Father’s Day Inspiration: Sustainable and Unique Gift Ideas
Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift can be tricky. Dads aren’t always the most vocal about what they want, and a lot of times he just ends up with another tie in his collection. Ties are great and all, but why not try something more creative this year? Better yet, why not give him something he’ll remember that also doesn’t harm the environment. Arbor Day doesn’t have to be the only day we give make an effort to promote sustainability and the Earth, why not Father’s Day too? If, like many dads out there, he enjoys the great outdoors, helping keep his fishing waters pristine and his hunting grounds intact gives that gift an extra dose of meaning to your gift. We’ve put together a list of unique and sustainable Father’s Day gifts to make his day extra special this year.
Insulated Mugs from Eco Vessel
What’s better than a glass of whiskey out on the porch on a cool summer evening? With an insulated whiskey tumbler from Eco Vessel, your dad can enjoy a whiskey rocks from anywhere (that alcohol consumption is legal) from the fishing boat to the hammock, and not have to worry about it getting hot. Your father a coffee drinker? They also sell insulated coffee mugs that keep coffee hot and beer cold. The best part about Colorado-based Eco Vessel? They are dedicated to making the world a better place in addition to making stylish travel mugs. Eco Vessel is partnered with Water for People, which was started to secure access to clean water for people in underserved communities around the world. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also partnered with Elkay, who makes water bottle filling fountains, with the goal of eliminating plastic waste from single-use water bottles.
Cuckoo Clocks from Bavarian Clockworks
If your father (vater) has german heritage, is interested in clocks, or is just a little bit quirky, then this Father’s Day you could get him something truly unique: a cuckoo clock! Bavarian Clockworks sells authentic Black Forest Certified cuckoo clocks, sure to become an heirloom that will last for years to come. These clocks are handcrafted in the Black Forest itself, and each piece is packed with character and detail. We all get a little cuckoo sometimes… Why not go totally outside the box this Father’s Day? Not sure what kind of cuckoo clock to get him? Check out this handy guide to choosing a cuckoo clock.
Record Cleaning Equipment from Audio Den
Does your dad have a record collection sitting in the corner gathering dust? He might not have heard, but records are back in style for some reason. Don’t let the hipsters get his primo record collection for less than its worth- clean up the classics with the Okki Nokki record cleaning machine from Audio Den. It has retro styling combined with a clean, modern look, so it won’t look out of place next to the old turntable either. Recycle the old rather than buying new, that’s pretty environmentally friendly. Plus, Audio Den has a program where you can trade-in or trade-up your old equipment, if cleaning records is less your dad’s style than going all digital.
Recycled Ocean Plastic Sunglasses from Norton Point
If your father is a fisher, surfer, or simply a man in need of eye protection, what better way to protect his eyes than with recycled ocean plastic sunglasses? Norton Point sunglasses are made from plastic removed from the ocean (and thoroughly cleaned), and purchasing them is a great way to help the environment. On top of that, 5% of Norton Point’s profits go towards research on how to stem the negative impact of the massive amount of plastic in our oceans. No one likes trash islands- but he’ll love (and look great in) these stylish, sustainable shades.
State Fishing Hats from RepYourWater
Speaking of water and sun protection, fishing gifts are always a hit on Father’s Day. With designs for all 50 states, RepYourWater sells awesome (it says so right on the product page) hats designed for anglers. RepYourWater is first and foremost about conservancy, and they partner with organizations around the country that are protecting our country’s precious bodies of water. A hat purchase from RepYourWater means 3% of the of the price goes to a conservation partner in the corresponding state. He’ll be proud to wear it out on the fishing trip!
Single-Origin Coffee from Intelligentsia
A lot of dads out there aren’t really awake in the morning without their cup (or pot) of coffee, so one of the best Father’s Day gifts you can give him is something he’ll use every day. Intelligentsia Coffee is single origin, responsibly-sourced, and as environmentally friendly as possible. With big coffee companies you never know what you’re getting- how the workers are treated, exactly where the coffee comes from, and what its impact is on the environment. Intelligentsia works directly with coffee growers to source the best beans in the world, so not only is it sustainable, it’s also delicious. Be warned however, it’s so good it might just turn your father into a coffee snob. They also have tea if your dad isn’t a coffee drinker.
Months of Healthy Snacking from Graze
Many of our fathers probably don’t eat as healthily as they should. A snack subscription service, Graze delivers boxes of healthy, tasty snacks each month. You might not be able to force him to buy the right food at the grocery store, but if a box shows up on his doorstep every month he might just skip the potato chips this week.
Sustainably and Ethically Farmed Meats from Greensbury
Summertime and grilling go together like, well, dads and grilling. The secret to the best meat on the grill? Other than not overcooking it, the secret is getting the best meat. We’ve all had factory-farmed, unethically sourced grocery store meat that frankly just doesn’t taste as good. Everything is better straight from the farm, and with Greensbury you’re buying straight from the source. This Father’s Day get him a sampler pack of top quality beef that he’ll enjoy all summer. Still trying to get him to eat healthy? Try this sampler of lighter fare- just as tasty, with a bit less red meat.
Father’s Day Peanuts from Hope and Harmony Farms
Peanuts make a great Father’s Day gift, and there are no better peanuts than crunchy, buttery Virginia Peanuts. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol free and packed with more protein than any other nut. Plus, there is evidence showing that the resveratrol in peanuts may lower the risk of heart disease, an affliction sadly affecting too many dads out there. As if that weren’t enough, peanuts and diabetes have been shown to have a positive relationship as well, with peanuts being a great snack for diabetics. Hope and Harmony ships peanuts straight from the family farm in the heart of Virginia, so you know you’re getting nothing but the best Virginia Peanuts. For the father who likes a little kick in his snacks, try our Cajun Peanuts or our Southern Heat Peanuts that were featured on the Cooking Channel. Show your father you're "nuts about him" with a festive tin of peanuts.
No matter what your dad is into, whether it’s fishing, grilling, or snacking while watching a game, make this Father’s Day special with a gift he’ll remember. A healthy gift makes sure he’ll be around for many Father’s Days to come, and a sustainable one makes the world a better place for everyone. At Hope and Harmony we love the land, respect our roots, and always give our best. This Father’s Day, let’s all do the same!