Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gift Ideas

With only 2 weeks to go until Father’s Day 2019, it’s time to pull up your socks and get prepared to shower your #1 man with the love he deserves! Whilst I understand the argument that stipulates Mother’s Day/ Father’s Day/ Valentine’s Day/ [Insert Holiday Here] is a massive marketing ploy, I’ve never been one to shy away from smothering my nearest and dearest with love and affection.

When it comes to gifts for my Dad, I often find it quite tough to decide what to get for him. I like to use the opportunity to get him some new clothes (he NEVER buys them on his own and I personally think I have much better taste), or something he will use on his outdoors adventures, whether it be cycling, camping or even in the garden.

My top tip for choosing consciously for Father’s Day is quite simple: ask your father what he actually wants. The worst outcome would be that the gift sits unused under his bed. What a waste of time, money and resources! You are far better off checking in to see if there is anything in particular he has been eyeing off the last few months. Reducing waste is one of the top ways to live sustainably, so gifting something he will make use of is key to success.

Making the decision to choose a gift that is eco-friendly is thoughtful not only to your Dad, but also to the planet and animals too. It’s so important to be mindful of what you are purchasing and not to engage in the mindless consumerism that is so prevalent in our society.

I have done some research and pulled together a list of gift ideas that your Dad is sure to love (and the planet will too)!

Adidas x Parley shoes
Every pair of Adidas x Parley shoes are made from at least 75% upcycled trash collected in remote communities and beaches. As well as sneakers, Adidas has also released a clothing line using the same concept. Produced with a low energy and a low water printing process, now you don’t have to choose between better activewear or a better planet.

Upgrade Dad’s wardrobe with a new t-shirt
Gifting my Dad clothes is always my go-to. For some reason, he really trusts what we buy him, and I LOVE going over to my parents’ place and seeing Dad decked out in gear us girls have bought for him. The first and best stop for ‘new’ clothes is always your local second hand store - you will often pick up amazing finds at bargain prices. Shopping second hand is one of the best ways you can reduce your footprint and consumption.

All-Natural Deodorant:
Remember when buying Lynx deodorant kits were all the rage for Father’s Day? Why not take this tried and tested idea and put an eco-friendly spin on it. Your Dad will love it as it’s highly practical AND you’ve gone the extra mile to make a homemade gift yourself. Check out my favourite homemade deodorant recipe here.

Give your Dad the gift of fresh air with a new plant for the house or garden
We all know the world needs more of these! Plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen – they are an awesome way to improve the quality of air in your home. In fact, research has gone as far as to prove that they also boost your mental health, increase your productivity and strengthen your immune system!

Take your Dad out to do something he loves!
Whether it be to a music concert, a movie, or simply out to dinner, the gift of an experience shared with a loved one is thoughtful and conscious present. We often forget that gifts don’t have to come in the form of ‘things’, and often by gifting an ‘experience’ instead, we make a more eco-friendly decision by reducing our consumption, whilst creating amazing memories that you both will cherish.

Get your Dad on the eco-friendly bandwagon by gifting him a reusable razor
Shaving is one of those habits that is small but impactful. In fact, last year the EPA estimated that Americans throw out 2 BILLION disposable razors every year! It really adds up and this little swap will make a big difference in reducing the waste produced by your Dad. Struggling to find the perfect razor? Flora and Fauna have an amazing selection!

If your Dad is into electronics, why not give him a solar powered charging bank?
In fact, I’m wanting to get my hands on one of these babies myself. With the amount we use our technology these days, having a charger that is not depleting our resources is very cool, very handy and VERY sustainable.

Socks and underwear, the universal gift of the world
There are a bunch of eco-friendly brands coming on to the market, such as these undies from Marc Skid. $4 from each pair is donated to charity, they are made from organic cotton, and the band is produced from recycled plastic bottles. This is just one brand utilising trash to create everyday basics – a quick google search will reveal many more! 

There are so many ways that we can gift consciously in this day and age. We are so educated and have so many resources available to us – there really is no excuse not to be mindful when celebrating your loved ones.  One final good tip - skip the gift wrap! Any old newspaper lying round will do just fine, and I promise your Dad will not think twice about the patterned paper he ‘missed out’ on.

Good luck, happy hunting, and of course – HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!