12 Father of the Bride Gifts Perfect for Every Dad

For dads who are more sensible than sentimental

by Jaimie Mackey
Updated 06/03/18

Photo by Patricia Lyons Photography

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.

Herschel Supply Co. 'Novel' Duffel Bag

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 an exterior pocket just for his shoes, so he has no excuse not to stay clean and organized. Stuff the bag with some of his favorite goodies, perhaps a bottle of his drink of choice.

SHOP NOW: Nordstrom, $85

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit

Photo Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

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 spicy concoctions with the help of assorted spice packs, peppers, vinegars, and brown sugar. 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.

SHOP NOW: Uncommon Goods, $34.95

Ted Baker London Trent Leather Strap Watch, 44mm

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).

SHOP NOW: Nordstrom, $175

Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones

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.

SHOP NOW: Nordstrom, $149.95

DEWALT 15 Amp 12 in. Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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. This tool of the trade features an adjustable plate for more precise cutting, and its small size makes for easy storage and transport.

SHOP NOW: Home Depot, $407.39

Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select

Courtesy of Reserve Bar

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.

SHOP NOW: Reserve Bar, $42

Escalade Sports 5 Piece Dart Board Set

Courtesy of Wayfair

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.

SHOP NOW: Wayfair, was $139.99, now $115.99

Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knives, Set of 6

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!

SHOP NOW: Crate and Barrel, $109.95

Red Wing Leather Classic Bifold in London Tan

Courtesy of Red Wing Shoes

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?

SHOP NOW: Todd Snyder, $129

Ray-Ban Blaze Wayfarer Square Sunglasses

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.

SHOP NOW: Bloomingdale's, $173

Hanro Sky Cotton 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.

SHOP NOW: Barney's, was $238, now $159

See more: How Can I Include My Dad in Wedding Planning?

This Is Ground Mod Laptop 3

Organized dads (or ones who need a hand in that area) will love receiving a suave carry-all for all tech and traveling essentials. Perfect for the office or the airport, this case has compartments designed specifically for dad's laptop, smart phone, chargers, writing utensils, and so much more.

SHOP NOW: Spring, $599

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