Struggling to think of a suitable gift for Dad-to-be? Perhaps he’ll appreciate something that will relieve the pressure on his impending fatherhood, or maybe there’s something out there that will make him want to tackle it head-on. Here’s a selection of gift ideas for Dad:

• Tool kit
• Cookery lessons
• Skipping ropes
• Adventure gift
• Selection of baby books
• Romantic night in
• Novelty T-shirt
• A weekend away
• Spa treatment
• Baby carrier

Tool kit

If Dad-to-be is planning on making a cot or crib, buy him a tool kit - preferably a relatively expensive one so you can guilt-trip him into doing more DIY after baby arrives!

Cookery lessons

The last thing you want on your mind when you’re looking after baby is what to cook for dinner, so it might be a good idea to get Dad some cookery lessons to make sure he’s up to the task.

Skipping ropes

If Dad uses the gym regularly, chances are that’s about to change. Investing in a set of skipping ropes is a cheap and effective way to help him stay in shape at home. He’ll need the stamina for running after baby!

Adventure gift

If your man is the outdoor or sporty type, then perhaps a paintball day, sky dive or flying lesson is the way to go. It won’t be long before his day-to-day activities are dictated by your little bundle of joy, so give him something memorable.

Selection of baby books

There’s a vast amount of literature out there when it comes to taking care of your baby. Find out your partner’s reading preferences to track down the book best suited to him. This can be a detailed list of common illnesses to ease the hypochondriac in every father or even an instruction manual on how to successfully negotiate a dirty nappy!

Romantic night in

While you still have the chance to spend some quality time with each other, why not enjoy a romantic night in, perhaps with a candlelit dinner and soft music? It might be the last chance you get for a long while!

Novelty t-shirt

If Dad-to-be is nervous at the prospect of becoming a father, why not try something light-hearted to help him get used to the idea, like a custom t-shirt with “Dad To Be” or a more personal message on it? This can work for mugs too.

A weekend away

If an adventure day doesn’t seem like enough, how about a weekend away somewhere? You can accompany him somewhere, or maybe you could let him go off with his friends (as long as he promises to behave himself!). This can be a great way of relaxing before the pressures of fatherhood set in.

Spa treatment

Does your man like to take care of himself and be pampered at the same time? There won’t be a lot of time for this once baby arrives, so a spa treatment could be the perfect gift. Be sure to explain the benefits and how enjoyable they are if he has any misgivings; hopefully he’ll take the hint and get you one too!

Baby carrier

New dads like nothing more than to show off and dote on the new addition to the family, so getting him accustomed to wearing a baby carrier will allow him to look forward to those moments even more!

Illustration: Marie Canat