Ask Design Mom Week: Daddy-to-be Gift

Ask Design Mom Question:
Dear Gabrielle: I wanted to ask if you could post something that would make a unique/thoughtful/creative present for a daddy-to-be. My husband (like myself) is a graphic designer, and I'd love to find something to show him how thankful I am for all his support throughout my pregnancy. He's been amazing, super-caring and just wonderful all around! Any ideas? Love, Sabrina

Design Mom Answer:
Perfect timing on this question, Sabrina! Father's Day is just around the corner. I've got a couple of suggestions for a Daddy-to-Be, keeping in mind you're both super-cool graphic designers.



You could get him the Photographing Your Family book produced by National Geographic. Your husband may not know it, but taking photographs of his beautiful baby is about to become his new obsession. And this book goes a long way to taking the mystery out of capturing a great shot. If he already uses a good camera, you could also include a new lens with the book. Or. If he doesn't own a good camera, now would be a smart time to invest. Sometimes, when a new baby arrives and Mom is busy nursing on the sofa, Dad doesn't quite know how to get involved. A camera in his hand becomes very empowering.



For something more fun-loving, consider these very cool tin wind-up toys designed by Jesco von Puttkamer, hand-made in Nuremberg, Germany. Although not designed for children (watch for sharp edges) they are the sort of item that can make your workspace both sophisticated and welcoming-to-kids at the same time. A collection of these is sure to make you the coolest Dad in town. Available at Unica Home.



For an heirloom gift — something your husband can hand down to this forthcoming child of his — a vintage Rolex would be ideal. Thousands less than the price of a new one, and somehow much more young and cool than the latest editions. A few of my hippest friends sport refurbished originals from the 1970's with re-painted faces in orange and green — beautiful timepieces that I fully covet.

If you're in New York, you can find a selection at Bergdorf Mens. If you're not in New York, Travis, my friend and vintage Rolex connoisseur, recommended doing a search on ebay. The four watches pictured were found with a "Rolex California" search. Travis also mentioned that he'd found Samson328 to be reliable — and that Samson would probably be willing to locate a timepiece if I had something specific in mind.

How about you, Design Mom Readers? What are your best Daddy-To-Be Gift Ideas?