By Jimmie Sue, founder of Loud Little Outlaws
Short answer: Get him something he would have worn before the baby, with one quiet nod to the baby. A heavyweight tee, a cap or a varsity piece with original outlaw art beats a "World's Best Dad" mug every time. To go further, pair it with a matching bodysuit so he and the kid show up in the same uniform.
New dads come into my place about once after the baby arrives. They order one drink, show me four hundred pictures of a sleeping infant, and are home by nine. I enjoy every one of those nights. The pictures are always the same picture, and he is always proud of it.
What I notice is the shirt. It's usually the one he wore before, now with a spot on the shoulder he hasn't found yet. He didn't stop being that guy. He just has less time to prove it.
Why don't most new dad gifts land?
Because they're about the job, not the man. Burp cloths, diaper caddies, a book about sleep. All useful. None of it is for him. The dad who used to drive four hours to see a show still wants to look like that dad, just with spit-up on his shoulder.
The best gift tips its hat to the new title without making it his whole personality. That's the line we try to walk with everything we make: funny if you get it, just a good shirt if you don't.
What are the best wearable gifts for a metal or punk dad?
- Headbangin' Papa Varsity Crewneck Sweatshirt: a varsity style crewneck for the dad who letters in late night feedings.
- Getaway Driver Papa Heavyweight Work Tee: because he is now, officially, the getaway driver. Car seat included.
- Outlaw Papa Embroidered Trucker Hat: for the days when a shower was optimistic.
What are the best gifts for a country or western dad?
- Papa of a Loud Little Outlaw Hi-Desert Heavyweight Tee: desert western art, heavyweight cotton, says the quiet part out loud.
- Hi-Desert Division Embroidered Corduroy Cap: corduroy, embroidered, looks like it came from the one gas station you'd actually stop at.
- Outlaw Papa Varsity Letterman Jacket: the big one. If a few people are going in on a gift together, this is it.
The whole lineup lives in the Outlaw Papa collection.
Should the gift match the baby?
It doesn't have to, but matching is the move that gets photographed. Most of our designs have a baby or toddler version, so dad and kid can match without wearing identical outfits. A few pairings that work:
- Headbangin' Papa crewneck + Headbangin' Buckaroo Baby Bodysuit
- Papa of a Loud Little Outlaw tee + Population: Me Desert Western Baby Bodysuit
- Getaway Driver tee + Wanted: For Crimes Against Sleep Baby Bodysuit
See every pairing in Matching Sets.
What if you don't know his size?
Hats are the easy call. The trucker hat and the corduroy cap are adjustable, so there's no size to guess. For shirts, find a tee he already wears all the time and compare it with the measurements on the product page. If you're unsure, email hello@loudlittleoutlaws.com before you order. Each sized item can be exchanged once for a different size within 30 days for a $9.99 fee, and he keeps the original.
What about something small, like a stocking stuffer?
- Little Outlaw Flash Sticker Sheet for the toolbox, the guitar case or the cooler.
- Loud Little Sheriff Mug for the coffee he will drink cold. They all drink it cold now.
- Outlaw Sticker Pack if one sheet isn't enough.
More small stuff is in Gifts & Goods.
How long does shipping take?
Everything is printed to order. Production is 2-5 business days, and standard shipping is usually about 3-5 business days after that. We don't promise delivery by a specific date, so check the estimate at checkout and order with some cushion if it's for a birthday or a holiday. Shipping is free on orders of $75 or more (merch subtotal, after discounts), otherwise $9.99, within the US including APO/FPO.
If he's up at 3 a.m. anyway, he's welcome to call the hotline and tell me about it: 1-866-BAD-NAPS. Confessions only, no orders.
FAQ
What's a good gift for a new dad who loves metal?
A heavyweight tee, crewneck or hat with original heavy-leaning art, ideally paired with a matching baby bodysuit.
Is a trucker hat a good gift if I don't know his size?
Yes. Our trucker hat and corduroy cap are adjustable.
Can dad and baby match?
Yes. Most designs come in a baby, toddler and parent version. See the Matching Sets collection.
Can I exchange a size?
Each sized item can be exchanged once for a different size within 30 days for $9.99, and you keep the original.
xo, Jimmie Sue
