1) A yoga class pass. I know what you’re thinking: “Never in a million years would my dad go to a yoga class.” But don’t be so sure! Last year I got my 60-year-old dad a five-class pass to a local yoga studio (to a class called Stiff White Guys – “you don’t need to be white or a guy, but you need to be stiff like a white guy”). My dad absolutely loved his classes and was thrilled to be trying something new and so unlike anything he’d ever done.
2) Recycled cocktail glasses. If your dad’s due for a new set of highballs or wine glasses for cocktail hour, instead of heading to the department store, consider supporting local artists making beautiful drinking glasses from recycled glass, like this one on Etsy, the online store for handmade things. You can also find some beautiful recycled-wine-bottle drinking glasses for sale online at the Green Glass Company.
3) CSA Subscription. If your dad’s into cooking, why not sign him up for a CSA? CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture.” I’m always surprised at how few people know about CSAs, but I think they’re a great gift for parents who spend most nights at home (i.e. this is not the gift for jet-setters). Essentially, small farms all across the country deliver weekly boxes of locally-grown, seasonal, organic produce to your doorstep or to a drop-off location nearby. Some even offer a one-month trial run, which could be a good bet if you’re worried your dad could feel saddled with several months’ worth of greens. Find a CSA here.
4) Green golf gear. If you’ve got a dad who likes to get out and put and – this is key – who is in need of some new gear, then check out these gift ideas from SustainLane blogger Julie Urlaub. Julie recommends golf bags, balls, and tees made with 100% recycled, recyclable, and non-toxic materials.
5) Plan an entire day with your dad. Isn’t this what he’d like anyway? Make up a schedule ahead of time, and make the entire day local, healthy and green. Serve up Dad’s favorite breakfast made at home with fresh ingredients, and wash it down with SustainLane member Charles W.’s Strawberry Banana Kefir smoothie. Go for a sightseeing walk around town, or go to the park to practice putting, throw the football, skip rocks in the river like old times, or just enjoy the chirping birds. Pack a picnic lunch with all reusable containers and serving utensils. For dessert, bake Mom’s Blueberry Crumb Pie ahead of time. Hydrate with any of these fresh, soda-alternatives recommended by Nikki Ostrower. (If you'd rather eat out for lunch, try a restaurant that uses organic and locally grown food as much as possible). While out and about, pick a bouquet for Dad’s dinner table, where you’ll make a delicious, organic meal to cap the day. Try Cris B.’s Cream of Zucchini Soupand Garden Girl Patti Moreno’s barbecued herb chicken.
Monika N. says:
I like these ideas. Also, an e-card would be more green, no?
I'm going to check out the green golf gear for my pops!
Bill S. says:
Want to raise your father's green game on Father's Day? Give him the Eco Deck, a unique pack of cards with 52 eco tips, facts and solutions that are guaranteed to improve his green I.Q. while playing his favorite card game. Check out the Eco Deck at www.greenfootforward.com
Adam W. says:
I would also add organic or biodynamic wine or other alcohol. Most alcohols these days have at least one organic variety. Take whatever your Dads personal poison is (my Dad prefers wine, but I bought my grandpa some great organic scotch for his birthday: http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/vodka-gin/QUTKZMZZS1V9JZA4IQWFFZL1ANIR) and get him the organic version. Always goes over well, even if the drink itself is not so good (I am looking at YOU 360 vodka!)
Cris Bisch says:
I Love Option-5! Most gifts involve buying more stuff and rushing around to find them. How about giving dad a handmade card created out of some of his old father's day cards that are tucked away in shoe box somewhere (hope it wasn't one of them mom donated to the local zoo for boxing elephant treats!). In the card, tell dad about his gift (s): surprise him with one or all of the thoughtful things you've already done or will do for him right there at home: polish his shoes, iron and/or mend his clothes, match all of dad's socks, give him a pedicure and foot massage, make him his favorite meal, teach dad to play a new card or board game, do the mowing and yard/garden work while he relaxes, wash his car and vacuum it out, go for a bike ride or a walk with dad around the neighborhood, bake his favorite cookies, look through old photo albums with dad (repairing or updating it first), give him a framed "Then & Now" family photo. The possibilities are endless... check out SustainLane's DIY posts for things you can make with recyclable materials you have right there at home! The best gift of all is to give your dad the gift of time... yours and his together.
Tuula H. says:
Hmmm ... How about a big huge hug every time Dad walks by. It's free and green.