Buying for your father-in-law can feel like a test. You want something that shows you have made an effort and that you value him, without being over-familiar if you are still getting to know each other. Father in law cufflinks tick those boxes: they are a traditional gift for a man who will be dressing smartly on the wedding day, and the design lets you pitch the sentiment exactly where it should be.
A gift from the newest member of the family
The most popular time to give father-in-law cufflinks is on the wedding morning, often delivered by the best man or a bridesmaid along with a card. For the father of the bride or groom it is a long, emotional day, and a small gift from the person joining the family means a great deal. Many couples also give them at the rehearsal dinner or the night before, so he can wear them for the ceremony and the speeches. If you are marrying his son rather than his daughter, the gesture is just as welcome; a father of the groom often has fewer formal duties on the day, and a gift that acknowledges his part in things can mean a surprising amount. Either way, pair the box with a short handwritten note: a line about what it means to join his family will make the cufflinks far more than an accessory.
When you are still getting to know him
If your relationship is new, a more understated design is a safe choice. Options that feel personal but not presumptuous:
- His initials in a classic serif font
- The wedding date in Roman numerals
- The family surname you are now sharing, or a family crest if theirs has one
- A simple drawing of something he loves, such as his classic car, his boat or his allotment shed
These look smart with a morning suit and suit his everyday wardrobe afterwards. Ask your partner for a steer on his tastes first; they will know whether he favours traditional lettering or something more modern.
Ideas drawn from the wedding day
Once the wedding has happened, there is a wealth of new material. A few ideas for an anniversary or thank-you gift:
- A photo of him walking his daughter down the aisle, or with his son at the altar
- A picture of him during his speech, mid-anecdote
- The whole family on the steps of the venue, cropped tightly
- A sketch of the church or venue
Professional wedding photos are ideal because they are high resolution. Ask your photographer for the original file of your favourite shot rather than downloading a web version, and crop closely so faces fill the square. We print from your full-resolution original, so a good file makes a real difference.
Birthdays and Father's Day after the wedding
His first Father's Day or birthday after the wedding is a lovely moment to show you think of him as family now. Personalised father in law cufflinks with a photo of you all together, or a grandchild's picture if one has since arrived, can feel less formal than a wedding-day gift. A playful design is fine here too if you share a sense of humour, such as a nod to the rugby team you both support or a joke from the speeches. The first Christmas as a married couple is another natural moment, particularly if you are spending it with his side of the family. Father in law cufflinks given then, with a photo from the wedding he has not seen yet, can become the gift that gets passed around the table.
Ordering alongside the rest of the wedding party
Many couples order cufflinks for both fathers, the best man, the ushers and the page boys at once. Several different designs can go in one basket, so each man can have his own photo, initials or role. Order 5 or more pairs and each is £15, plus £5 shipping per order, making five pairs £80. For a single pair for your father-in-law, the price is £40 including shipping.
Upload your image, use the live preview to drag and zoom it on both cufflinks, and check out securely. Each pair is made in our Cornwall workshop and sent gift boxed.