Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts
By Tara Alley
It is not too late to give Dad something great. Whether you're shopping for the father of your children or you're shopping for your own father, giving a green gift is the best thing you can do. Not only is it smart, environment-wise, if you do have children, it's a great way to set a good example for your children and can even become a way for you to train them from the earliest ages.
Skip the charcoal grill or the power-draining espresso machine. Not sure where to start? No matter what "kind" of dad you have in your family, here are some top green picks that you can pick and choose from!
For the Office Dad:
Recycled Typewriter Cufflinks - I wish my dad had a use for these because I absolutely love them! Classy and a little bit quirky and entirely recycled, these are a fantastic and very unique gift for the professional dad.
Eco-Vegan Ties - We tend to think of ties as generic, but they're a common gift for good reason. Always needed and not typically dad's favorite thing to shop for. Save him the time and go for something like the Skinny Tie from The Ethical Man that makes only vegan and eco-friendly products.
Socks - One more common idea but an uncommon thing to find when you want to find eco-friendly socks. My favorite are Spun bamboo socks that are easily affordable at $5-8. Perfect for a son's gift to dad.
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For the Earth-Lovin' Dad
Plant a tree - If you have the space in the backyard, buy a small tree and make it a family event to plant dad's tree. If not, you can always invest in a program that plants trees in forests for restoration. Options like Trees for a Change purchase a tree and provide you with a a recycled paper tree planting certificate, along with online access to your tree with information regarding where it was planted.
Planet Earth DVDs - If your dad is interested in nature, you can't go wrong with the Planet Earth DVDs. Countless hours of breathtaking footage with extremely informative commentary will have dad entertained for hours, and even better, will equip him to teach your children all sorts of fascinating facts for all the years to come.
For the Chef:
Organic Wine of the Month - For the foodie, you can't beat a delivery of delicious organic wine delivered to his door once a month!
Bamboo Grilling Set - Got a dad who loves to spend time in front of the grill? How about a bamboo barbecue set. You can find options that have all utensils made out of sustainable bamboo handles complete with a sustainable bamboo case. Start grilling in style! Beer Brewing Kit If dad isn't a wine drinker, how about a home beer brewing kit? Seven Bridges Cooperative sells an entirely organic one for beginners here.
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For the Outdoorsy Dad
Park Pass - If your dad loves to get out and enjoy the outdoors and explore or go fishing and camping, an Annual Pass to the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands might be perfect. Plus you can take the family along and enjoy nature together.
For the D-I-Y Dad
Book of Projects - The best book for a hands-on dad: Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids. There's nothing better than a dad that can fix and build his kids anything he wants than having dad and kids work together and pick up on those valuable skills instilled through that kind of work, whether it's building a tree house or creating a slip-n-slide for this summer.
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Other ideas for any Dad:
His favorite organic, eco-friendly coffee Breakfast in bed with all organic omelets and fresh farmer's market veggies.
Handmade cards
Coupon books good for help with dad's chores (raking the backyard, cleaning the garage)
A new bike for pedaling around town.
Freelance writer Tara Alley works on writing about eco-friendly product reviews and helping people find the right products that fit and support their lifestyle. She's currently working on portable air conditioners, which would also make a great father's day gift for dad's bedroom or dad's shop!
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