Your wedding day is a big day for your parents, too, and surprising them with special parents-of-the-bride or -groom gifts is a great way to honor the occasion and acknowledge the role they've played in getting you this far. The tough thing? Fathers are notoriously hard to shop for, and picking a gift he'll love that commemorates your big day is a double-whammy. For sentimental father of the bride gifts, there are so many options to choose from, whether it's a handkerchief embroidered with "I loved you first" or cufflinks featuring your wedding date. But some dads just aren't the sappy type, which raises the question: What to get the father of the bride when he's not the heart-on-his-sleeve type of dad? Not to worry! We've put together a list of father of the bride gift ideas he'll love, even if emotions aren't his strong suit.
Courtesy of J. Crew
A Durable Duffel
For the traveling dad, ensure that he commutes in style with a trusty duffel bag, large enough to store all his essentials. This duffel even features a removable drawstring bag for dirty laundry, so your dad has no excuse not to stay organized. Add a personalized touch with a monogram or an embossed leather handle, and stuff the bag with some of his favorite goodies, perhaps a bottle of his drink of choice. (Harwick Duffel Bag, $128, available at J. Crew)
Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
A Flavorful Cooking Kit
If your dad is a cooking extraordinaire and can whip up wondrous creations in the kitchen, treat him to a DIY BBQ sauce kit. Your chef of a father can easily make and store his own tomato-based sauce, mustard sauce, and a peppery mop sauce. It's the gift that keeps on giving, since he'll want to drizzle his homemade condiments over everything—and hopefully he'll share with you. (Artisan BBQ Sauce Kit, $39.95, available at Williams-Sonoma)
Courtesy of Ted Baker London
Trendy Timepiece
For a dad who loves to accessorize, add some leather flair to his wrist. A bride's love for her father is timeless, so send the message through a fashionable watch. Give him this gift before the wedding so he can wear his own "something new" as he walks you down the aisle (and to further ensure he arrives on time). (Ted Baker London Trent Leather Strap Watch, $175, available at Nordstrom)
Courtesy of Bose
New Tech Toys
For the tech-savvy dad who loves to jam out, gift with him with a pair of durable, weather-resistant wireless headphones. He'll love the Bluetooth feature, and he can sport these anywhere, from evening runs to mowing the lawn. They're ideal for high sound quality and drowning out noise. (Bose SoundSport® In-Ear Bluetooth® Headphones, $149.95, available at Nordstrom)
Courtesy of Home Depot
Tools of the Trade
Is your dad always tinkering in the garage? Spring for the table saw he's had his eye on, or upgrade him to a new drill. Or is he more often found in the kitchen? Those kitchen gadgets and awesome appliances aren't just for your wedding registry. (Dewalt Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, from $399.00, available at Home Depot)
A Stiff Drink
For a dad with an impressive wine collection or a fondness for craft cocktails, seek out a bottle of something he'll really enjoy. You could tuck it into an engraved wooden box, or have the bottle itself engraved — some distilleries (like Woodford Reserve) even offer their own engraving services. You could also purchase a decanter so he can serve something from his own collection in style. (Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, $42.00, available at Reserve Bar)
Accessories for His Man Cave
If your dad has carved out a space all his own at home, give him something to dress it up a little more. We love classic games, like a beautiful dart board or a hand-carved chess set, as well as more playful items like monogrammed glassware or a fun sign. (Escalade Sports 5 Piece Dart Board Set, $132.99, available at Wayfair)
A Classic Read
Intellectual dads will love receiving a leather-bound set of traditional tomes (like The Swiss Family Robinson and Catcher in the Rye). Better yet, figure out which book is his all-time favorite and hunt down a vintage copy. Don't forget a bookmark! (The Swiss Family Robinson, $256, available at The Easton Press)
Steak Knives
Whether your dad is a grill-master or just loves eating steak, consider surprising him with a new set of steak knives. Go for a smooth (not serrated) blade that can be sharpened at home. And make sure you're invited over for dinner! (Laguiole Jean Dubost Steak Knife Set, $99.95, available at Williams-Sonoma)
A Leather Wallet
When was the last time your father got a new wallet? If it has been a while, now might be the time to get him a new one. And what better to tuck into one of those empty pockets than a wallet-size print of your engagement picture and a note? (Credit Wallet With ID Passcase, $135, available at Bosca)
Courtesy of Ray-Ban
Cool Shades
For a dad with a sense of style, up his game with some awesome sunglasses. Whether you go for classic aviators or a more modern all-wood pair, he'll look sharp seated front-row at your outdoor ceremony or during his next round of golf. (Ray-Ban Blaze Wayfarer Square Sunglasses, $173, available at Bloomingdale's)
See more: How Can I Include My Dad in Wedding Planning?
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
A Cozy Robe
Even dads love to lounge on weekend mornings, and if your dad's "coffee and the paper" attire is looking a little tired, give him an update with a new robe and slippers. (Hotel Piped Trim Robe, from $79, available at Pottery Barn)
