A father of the bride gift is a heartwarming and emotional present for any dad, especially if it comes from his little girl. It’s the perfect way to say I love you, thank you for raising me, supporting me and always having my back.
Now, don’t think father of the bride gifts have to be expensive. Nope! Small, sentimental keepsakes can be budget-friendly while still showing him how deeply he is loved.
I mean, a beautiful handwritten letter is virtually free and something he will cherish for the rest of his life. Add a sweet handkerchief with the letter and you may have just put together one of the best gifts he’ll ever receive (besides his kids, of course).
When you’re done exploring these father of the bride gift ideas, be sure to check out my ideas for bridal shower gifts for guests and bridal shower ideas for the bride.
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What to think about when choosing gifts for father of the bride
Before getting the actual gift, it’s important to think about these:
- His personality: is he the dad who is allergic to emotion or is he more in tune with them? Would he feel awkward receiving a deeply sentimental gift or would he adore the moment? This helps when deciding what to get and when to give him the gift.
- Who’s the gift from: is the gift coming from his partner, his daughter, from the groom, or from his future in-laws? The relationship matters when getting the gift. Champagne and cigars might be great from the groom and his family, but sweet photos and notes are perfect from his daughter.
- When will he receive the gift: father of the bride gifts from the bride can be given anytime including on the day of the wedding. Sometimes, the gift is meant to be part of his outfit.
- Budget: while the meaning matters more than the price, how much are you willing to budget? Under $50 or a couple grand? Watches and alcohol are pricey but lovely letters and photos aren’t.
Ideas for dad wedding gift from bride
For truly heartwarming gifts for dad from the bride, here are a couple great choices.
1. Memory jar
This gift is best given during private, special moments before or after the wedding. It comes with 50 cards that the bride can write all the reasons why she loves and appreciates her dad. It’ll warm his heart when he opens each note and reads them.
2. Keychain
Super small and simple, this keychain is a really lovely gift for the dads that never want to be fussed about or get overly emotional. Every time he uses his keys, he’ll remember the sweet moment when his daughter gave it to him.
3. Wallet card
Another simple gift, this wallet card will certainly give the dad all the feels. It appreciates him for his hard work and sacrifices while saying I love you.
4. Desk decor
For sentimental keepsakes he’ll see everyday, desk decor is a wonderful way to praise him for all he’s done. These are pretty inexpensive too but would certainly mean the world to him.
This one is dual-purposed, thanks to the clock on it.
5. Digital frame
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a digital frame displaying all the photos of your family together would surely be worth essays. It’s a great gift that can be updated as the months and years go by with new photos.
Father of the bride gifts he can wear at the wedding
6. Watch
A quality watch is one of those presents that a dad can wear every single day. To turn it into a more memorable wedding gift for the father of the bride, consider getting the back engraved with a heartfelt phrase and the year.
You can opt for the popular classics like these or stop by a more exclusive store and pick up a Rolex for him.
7. Tie clip
An adorable gift he can wear at the wedding, this tie clip is made of stainless steel and can be customized to include his initials on the front and a beautiful saying at the back. “You’re the best dad” or “forever your little girl” are perfect here!
8. Tie patches
If you’re getting a customized tie clip, you can definitely add a peel-and-stick photo tie patch to the gift. Upload your favorite photo of the father of the bride with his daughter to personalize the patch. Add the stickers to the ties he’s wearing for the ceremony and reception.
9. Cuff links
Sweet stainless steel cuff links are also fun gifts he can wear at the wedding. These ones say ‘father of the bride’ on one side and ‘forever your little girl’ on the other.
10. Handkerchief
This one is a classic father of the bride gift from daughter and for good reason. He can tuck it inside his jacket pocket and use it when those tears decide to make an appearance during the ceremony. It’s a perfect gift to give him on the special day. Add a lovely ‘I love you Dad’ note with it for an extra special gift.
For a longer, adorable message on the handkerchief, this one is a great option.
11. Socks
Socks are classic dad gifts but this one is extra special! It has “father of the bride” on one side and “special socks for a special walk” on the other. It’s simple but so sweet for the dad to wear as he walks his little girl down the aisle.
Celebratory father of the bride gifts
12. Champagne
This could work as a father of the bride gift from the groom, from his family or even as a father in law wedding gift from the bride. Champagne is one of those luxurious, celebratory gifts that feel right for the moment.
You can even have this bottle of Dom Perignon engraved to personalize it just for him!
13. Celebratory gift basket
For a more budget friendly option, consider this champagne gift basket. It comes with a different brand, along with chocolates and sweet treats. And, you can have the bottle engraved too!
14. Whiskey smoker kit
If the dad is more of a whiskey guy, he might really enjoy a whiskey smoker kit. This one comes with a smoking torch, wood chips, and more.
15. Bourbon gift basket
Swap the whiskey smoker for this bourbon gift basket. It comes with alcohol, beef jerky, cigars, glasses and more. You can add on more cigars and even have the bottles engraved.
16. Tickets
If the father of the bride is a big sports fan, he’ll surely appreciate tickets to his favorite sporting events. Or a chance to watch his favorite team. You can even splurge on season passes, front row and suite tickets, merch and more.
17. Amazing pen
For entrepreneurs and self-made dads, a great pen would be a wonderful wedding gift for the father of the bride. You can look into engraved pens or opt for unique ones. This hoverpen certainly is different and I always love Scriveiner pens (this one can be customized too!).
Those are my ideas for father of the bride gifts. Some are perfect from the daughter and others work well as a gift from the mother of the bride or groom and his family.
Happy gift hunting!
And, if you are looking for all things wedding, be sure to check out my ideas for bridal shower favors for guests and bridal shower gifts for the bride.
