Eco-Friendly Gifts for Him That are Seriously Cool: Father’s Day Edition

Whether for Dad, the boyfriend, or your pesky brother, finding gifts for him can be ever-so-tricky. Plus, narrowing them down to eco-friendly gifts can make it even more impossible. I love giving gifts and have gifted many gifts, including helping others select the perfect heartfelt happy. Recently, I’ve been attempting to try creative presents that are more sustainable overall. And while not everyone loves geeking out on gift ideas like I do, I’ve created a list everyone can use! Read on to find an environmentally-friendly Father’s Day gift or an ANYDAY gift for that special guy.

Gifts For Him That He’ll Actually Like

Have you been told you’re a good gift giver? If so, you’re already on your way, doll! Or, have you had some major gifting fails that have lowered your confidence in your giving game? Hey, we’ve all been there!

Beyond just a handy-dandy gifts-for-him list, I have tips to get you in the mindset of what to give to all the individuals you love (or at least LIKE most of the time!).

And the eco-friendly thing is easier than you may think! You just have to think! Not that I don’t think you think but I’m talking about thinking in a different way. Giving eco-friendly gifts is about creativity, meaning, and shifting your perspectives. For example, does a gift have to be tangible? Does it have to cost a lot of money? Does it have to impress everyone else at the party? Oh heavens, no, you’re impressive enough, dearie!

This post is all about eco-friendly gifts for him that are seriously cool.

How To Pick The Perfect Gift

• Think of three things your person likes.
  • Examples: Hockey, ice cream, and complaining about work
    • With this information, you might consider gifts like:
      • A vintage team shirt
      • Ice cream maker: FoodieGee has a NiceCream recipe that looks fun!
      • Socks with funny quotes like this pair
• Think of their personality. (Because there’s a gift idea lurking around in the answers!)
  • What do they find funny? (Jokes, situational humor, cheesy stuff, cat videos)
  • Are they spiritual? (This is everything from daily prayers to being in awe of an acorn.)
  • What inspires them? (Could be Obama. Could be tacos.)
  • Who are their heroes? (Make a list. Avoid any tyrants.)
  • What are their hobbies? (Even weird things, like obsessing over their half-dead plants.)
  • How do they feel about crowds? (If the word “despise” comes to mind, avoid crowds.)
  • Where do they like to hang out? (Home is always an acceptable answer, too!)
  • Have they dropped any hints lately? (Maybe like, “I really want to go to the unicorn museum!”)
  • Is there something they’d never do? (Probably don’t gift that!)
  • What means the most to them? (Could be as specific as their Miami Vice pencil collection from the ’80s.)

• Consider all the options: tangible, repurposed, DIY, experiences, and heartfelt words like a thoughtfully written letter or greeting card.
• Stick to your budget. That helps you narrow down choices.
• Consider the presentation: Gift wrap (baskets, scarves, storage boxes, glass jars, drawstring bags, etc.) that can be reused is an extra gift.
• Don’t just get what you like. Unless you like the exact same things! Make sure it’s ABOUT THEM and not specifically something YOU have always wanted. Of course, if you’re making friendship bracelets, matchy-matchy is perfectly fine!

Let’s Get Some Gifts For Him!

Plant Dad

• Sweetheart plant
• Pothos plant: The easiest plant ever!
• Upcycled planter: This whiskey barrel planter is so cool. And these reclaimed cedar wood planters are understated and masculine and come in a variety of finishes.
• Geometric honeycomb trellis: This metal planter trellis is made to last for years and a much more eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
• Vintage watering can
• Quality yard tools: Shovel or rake (My friend just bought an adorable shovel that has a lifetime warranty. This is a great sustainable option!)
• Leaf blower alternative: This push-cart leaf collector has no motor, which means no fuel, electricity, or batteries, plus a quieter experience!

Outdoorsy Dad

• Reusable camping utensils and dinnerware: These aluminum, reusable camping utensils are so cute and come in several colors. They were designed with environmental considerations, including a carry pouch made of recycled plastic bottles. This set of magnetic bowls is also equally fantastic.
• Vegan backpack: This vegan duffel and backpack combo can be worn three ways. It’s made of eco-friendly RPET material and comes in this gorgeous green color.
• Vegan vest (or gilet, if you’re fancy): Made with recycled polyester fill, this outerwear staple is quite handsome!
• Swim trunks: These swim shorts are made out of recycled ocean plastic and ghost fishing nets by a company who cares about the earth.
• Carbon credits: I write about carbon offsetting here.
• Donation to an environmental foundation: Check out Climate Karen, a group dedicated to removing carbon and restoring our planet. Bonus: They’re also hilarious!

Beach Dad

• Swim trunks: This poppy print is so darling and dapper! You’ll also love that these shorts are made out of plastic bottles and ghost nets.
• Seashell ornament: Make him an ornament from a special shell you found together.
• Oyster shell ring dish: This Etsy seller is one of my faves. I’ve bought her shell ring dishes as gifts and they are STUNNING. (I also bought them as gifts for me.) She only collects empty, washed up oyster and clam shells and never disturbs shells with creatures living in them.
• Eco-friendly binoculars: This company is Carbon Neutral and ships in zero plastic. I haven’t used their binoculars yet, but am interested in their environmental practices and all the cool product colors. I think binoculars give us special insight when we’re viewing and appreciating the natural world. And the ocean is the perfect place to observe all kinds of wildlife.

Sporty Dad

Golf Dad

• Blue Q socks: I LOVE Blue Q. They’re a caring brand and SO hilarious. Make him smile with these golf socks.
• Golf ball ice cubes: Not sure if this goes under Golf Dad or Drinky Dad, but I think it’s both! These golf ball ice cube molds are super fun for the golfer who enjoys his bourbon, too!
• Driver cover: There are so many cute ones out there but, if you’re crafty, I bet you could make one! OR hire a tailor to sew a custom driver cover from an old fleece pullover or quilt.
• Travel golf bag: He probably has his regular golf bag, but does he have a travel golf bag??? This studly eco golf bag is made of about 40 recycled plastic bottles and is built to keep Dad’s clubs safe during his travels.

Football, Baseball, Tennis, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball & All the other Sports Dads

• Tickets to a sporting event
• Game day jersey
• Vegan snack box for the big game: I haven’t ordered these, but they look fun!

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Stylish Dad

• Reclaimed wood ring: This ring is crafted from a Jameson Irish Whiskey Barrel Oak!
• Reclaimed materials necklace: This pendant is created with recycled turquoise and silver, plus reclaimed wood and is perfect for both men and women.
• Vegan clothing: If he’s in need of a new outfit, try a classic piece he can wear for a long time.
• Rechargeable razor

Dog Dad

• Dog ice cube molds: Of course these exist! I cannot get enough of these hilarious dog ice cube molds that come in French Bulldog, regular Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Corgi, and Dachshund!
• Dad and doggie photo shoot: Make an album afterwards!
• Walking light: Get Dad a matching light with his fur child! My dogter has one of these lights and they last for YEARS. It’s also rechargeable, machine washable, and has a ton of colorful and blink settings.
• Matching pajamas
• Gift card to a restaurant that welcomes dogs

Foodie Dad

• Gift basket with all his favorite snacks: BUT instead of a traditional basket, fill up a metal drink tub! This stylish drink tub can be reused over and over again at parties or just for cool home storage.
• Home-cooked meal or dessert
• Restaurant gift card
• Food festival: Plan a trip together!

Drinky Dad

• Nice bottle of his drink of choice
• Beer sleeves made out of upcycled bike tubes
• Unique drink glasses: These blue glasses are made out of recycled wine bottles. So cute!
• Wine tasting event
• Beer festival

Music Dad

• Vintage record vinyls
• Spotify or Pandora subscription
• Engraved guitar pick
• Concert tickets
• Evening at the symphony or opera
• Live music on a restaurant patio
• Guitar nightlight: I got this guitar lamp for Jon and it is SO CUTE. I mean, if you want something he’ll like for his desk that says him, this might be it!

Movie Dad

• Gift card to his favorite movie theater haunt
• Streaming subscription he doesn’t have: Max, Hulu, Netflix, BritBox, Prime, etc.
• Framed vintage movie poster from his childhood: Gen X dads might like The Karate Kid, The Goonies, E.T., Ernest Goes to Camp, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, or The Neverending Story.

Tech Dad

• Gift card or code: If he’s techy, but you’re SO NOT, get him a gift card to his favorite store where he can nerd out for however long it takes to nerd out on tech!
• Gift of service: Offer to take all of his electronics to a recycling location so he doesn’t have to! (Make sure you don’t take the ones he still likes! That would be BAD.)
• Fun lights to add to his desk or workspace

Gamer Dad

• Retro Nintendo coasters: My brother LOVED these. (And he has NOT loved many things I’ve bought him.)
• Gift codes for more games. It’s always MORE GAMES.
• Pre-loved board game
• DIY playing cards: Card could have a theme, like favorite quotes, original illustrations, or family photos on the non-playing sides

Handy Dad

• Mini tool set for travel or the car: I have a hammer/screwdriver set like this one that I love!
• Rechargeable headlight: I love the dog light from this brand, too!

Bookish Dad

• Vintage or first edition book: Check out used bookstores or local library sales or giveaways.
• Bookmark with his favorite quote: Create from scrap fabrics, greeting cards, or other repurposed materials.
• Rechargeable, wearable, neck book light: This light is ClimatePartner Certified.
• Audible membership
• Reclaimed wood bookcase or antique book cabinet from a thrift store
• Handmade reading throw: Knit or crochet a cozy reading blanket. OR if you aren’t crafty, give a beautiful blankie made from recycled textiles, like this throw with a handsome diamond design.

Car Dad

• Car wash gift card: My dad ALWAYS and ONLY wants this. And he’s the ultimate car guy.
• Car wash membership: Go for the whole kit and caboodle and buy him a membership he can use all year! This article talks about the eco advantages of using a commercial car wash versus your own bucket and hose.
• Car show outing: Take him to a vintage car show: a fun time for all!
• Framed photo of him with his first (or favorite) car
• Wallet made out of upcycled seat belts: What a creative way to repurpose and reuse.
• Emergency tools: Solar light, window break device, or first aid kit. I have a similar solar car light like this one, but this version’s an upgrade with a phone charger!
• Compostable Swedish dish cloths to clean his car

Sentimental Dad

• Framed photo of a memory you shared
• Thoughtful handwritten card or letter
• Original poem or drawing by YOU
• Treat them to a homemade meal of cherished family recipes or at a restaurant that holds special meaning

Travel Dad

• Toiletry bag made out of upcycled bike tubes and seat belts
• Weekender bag: This vegan leather bag is as dapper as they come and made from cork!
• Vegan messenger bag: This two-toned bag is made of Portuguese cork and ocean plastic lining.

Time For a Wrap

Guys aren’t easy to shop for, but I hope this list of gifts for him helps you to get something he’d love and that Mother Earth loves, too! Let me know in the comments what resonated with you!

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