Great question, isn't it? When was the last time the new Dad was given any thought when it came to a baby shower and gift giving? If you ask most dads, this is no big deal to them, as baby showers and gift giving are traditionally in the realm of moms.
But there are dads out there who are of the new thinking where dads want to be a bigger part of the upcoming birth and raising of their child.
They want to play a more participatory role in the joy and the gatherings that lead up to the date of birth.
Dads want to be more than just the breadwinner and the disciplinarian who sits in the background and controls the 'parade'.
Because of this, it is important to include the new dad when planning on your gift giving ideas for the parents-to-be.
While it is a given that new dads really don't want to open a gift and find breast pumps or diapers, there has got to be something that they can find in that gift box that they will not only appreciate but will use as well.
But what would that perfect gift be? To begin with, decide on the atmosphere surrounding the baby gift for dad.
Do you want to convey a sense of whimsy or is the new dad more of a serious type of dad? To answer that you have to know a little bit about the personality of this dad.
Also, take a look at the planned showers and celebrations that are being organized for the upcoming event in the dad's life.
If the new dad is being invited to casual and relaxed baby showers in the atmosphere of neighborhood barbecues or block parties then a whimsical, light-humored gift would be just fine.
If you are thinking that it would be better, or safer to take the serious route for the new dad gift giving plans then you would want to focus on the kind of activities the dad-to-be likes to participate in.
Is he a golfer, a model ship builder, or a bird watcher? Then you might want to give a set of golf balls, tees or club socks with a new baby motif, a ship model named for the family with a tiny baby in the crow's nest, or a bird watchers guide with a book cover in either blue or pink.
T-shirts are always a safe bet with dads.
And there are numerous online stores that cater to funny slogans that can have a baby theme to it.
How about a utility belt complete with a set of much needed baby supplies, like wipes, ointment, bottles and an odor-blocking face mask? Whichever path of selecting the dad's gift you decide to follow - humorous or serious - remembering him in this 'Mom' time will be always appreciated.
He is just as nervous, excited, and even perhaps more scared than the mom-to-be.