Personalised Christmas Gifts for Dad: Printed T-Shirts, Hoodies and Totes He Will Use

Buying for dad at Christmas has a reputation for going wrong. He says he wants nothing, he already owns the socks, and the novelty gift he opened last year is still in its box. A better approach is to give him something that is clearly about him, that he can wear or carry daily, and that nobody else has. A printed T-shirt, hoodie or tote bag with a name, a joke, a photograph or a date does exactly that. FabricForge prints these from a single item, and delivers with DPD, Royal Mail, Parcelforce or our relay parcel service. This page is about Christmas specifically. If you are looking for Father's Day, our separate page on Father's Day gifts covers that occasion.

Start with who he is, not what is for sale

The best personalised gifts begin with a person and not a product. Before looking at designs, write down three things about your dad: what he does when nobody is asking him to do anything, what he says that everyone laughs about, and what he is proud of. Those three answers will usually contain the design.

The dad who is always at the allotment, garage or workshop

A hoodie or T-shirt with the name of his workspace is a good fit: "Pete's Garage, Est. 1998", "The Potting Shed". Practical, personal and hard-wearing. It is also something he can wear while doing the thing he loves.

The dad who lives for football, rugby or the golf course

A team-themed design with his name and a squad number, or a club badge with "Dad" and the year. If his team has a famous rival, a gentle joke at their expense is a safe bet. Note that we print the artwork you supply, so use only designs you have the right to use.

The dad with a famous catchphrase

Every family has one. A dad who says "Right then" before every meal, or "Who touched the thermostat?" Putting that on a top is both funny and affectionate.

The dad who loves his children and grandchildren

Names of the children and grandchildren in a simple list, a cluster of handprints, or the line "Best Grandad" in neat lettering. Sentimental without being gooey.

The dad who is difficult to buy for

For him, a simple, quiet design on a good-quality hoodie works, since the gift is the garment and the personal touch is small. A name on the sleeve or the year on the back reads as thoughtful without demanding anything of him.

Gift ideas by product

T-shirts

The easiest gift to give and the easiest to wear. Best for jokes, slogans and team designs. Choose a colour that he already wears.

Hoodies

A warmer, bigger statement. Good for a design on the back, such as a family name or a long-running joke. A hoodie suits the dad who is outside or in a cold workshop.

Tote bags

Underrated. A tote with a design is practical for the shop, the allotment or the gym bag, and it makes a good add-on when the main present is small. See our page on custom tote bags.

Group gifts from the children

When several siblings are buying together, a matching top for dad and each child, with the family name, makes a nice photograph. Another variation is one design for dad and the same design in children's sizes for the grandchildren, in which case the oversized cut and children's sizes from 3 to 16 can sit in the same order. For ideas on coordinated outfits, see matching family Christmas outfits.

Sizing a gift for dad

The biggest risk with clothing is the wrong size. The easiest solution is to take a T-shirt or hoodie he already wears and check the label, or ask his partner. We print adult sizes S to 5XL, with an oversized cut from S to 3XL. If you are unsure, go up a size rather than down, because most dads prefer a roomy fit. If you want to give a gift without sending it to your own address, we can post it straight to him, and you can explain the size policy in the card.

Writing text for his top

Simple wording tends to age better than clever wording. Good formats include the name and the date, a short title ("World's Okayest Dad", "Head of the Household"), or a line from something he always says. Avoid text that needs explaining, and avoid text that will only make sense this Christmas. If you have a photograph, choose a clear one with a plain background, and send us the original file rather than a screenshot.

How to order

1. Message us with your idea and the date you need it by.
2. Send the artwork as a PNG or PDF. We adjust the size and layout, but do not design from scratch.
3. We confirm the details, quote and take payment before we start the mockup.
4. You approve a mockup, with up to five rounds of changes.
5. We print and send. Next-day UK delivery is possible after approval, depending on timing.

Keeping the surprise

If the gift is a secret, let us know at the start. We can send it direct to dad, or to your address so you can wrap it. Do not put the order confirmation in a place where he might see it. Our page on Christmas printing deadlines shows how to leave enough time so you are not wrapping on Christmas Eve.

Gifts from the grandchildren

A gift from small children is as much about the child as the dad. Drawings by the children, scanned at a good resolution, can be printed in full colour and make a keepsake that grows more precious each year. Ask the children to draw with a dark pen on white paper, which scans cleanly. If there are several children, arrange the drawings in a simple grid and add the year. A top like this is rarely worn out of the house, but it is cherished, and it can be kept for decades. Photograph or scan the drawing flat, in even light, and send us the original file.

Things dads tend to dislike

A few patterns come up repeatedly. Anything that is meant as a joke about his age. Designs that are too busy, with too many words. Garments that are too tight. And gifts that feel like they were chosen from a "gifts for dad" shelf. The better approach is to match the design to his habits and keep it understated. If he is the kind of man who wears the same navy hoodie every winter, a navy hoodie with a small, tasteful print is a safer bet than an unfamiliar colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order just one gift for my dad?

Yes. There is no minimum, so a single item is fine.

Can you print a photograph?

Yes, if it is sharp and well lit. Send the original file rather than a screenshot.

What if the size is wrong?

Check the size carefully before approving the mockup. Printed items are made for you, so it is much easier to get it right before printing. Message us if you are unsure.

Can you send it straight to him?

Yes. Give us his address, and we will post it with DPD, Royal Mail, Parcelforce or our relay parcel service.

Is this the same as your Father's Day page?

The ideas overlap, but this page is aimed at Christmas gifts, with timing and delivery tips for December.

Related: gifts for him, personalised Christmas gifts and get a quote.