4 Practical Father of the Bride Gifts He’ll Love

Finding the perfect Father of the Bride gifts can be a challenge. You want something that reflects your appreciation for his love and support, but also something he’ll truly appreciate. Whether you’re looking for a sentimental keepsake, a practical gift he’ll use every day, or something a little more unique, this guide has you covered.

We’ll explore a variety of Father of the Bride gift ideas to help you find the perfect present that will make him feel cherished and celebrated on your special day.

Personalized Father of the Bride Cufflinks

We know cufflinks might be on the “traditional gift” list, but hear us out! A personalized set of Father of the Bride cufflinks can be both practical and sentimental.

Why are personalized cufflinks a great choice?

• Double Duty: Cufflinks serve a practical purpose by keeping those French cuffs in place. They’re not just for super formal occasions, either! A classic pair can add a touch of polish to a dress shirt for a nice dinner or special event.
• Personal Touch, Big Impact: Adding “Father of the Bride” or the wedding date to the cufflinks takes them from accessory to cherished memento. It’s a subtle way to show Dad just how much this day means to you both.
• Keepsake for Keeps: Unlike some gifts that get used up, cufflinks can last a lifetime. The engraving makes them a constant reminder of your special day, something he can treasure for years to come.
• Looking Sharp: Let’s be honest, Dad probably wants to look his best as he walks you down the aisle! A well-chosen pair of cufflinks can add a touch of sophistication to his outfit.

So, how can you incorporate cufflinks into your father of the bride gift plan?

Consider them as a bonus option – maybe alongside a gift certificate to his favorite store so he can pick out something else he enjoys. This way, you get the best of both worlds: a practical gift and a sentimental keepsake.

The key is to remember that cufflinks are more than just decoration. They’re a way to show Dad you care about his needs and want him to look and feel his best on your wedding day. The personalization adds a special touch that makes them a truly unique and lasting gift.

KellyGift (5000+ 5-star reviews on Etsy) has these father of the bride cufflinks in the photos and are roughly 40 AUD at time of posting.

Here are some different designs by Frank Happiness (2400+ 5-star reviews on Etsy) who is a Star Seller. These are quite popular and some of the more classy examples of Father of the Bride cufflinks I’ve found.

Personalized & Engraved Pocket Watch

A father of the bride plays a pivotal role in his daughter’s wedding. Finding a gift that reflects his importance and creates a lasting memory can be a challenge. Here’s why a personalized, engraved pocket watch ticks all the boxes:

Sentimental and Timeless: Pocket watches evoke a sense of tradition and class. It’s a gift that transcends trends and becomes a cherished heirloom. Engraving it with a special message, the wedding date, or even their nicknames adds a personal touch that makes it a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Practical Elegance: While wristwatches are common, a pocket watch offers a touch of sophistication. For the father of the bride who appreciates classic style, it becomes a conversation starter and a cherished accessory for formal occasions.

Functional and Useful: Beyond sentiment, a pocket watch is a practical gift. It encourages the dad to slow down, take a moment, and appreciate the finer things – a reminder of the special day whenever he checks the time.

Versatility in Choice: Pocket watches come in a variety of styles, from classic silver to modern gunmetal. You can choose a mechanical watch for a touch of history, or a quartz watch for everyday use. This allows you to tailor the gift to the father of the bride’s taste.

A Gift He’ll Remember: In a world of impersonal gifts, a personalized pocket watch stands out. It’s a tangible symbol of your appreciation for his presence and support on your special day. Every time he uses it, he’ll be reminded of the wedding and the bond you share.

Austero (9000+ 5-star reviews on Etsy) is another Star Seller I found and sells the watches pictured here. Clicking on the photos will also lead you to their store on Etsy.

Personalized Tape Measure

An engraved tape measure isn’t just a fantastic (and unique) gift for the father of the bride, it’s a thoughtful choice for the father of the groom and grandfathers as well, here’s why:

Universally Useful: Dads and grandfathers of all backgrounds can appreciate a good tape measure. Whether it’s for household repairs, helping out with DIY projects around the house, or simply lending a hand to a neighbor, it’s a practical tool that gets used. The engraving personalizes it, making it a more meaningful gift than a standard store-bought option.

A Lasting Keepsake for All: Engrave the tape measure with the wedding date, a special message like “World’s Best Dad,” or even a nickname for the recipient. This personalization ensures it becomes a treasured memento, reminding them of the wedding and the special family bond whenever they use it.

Something They’ll All Appreciate: The beauty of a tape measure is its versatility. It caters to a wide range of interests, from fixing furniture to tackling gardening projects. It shows you understand their practical needs and provides a gift they’ll find valuable.

A Gift That Reflects Their Role: For fathers of the bride and groom, the engraved message can acknowledge their special role in the wedding. For grandfathers, it can be a way to show appreciation for their guidance and support throughout your life.

A Touch of Uniqueness for Each Recipient: While the core gift is the same, you can personalize it further to suit each recipient. Consider their interests – a heavy-duty tape measure for the grandpa who loves tackling big projects, or a sleek, compact option for the dad who values portability.

More Than Just a Tool: The engraving elevates the tape measure from a practical tool to a sentimental keepsake. It’s a way to express your gratitude for their presence on your special day and a reminder of the strong family bond you share.

By combining practicality with a personal touch, an engraved tape measure becomes a thoughtful and meaningful gift for all the special men in your life. It’s a gift that shows you care, celebrates their role in the wedding, and creates a lasting memory of your special day.

This personalized tape measure is sold by Whisky and Wedding Bells (25000+ 5-star reviews on Etsy) who are based in the USA.

Personalized Handkerchief

Weddings are emotional affairs, and the father of the bride often sheds a proud (or perhaps slightly worried) tear. A personalized handkerchief is a thoughtful gift that caters to this sentimentality, offering both practicality and a heartfelt message.

Comforting Companion: Let’s face it, tears are likely! A soft, high-quality handkerchief provides a much more elegant solution than a crumpled tissue. It ensures he can handle those happy tears with dignity and avoid any fashion faux pas during the ceremony.

Personalized Touch: The beauty of a handkerchief lies in its customizability. Embroider initials, the wedding date, or a special message like “To Dad, always my hero” or “Happy tears only.” This personalization adds a sentimental layer, making it a gift that goes beyond practicality.

A Keepsake He’ll Cherish: Unlike a box of chocolates, a handkerchief is a lasting memento. Every time he uses it, he’ll be reminded of the wedding day and the emotions it evoked. It becomes a tangible token of your love and appreciation.

More Than Just Tears: Handkerchiefs aren’t just for tears! They can be used for wiping away sweat on a hot summer day, or simply freshening up. Its versatility ensures it becomes a well-used and cherished part of his everyday routine.

A Gift From the Heart: A personalized handkerchief is a gift that comes straight from the heart. It shows you put thought and care into selecting something meaningful. This emotional connection makes it a much more impactful gift than a generic store-bought item.

Bonus Tip: Consider the material and design. Linen or cotton handkerchiefs offer a classic feel, while silk adds a touch of luxury. You can even find handkerchiefs with lace borders or a subtle monogram pattern for a more decorative touch.

Black Orchid Designs (300+ 5-star reviews on Etsy) is based in Australia and sells these 100% cotton, heart-shaped, handkerchiefs in their online shop with other designs available.

Below are some photos of these gifts taken by customers.