Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gifts: Sustainable and Thoughtful Ideas

Every other month there seems to be a new holiday, birthday, or special occasion to celebrate. In a world where environmental concerns and overconsumption are top of mind for many, choosing a gift can feel like more of a hassle than a joy. While we still want to show our appreciation and make our loved ones feel special, so many gifts that are purchased last-minute end up being thoughtless, wasteful junk. Don’t despair—there are ethical, sustainable solutions to your Father’s Day gift giving dilemma!

More and more consumers are looking to buy sustainable products every year, not just in their daily life but when it comes to selecting gifts too. But what does it mean to buy ethical, sustainable products? A sustainable product is something that is produced in a way that conserves natural resources, minimizes environmental impact and promotes social responsibility. This kind of product or gift can be something that is consumable, reusable or an experiential item that doesn’t leave a massive carbon footprint.

This year for Father’s Day, don’t get your dad something useless that will be stuffed away in a drawer. Instead, look for gifts that are sustainable and timeless, while still being thoughtful, fun gifts he’s sure to enjoy. Read on for some great ideas to get you started and make this Father’s Day gift a thoughtful one you’ll both feel good about.

Consumable Goods

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Of course, a gift that encourages a healthy habit is always a welcome choice for any occasion. While traditionally some dads are gifted with beer, wine, or liquor for Father’s Day, more and more folks are opting to go alcohol-free. Gifts like herbal tea are an excellent healthy alternative that will still make dad (or any recipient) feel like they’re getting something special.

Tea is an excellent sustainable option as well because it has a lower carbon footprint during production than most other beverages, especially in comparison to alcohol. Tea has a long shelf life, which means that it won’t go bad and will stay fresh on the shelf longer than many other consumables. There is also minimal waste associated with tea, especially for loose leaf teas that can be brewed with reusable tea bags, strainers, or infusers.

Loose leaf tea makes a great gift for Father’s Day or just about any special day. With so many variations and blends to choose from, you can customize your tea gift to the recipient’s taste. Consumable, plant-based items, like tea, are a great option for sustainable gifts and pair well with many other items. Consider making a gift basket with vegan cookies, ethically sourced chocolate, loose leaf tea, and other goodies your dad may like for a thoughtful gift that surely won’t go to waste. If you’re lucky, he might even share!

Hands-On Hobbies

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Among many of the possible gifts you could give your dad, experiences are among some of the best options. Get dad out of his shell and encourage him to try something new! Sometimes a gift can inspire a new hobby or activity like baking, gardening, wood carving, hiking, or even bird watching. This Father’s Day, make your dad’s life a little more rich and fulfilling by giving him the gift of a new skill or experience that fits his personality and interests.

Does your dad have a green thumb? Consider making him a DIY gardening kit so he can get his hands dirty. With indoor potting mix your dad can plant herbs, decorative leafy plants, or even veggies indoors. No matter where he lives, indoor gardening can add color and life to his space and give him something to take care of or look forward to every day. Consider making a gift basket of indoor gardening goods for Father’s Day to get your dad started on a new hobby that’s good for him and good for the planet too.

Other ideas for sustainable hobbies include wood carving, composting, bird watching, bee keeping, and hiking. Wanna take it to the next level? Check your local library or civic center for classes or groups that take part in these hobbies and go with your dad so that you can learn a new hobby or skill together. Consider your dad’s interests, ask him what kind of new activities he might enjoy and set him up with some new sustainable goods to get started on a new hobby for Father’s Day!

Reusable Goods

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Still looking for something else to complete your Father’s Day gift? Round out your sustainable father’s day gift basket or box with reusable goods he’ll use every day. Whether you’re creating a gift basket with consumable goods or making up a box to start a new hobby, how-to books, accessories, and other small, reusable, and sustainable items can offer the perfect finishing touch.

From shaving kits, high quality wool socks, or reusable thermal mugs, a no nonsense, practical gift is the perfection option for some dads. Opt for well-made, high-quality items from sustainable brands for a gift he’ll be happy to open, and you’ll be happy to put your hard earned dollars behind.

Don’t let Father’s Day slip by because you don’t know what to get for your dad! There are so many reusable, recyclable, and earth-friendly options to explore that are unique and enjoyable. Make your dad feel special and select something for him that he may never have gotten for himself and that he’ll never forget. When you make giving sustainable, ethically sourced gifts a priority, you’ll feel good about giving and dad will feel like you made his day special too.