Unforgettable first Father’s Day gift ideas.
Craft something heartfelt he’ll cherish forever.

Why the first Father’s Day is so meaningful.
There’s something truly special about celebrating Father’s Day for the very first time. It marks a magical new chapter in a person’s life, filled with sleepless nights, endless cuddles, and bundles of love. For new dads, this day is a reminder of how far they’ve come and a chance to feel seen and appreciated for all the love and care they’re giving their little one. Turning these tiny milestones into treasured memories can make the perfect gift to celebrate on the first Father’s Day.
A thoughtful Father’s Day gift, no matter how big or small, can speak volumes. Whether you’re a partner, friend, or family member, your gesture can help mark the day in a meaningful way. From personalised keepsakes to handmade tokens, there are plenty of creative ways to say, “You’re doing a brilliant job” and “You’re a great dad.” With Adobe Express, you can easily bring your gift ideas to life with custom designs that feel just as unique and heartfelt as the occasion itself.
Sentimental first Father’s Day gift ideas.
When it comes to a first Father’s Day, it’s not about grand gestures. Instead, the best gifts and cards are about creating something that holds emotional value. Sentimental gifts are a perfect way to honour a dad’s new journey and capture moments that matter. Think framed photos of him holding his baby for the first time, or a printed letter sharing your thoughts on watching him become a father. These are the kind of gifts that stay on shelves and in hearts for years to come. Explore these first Father’s Day cards for inspiration.
You could also design a “dad and baby” memory book with photos, firsts, and favourite quotes. Or create a custom card with a heartfelt message and baby’s tiny handprint. Gifts like these turn ordinary moments into lasting keepsakes. It’s simple to design these items with easy-to-use templates for cards, photo collages, calendars, and more. With just a few clicks, you can create something beautifully personal that he’ll treasure forever. You can even design and print your card straight through Adobe Express.
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Simple Father’s Day gift ideas you can make yourself.
Sometimes, the simplest gifts leave the biggest impression, especially when they’re made with love and care. If you’re short on time or budget, DIY gifts are a thoughtful and rewarding way to mark a first Father’s Day.
Here’s how to get started:
- Design a custom card. Use Adobe Express to choose a card template and personalise it with your message, baby’s name, and maybe even a hand or footprint image.
- Create a “Dad’s First Year” photo print. Select milestone photos like the first cuddle, first bath, first smile, and first crawl, and turn them into a collage or framed print. If your first-time dad will love a photo gift, take a look at these photo gift ideas that you could try.
- Make a custom mug or t-shirt. Add a fun phrase like “Sleepless but smashing it” or “#1 Dad” to create a memorable item that’s one-of-a-kind. You can design and order prints of your t-shirt on Adobe Express. If the first-time dad needs some rest and relaxation, why not craft some candles and add your own novelty candle labels to them?
- Craft a mini scrapbook. Use printed photos and a few handwritten notes to create a storybook of the first few months of dad's life. Create a digital scrapbook that you can share with family and friends. Explore these scrapbook ideas for more inspiration.
- Post a special message on social media. Some dads just love sharing pics and videos of their little one with friends and family online. To celebrate his first Father’s Day, why not create a video montage of the best moments with him and his child. You can create Instagram posts or Instagram Reels, or create a TikTok video filled with the firsts and funniest moments.
Each of these ideas can be pulled together quickly using Adobe Express, even if you’ve never designed anything before. Just choose a template, tweak the text and colours, add any photos, and your special gift will be ready to go.
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Creative first Father’s Day gift ideas from his child.
While a baby might not be able to pick out gifts yet, that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of the celebration. In fact, gifts that come “from” the child often end up being the most heartwarming. A fingerprint painting or scribbly “drawing” made into a card is a timeless choice. Maybe create a card with everyone’s handprints in them, or with little moments from each month from the baby’s first year with their father. You could also design a “Dad and Me” storybook, featuring photos and a fun little story about their daily adventures together. Discover more wall photo frame collage ideas for inspiration.
Even something as simple as a printout with the baby’s handprint and a short message can become a treasured keepsake. Using Adobe Express, you can upload your baby’s artwork and turn it into prints, cards, or even a background wallpaper for your laptop. It's a lovely way to show how much dad is loved, even if the little one can’t quite say it yet.
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Tips for choosing a gift that’s perfect for his first-ever Father’s Day.
Choosing the right first Father’s Day gift doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just needs to be thoughtful. Start by thinking about what matters most to him.
Is he sentimental? Then he might love a memory book or custom print. Is he funny and light-hearted? A novelty t-shirt or hoodie with a printed “#1 Dad” logo might be just the thing. Is he practical? A personalised travel mug for when he’s out and about with his little one could be the gift for him. Does he love being in the spotlight? A video of all his funniest moments with his kid could be the gift for him. Plus, he may even find fame online and go viral across social media for stepping on a piece of lego. Whatever his character and style, you’re sure to find the right gift for him.
Next, think about how he spends his time. A desk calendar featuring baby photos could be ideal for a working dad. Or if he’s at home, maybe a framed “Dad’s First Year” collage to hang in the kitchen or hallway will make him smile every time he passes it. And remember, it’s not about cost, it’s about capturing a moment in time. Adobe Express gives you everything you need to create something meaningful, even if you’re short on time or creative experience. Don’t forget to create a Father’s Day card to pair with your gift.
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How Adobe Express can help you.
Adobe Express makes it easy to create thoughtful, personal Father’s Day gifts using free templates you can customise in minutes. Adjust colours, fonts, and layouts to match your message, style, or brand. Add your own photos to create special cards or movie montages. Discover hundreds of designs made for cards, prints, and more first Father’s Day gifts.
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(To pull in manually curated templates if needed)
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(number of templates to load each pagination. Min. 5)
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