflink gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Cufflinks.com

Here's another tearjerker. These cuff links say, "I loved you first" on one and a photo of the father of the bride with his daughter on the other. He'll really be wearing his heart on his sleeve at the wedding. *Holds back tears.*

3. Father-Daughter Dance Artwork

Custom wall art gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Lime & Lou

Prep a piece of artwork as a sentimental father-of-the-bride present. If you plan to have a father-daughter dance at your wedding, the makers of this gift will turn the lyrics of your chosen song into a vinyl record that's printed and framed. You can even add a personal note at the bottom, like the special date.

4. Heartfelt Handkerchief Message

Heartfelt customized handkerchief gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: LoavesFishFellowship

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." The seller also has four other unique quotes available—or you can write your own. Despite the customization, this hankie is machine washable, so he can also use it to blow his nose and wipe his tears.

5. Personal Story Book

Personalized story book gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Storyworth

It's natural for weddings to make people reminisce about the past. None of your dad's memories, and valuable life lessons, will be forgotten with a StoryWorth subscription. The creators behind this unique father-of-the-bride gift will collect stories from his life by emailing him a question or prompt every week for a year. Once the year is up, everything he submitted is bound together in a keepsake book for your entire family to enjoy.

6. Reclaimed Whiskey Barrel Watch

Whiskey barrel watch gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Original Grain

For luxury father-of-the-bride gift ideas, explore expertly crafted watches. We're fans of Original Grain, which uses recycled wood to make unique timepieces. This one, for instance, is made from a reclaimed whiskey barrel. There are also watches crafted from beer and tequila barrels, Taylor guitars, military surplus, ocean plastic and more. Better still, you can have the back custom engraved.

7. Personalized Watch Box

Personalized watch box father of the bride gift
Photo: Personalization Mall

If he already has cherished timepieces, a personalized watch box is the perfect place to store them while still letting him know your best times are spent with him. This vegan leather organizer holds five watches in its plush velvet interior and has a glass lid that elegantly displays them while keeping them free from dust. Add a personal touch by engraving a name or message on the lid. 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.

Recieve 15% off your entire order with our code KNOT15PM!

8. Novelty Tie Bar

Novelty tie bar father of the bride gift
Photo: Cufflinks.com

When it comes to selecting a gift for the father of the groom, you want something that is both meaningful and unique, reflecting his personality and interests. If he happens to be a Star Wars enthusiast, this Obi-Wan lightsaber tie clip from Cufflinks.com could be the perfect choice. It's not just a fun accessory but a symbol of wisdom and mentorship like he's provided you as his daughter or future in-law. The site has dozens of novelty tie bars to shop, featuring sports teams, hobbies and other popular movie franchises.

9. Father-of-the-Bride Socks

Father-of-the-bride socks gift
Photo: KOYSARsocks

Gift father-of-the-bride apparel that reflects the act he's about to fulfill. These socks list his role and the date on one, while the other reads: "Special socks for a special walk." They come in black, three shades of grey, two blues and two browns to easily match his formalwear.

10. Custom-Engraved Belt

Engraved belt gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: NovaLeatherGoods

The finishing touch to the father-of-the-bride's wedding day look: a custom belt. Choose between black, brown, tan, blue 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!"

11. Cool Bottle Opener

Game used baseball bat bottle opener gift for father of the bride
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Have a baseball fan on your hands? He'll be super impressed by a bottle opener made from an actual game-used bat from his favorite team. (There's also one made from an NHL-game-used hockey stick if that's his sport of choice.) Trust us, this one tops the list of unique father-of-the-bride gift ideas that commemorate a hobby you both enjoy.

12. Novelty Whiskey Chillers

Golfball shaped ice cube gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Uncommon Goods

If you're shopping for a golfer, this gift for the father of the bride is a hole-in-one. These golf ball-inspired whiskey chillers will keep his booze at the ideal temp without watering it down—score! Pair them with his favorite liquor so he can use them right away.

13. Photo Golf Ball Set

Personalized golf ball gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Personalization Mall

Ever thought about putting your face on golf balls? Love the idea now that you've heard it? This set of 12 Calway golf balls can each have a unique photo on them. If you're looking for a wedding gift for your bride's father, no matter how much he likes you, he might get a kick out of taking a club to your face—figuratively, of course.

Don't forget to use our code KNOT15PM! for 15% off your order.

14. Topographic Whiskey Glasses

Whiskey glass gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Huckberry

You love your father's or father-in-law's adventurous spirit. Honor that with this dad of the bride gift. Made from 100-percent-lead-free glass, this set of handblown tumblers features the topographic impression of a famous mountain range, like Zion or the Rockies. Same rules as above, make sure to include his favorite whiskey in the gift bag.

15. Personalized Whiskey Decanter

Personalized whiskey decanter father of the bride gift
Photo: Swanky Badger

A bottle of whiskey is a good father-of-the-bride gift, but a luxe decanter filled with whiskey is 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. Perfect for the whiskey connoisseur, it adds a touch of sophistication to his bar while serving as a heartfelt addition to a special daddy-daughter toast on the wedding day.

Get 10% off sitewide with our code THEKNOT10.

16. Keepsake Fishing Lure

Father of the bride fishing gift lure
Photo: sierrametaldesign

This thoughtful pick is the perfect gift for the father of the bride who spends his weekends fishing with his buddies. He'll be hooked on this custom fishing lure, engraved with "Father of the Bride," the couple's 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!

17. Illustrated Wedding Portrait

Illustrated wedding portrait gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: TheDesignParlour

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 look-alikes. Then add your name and wedding date as well as a custom quote. You can order it printed, framed or as a digital download.

18. Meaningful Glass Ornament

Meaningful glass ornament father of the bride gift
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Here's a gift idea he'll immediately want to put on display. These beautiful glass globes symbolize different family roles and relationships, including one for fatherhood. The colorful tree design celebrates the selfless help and guidance your dad has delivered over the years.

19. Cute Fill-in-the-Blanks Book

What I Love About Dad by Me fill-in-the-blanks book
Photo: Knock Knock

If you're not sure how to put your love for your father into words, a book of fill-in-the-blanks can help. It's chock 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'll definitely reread it every time he misses you.

20. "Like Father, Like Daughter" Mug

Like Father Like Daughter mug gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: LesBleus

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. You can then personalize it with each of your names. We love that he'll want to use this long after the wedding day. Pair it with a bag of his favorite coffee grounds.

21. Leather Slippers

Leather slipper gift idea for father of the bride.
Photo: Nordstrom

These bad boys may not be cheap, but they're worth every penny. These smart-looking slippers are pretty much made for the FOB who prides himself on his style even when he's chilling at home. Plus, elastic panels, a shearling-lined interior and soft nubuck leather make them so comfy that he might never take them off.

22. Monogrammed Leather Travel Pouch

Mark & Graham leather travel pouch father of the bride gift
Photo: Mark & Graham

Bestow a father-of-the-bride gift that combines style and practicality. This vegan leather Dopp kit features a nylon lining that can organize all his grooming essentials during travel so he looks his best no matter where he goes. It can even be foil debossed with his monogram for extra sophistication. If you're throwing a destination wedding, it's a thoughtful father-of-the-bride gift from the groom, bride or to-be-wed to ensure that dad feels just as pampered as the rest of your wedding party.

23. Engraved Wallet Card Inserts

Custom wallet card father of the bride gift
Photo: LuckyHorseGiftCo

Does he still carry your headshot 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—maybe even from the wedding day—while the other side features a custom note. Crafted from stainless steel, it's designed to withstand daily use without bending or tearing, ensuring he can cherish it for years to come.

24. Custom Map-Filled Foil Art

Gold foil custom map art thoughtful gift idea for father of the bride
Photo: Minted

Show him you'll never forget the streets you walked together on—hand in hand—when you were a little kid with this meaningful but non-cheesy father-of-the-bride gift. Minted will transform your childhood neighborhood into a shiny foil print. Add a stylish picture frame so this father's gift from the bride is ready to hang right away. Trust us, it'll earn prime real estate in his home.

25. Iron Figurine of Father and Daughter

Iron father and daughter figurine father of the bride gift
Photo: Amazon

Capture the heartfelt bond between a father and daughter with this sculpture. Fittingly entitled "My Best Friend," the piece depicts how you'll always see each other no matter how much you grow up: him tall and strong, and you as his little girl, lovingly carried on his shoulders. Crafted from durable cast iron and designed with a felt base to protect surfaces, it's so much more than just a gift. Perfect for home décor, it evokes warm memories and adds a touch of sentimentality to any space.

Up Next
  • Collage of four gift ideas for father-in-law
    The Best Gifts for Your Father-in-Law for Any Occasion