The best Father's Day gift from kids for a firefighter dad is something with their names on it. Let the kids make a card, then add the Dad Est. Hat, $39, with up to four kids' names on the back. He wears it off shift and every day off. Free US shipping over $75.
Start with what the kids make
A firefighter dad has a drawer full of store-bought. He keeps the card made of construction paper. Start there, then buy one thing to go with it.
- Ages 2 to 5. A handprint card. Paint, paper, done. Write the date on the back, because he will keep it.
- Ages 6 to 9. A drawing of the family with everybody's name on it, spelled the way the kid spells it. Do not fix it. That spelling is the gift.
- Ages 10 and up. A short letter. Three things he does that they notice, one sentence each. No "best dad ever." Be specific.
- Any age. A coupon book: "One night of dishes. One movie of his choice." He will redeem one and keep the rest.
Short on time? The card is five minutes. The hat is the part that needs lead time, so order it first.
6 gifts to buy with the card
Pick one. A kid-made card plus one of these is a full Father's Day.
| Gift | Price | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Dad Est. Hat, kids' names on the back | $39 | Their names, on him, every day. The pick. |
| Sheepdog Tee | $32 | One word, stencil caps. For the protector. |
| Hard to Kill. Easy to Hug. Tee | $32 | Tough outside, soft inside. Back says ASK MY KIDS. |
| Protect. Provide. Lead. Tee | $32 | Three words, stacked, readable from across the yard. |
| The Dad Code Tee | $32 | Five rules on the back. Clean front. |
| 0300 Club Trucker | $34 | Embroidered 0300 on a mesh-back trucker. For anyone who has worked that hour. |
1. Dad Est. Hat, with the kids' names ($39)
The one that is actually from the kids. Dad Est. and the year he became a dad on the front. Up to four kids' names embroidered on the back, each up to 10 letters. Three fonts, three colors: black, navy, khaki. One size fits most, adjustable strap.
It is not a firefighter hat. It has no department logo and no station number. It is a dad hat, and that is why he will wear it off shift. Let the oldest kid type the names, then have a second person read them twice. Build the hat.
2. Sheepdog Tee ($32)
The protector, in one word. Calm, ready, not looking for a fight. Unisex fit, true to size. See the Sheepdog tee. Want the whole story? Read what a sheepdog shirt means.
3. Hard to Kill. Easy to Hug. Tee ($32)
The kids will like this one most. They know which half is true. See the tee.
4. Protect. Provide. Lead. Tee ($32)
Three words, stacked. They are the first three rules of the Dad Code. $32. See the tee.
5. The Dad Code Tee ($32)
All five rules on the back, including rule 5: never miss the recital. Good gift to hand over with a kid-made card that holds him to it. See the Dad Code tee.
6. 0300 Club Trucker ($34)
A second hat for shift days. $34. See the hat.
If the other parent is doing the buying
Say it is from the kids and put their handwriting on the card. Order the hat first. It is made to order, so give it time. Then add a tee in his size if you know it. Between sizes, go up. Not sure, buy the hat. It has no size to get wrong.
Get to free shipping without padding
Shipping is free over $75. Flat rate is $5.95 under that.
- Hat ($39) + any $32 tee = $71. Short by $4.
- Hat ($39) + 0300 Club ($34) + any $32 tee = $105. Clears it.
- Hat ($39) + two $32 tees = $103. Clears it.
- Hat alone, $39, plus $5.95 shipping. Fine. Do not buy a third item he will not use.
Timing
Father's Day is the third Sunday in June, but this is a year-round gift. Birthday, a kid's school-year milestone or Christmas all work. Everything is made to order, and the hat ships in about 6 to 10 business days, so do not wait for the last week. Order by Dec 10 for Christmas.
Off duty only
The tees and hats are everyday clothes. They are not uniform items or protective gear. Check his department's dress rules and wear them at home, at the kids' games and on the porch.
Related reading
- Firefighter dad gifts: ideas he'll use on shift
- Firefighter dad hat with kids' names
- Gifts for dad from kids: what to buy and what to make
- Personalized gifts for dad with kids' names
Third Shift Dad is made by a former law enforcement officer and dad of 3, for dads who protect and provide. Let the kids make the card. Then put their names on a hat. Build the Dad Est. Hat, $39
Questions
What is a good Father's Day gift from kids for a firefighter dad?
Something with their names on it. Let the kids make a card, then add the Dad Est. Hat, $39, with up to four kids' names on the back. It is made to order, so check the spelling.
What can young kids make for a firefighter dad?
A handprint card for ages 2 to 5, a family drawing with everyone's name for ages 6 to 9, and a short specific letter for ages 10 and up. Keep their spelling. He will keep the card.
Is the Dad Est. Hat a firefighter hat?
No. It has no department logo and no station number. It is a dad hat with Dad Est. and the year on the front and up to four kids' names on the back. Wear it off duty. It is not uniform or protective gear.
Is this only a Father's Day gift, and when should I order?
No, it works year-round. The hat is made to order and ships in about 6 to 10 business days. Order by Dec 10 for Christmas. US shipping is free over $75.
