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Original poster

new dad survival kit

43 replies

hannahkj19 · 12/11/2011 15:41

right before everyone comes in with the usual 'isn't the baby growing inside you present enough', yes of course it is my DP hasn't asked for a present I would like to give him something special AS WELL AS A BABY to say thank you for taking such good care of me for 9 months!

Okay so moving on: I'm planning on putting together a new dad survival kit sort of thing with a few things in for him! I'm hoping to have a sort of mix of practical and funny items as well maybe a few cute little things 'from baby'. Has anyone done anything like this before? If you have what did you put in yours? Or anyone got any different ideas? Or even anyone ask their DP what they would have liked/found funny/useful?

Thanks xxx

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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MissRee · 12/11/2011 15:52

I haven't but marking my place as I want to do something similar and am stuck for ideas!

nickelbabe · 12/11/2011 15:59

I think it's a good idea, not so much a present as a reminder that he is a joint parent, not just a by-stander! Grin

a good cook book, so that he can make you lots of nice food for when you're feeding. (something like Things on Toast isbn 9780091928308)
a pair of slippers for when he has to get up in the night to pick the baby up.

youtalkintome · 12/11/2011 16:02

I want to help but TBH the only things I can think that my DH went without is Sex and home cooked food. I breast fed so he generally slept pretty well, went out to get takeaways, starbucks etc. the only thing I did do was add sky sports to our tv package as he is very happy to sit holding a baby and watching rugby for hours on end that and perhaps something like love film subscription as you do spen alot more time around the house if its your first.

The promise of going out with him in a sparkly dress for cocktails in 6 weeks time is also something for us both to look forward to so we have already set a date.

Original poster
hannahkj19 · 12/11/2011 16:08

nickelbabe: i like the slippers idea! will have to find a nice 'dad' themed pair! but he is already a wonderful cook so think that department will be fine!

youtalkintome: perhaps i could include some 'vouchers' for certain things that might keep him going :p

have started to think about this and thus far have a few ideas which are:

  • book called i love you dad, from baby
  • nice bottle of beer
  • peg for nose
  • rubber gloves
  • strong coffee (maybe starbucks instant will see how nice i'm feeling)
  • maybe a nice fluffy dressing gown for sitting up with baby in middle of the night?
  • condoms
  • 'worlds greatest dad' or similar mug

was also trying to come up with something i can include that can be for daddy and baby to use together iyswim?! any ideas on that would be very helpful!

xxx

OP posts:
nickelbabe · 12/11/2011 16:11

also, a pair of socks that says "star dad" or similar Grin

i like your ideas too.
peg for nose Grin

youtalkintome - is he really looking forward to wearing a sparkly cocktail dress to go out in? Wink

onlinefriend · 12/11/2011 16:19

hannakj19- this is such a lovely thread, and i love your ideas. Can't wait to read everyone else's suggestions too. (i started my dh's xmas stocking in may this year so i'm a bit odd about stuff like this).
can't think of much to add except maybe some foam earplugs would be a good one, and also marzipan, as my dh thinks it is generally useful in emergencies!
For something they can do together what about one of those twee 'make a plaster cast of baby's foot' sets (cheapish) or a new camera or camcorder (dearer)

youtalkintome · 12/11/2011 16:20

He has done nothing but try it on and stare at himself in the mirror for weeks Grin

youtalkintome · 12/11/2011 16:25

What about a manly sling. DH used to like taking dd for walks in the sling but the one we originally bought was to uncomfortable for him as he is rather tall.

The other thing is a manly changing bag, dh used to be seen carrying my very girly one about as its a necessity with a baby but we don't often think of the fact that dads ned to take their babies out too.

Original poster
hannahkj19 · 12/11/2011 16:35

onlinefriend: i like the plaster cast set idea or maybe something else like that thank you! I might look at a video camera but not sure my budget will quite stretch that far, but you never know with all the offers on for xmas!

youtalkintome: i have already suggested a manly sling and he was very unkeen on the idea tbh but thanks anyway! may look for a manly changing bag though, any suggestions where I might get one?!

xxx

OP posts:
youtalkintome · 12/11/2011 16:50

I would probably just go to zara or gap and buy a manly bag and stock it with things.

Another nice idea is find out what your dhs favourite book as a child was and include that in the pressie. My experience of men and newborns is that men find them a little dull but the anticipation of all the things they will be able to do with them when they're a bit bigger keeps them going. DH loved finding books he remembered as a child and reading them to our dc.

cravingcake · 12/11/2011 17:13

Try looking at Caboodle for changing bag. I got mine from there as they have nice unisex ones & only £30 which i thought was reasonable.

Love this thread, my DS is just 3 weeks old but i'm now inspired to do this for christmas for my OH from his little one.

I'm thinking of some sort of babygro or bib with my dads the best could be good as well.

BeachLover26 · 12/11/2011 17:18

I've got DH some Lego "from" the baby, as that was his favourite toy as a child. I know they won't be able to play with it for years, but liked the idea. Also, plan to get him a watch he wants as a sort of keep for ever thing to mark the occasion (nothing expensive, just nice).

Nappy bag is good. I love this one, and was thinking about getting it, but can't afford it as well as the watch.

www.anorakonline.co.uk/travelling-c6/baby-changing-bags-c28/anorak-kissing-stags-baby-changing-bag-p19

cravingcake · 12/11/2011 17:24

Just rememberred something from a similar post, a nice bottle of whiskey or wine that will take 18 years to mature to perfection, the idea being that they can share it on DC's 18th birthday. No idea where to get this from but i'm guessing google will point me in the direction of specialised booze places.

thejaffacakesareonme · 12/11/2011 17:46

Earplugs - DH found them invaluable when he went back to work after paternity leave. Without them I think he'd have been so tired he'd have found it difficult to function. OK, it meant that I was dog tired but at least I could try and get some sleep during the day when DS slept.

Very strong coffee and one of those insulated mugs to make it up in.

There is a Haynes manual for babies - unlike many of the other baby books on the market this is aimed at dads. It is actually pretty good.

DH says some light reading for when you are too tired to read anything in depth.

Can you tell that DS1 didn't sleep much!

PlinkertyPlonk · 12/11/2011 17:53

A sword and shield - for fending off well-meaning visitors in the first few days, when what you really want is some space and rest.

Shame he doesn't like the sling idea. Men often love the attention they get from passers-by because their baby is strapped to them.

LydiaWickham · 12/11/2011 18:06

this bag is sold as a 'paternity bag' so designed for daddies.

I got DH and DS these t-shirts for DH's first father's day.

LydiaWickham · 12/11/2011 18:09

(Craving cake - if you find wine/whiskey suppliers with 'best in 16+ years' stuff, point me in the right direct! Would love to get something for DH from DS for Christmas this year that they could share in the future like that, lovely lovely idea!)

Original poster
hannahkj19 · 13/11/2011 17:45

some lovely ideas thanks everyone! please keep them coming!
also on the idea of whisky that matures in 18 years if you do find a supples please let me know and also do you think my DP who is very much a beer drinker would still appreciate something like that?! xxx

OP posts:
Wants3 · 13/11/2011 17:51

My DH likes miniature 'gadgets' so I am going to buy him one of those mini baby grooming kits with the tiny nail clippers in for Christmas!

PotteringAlong · 13/11/2011 18:18

I've got my DH this book from the baby and have hidden it away - I'll tell him where to find it when he comes home after the baby's born while we're in hospital. It's next to a large bottle of beer, a take away menu and a £20 note!

spannermary · 13/11/2011 18:21

Condoms - genius!

How about a couple of homemade vouchers for silly little things like "a night out with the lads"; "Daddy picks the film tonight" or "Saturday morning lie-in" etc

I reckon they'd be worth their weight in gold...and they're free!

Crosshair · 13/11/2011 18:42

Nice idea. :)

Original poster
hannahkj19 · 13/11/2011 18:46

good ideas for vouchers thank you xxx

OP posts:
MrFawkesMan · 13/11/2011 19:39

If he is at all a techie, you should get him [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1931686238/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1321213083&sr=8-1] this book]

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