Ethical Father's Day Gifts

I think we can all feel a little lost when shopping for a guy, as they typically don’t ask for too much. All the men in my life are quite simple, so I try to just upgrade their basics! They would never want to upgrade tennis shoes, running jackets or travel kits so I like to do that for them. Whereas I’m over here picking up milk at Target staring longingly at makeup bags thinking, “Oh well I probably need a sixth makeup bag. Don’t we all?“ Here are a few upgraded basics and splurges for the dads in your life.

An eco-friendly razor

Most of the older men in my life prefer to be clean shaven, a stark difference from my bushy-faced friends. Instead of using a disposable plastic razor that will end up in a landfill, why not treat the dad's in your life to a handsome double edge safety razor? While it does take a bit of time getting used to it (the first time go slow-- keep the blade at a 30-degree angle to your face and shave with the grain of your hair) depending on the frequency of their shaves, the razor pays for itself quickly. The two linked are some of my friend's favourites (and I may have gotten one for my own scruffy-faced man).

A reusable cup

My dad LOVES tea - I definitely take after him. Some dad's may like hot coffee to wake them up or to take to the office. Just like mum, why not give him a reusable coffee cup? This one is insulated and some come in many colours! This allows for your dad (grandfather, uncle, brother, husband, etc.) to not only have a reminder of you every time they take a sip, but also saves the planet with each cup!

Ethical bags

Nothing quite says "classic" as a leather backpack, briefcase, messenger bag, cross body bag, etc. What is even better are vegan leather options! Definitely gets an A+ in style and is sure to be used by anyone! To be honest, I kind of want it for myself... must remind myself I am shopping for dad not myself, haha. Some backpacks aren't made of vegan leather at all, but 100% from recycled plastic bottles instead! A 100% cotton canvas and vegan leather weekender bag is fashionable, too. 

Miscellaneous gifts

• Wallet: Anyone need a new wallet? Most likely one of the men in your life- mine either have had theirs for years or tear theirs within a few months, haha. Cork wallets are a unique present, different from the regular leather ones (or this fabulous vegan leather one here or here) you often gift. Totally off topic, but how cute is this option for those who like zip-up wallets?
• Travel: I don't know about you ladies, but all my toiletries go into a bag when I travel. My guy? Not so much... a small plastic bag suffices. Sigh. I've seen my dad carry around one when he travels... but maybe an update is necessary! Sneak this organic hair pomade in there, too. If your pops is one who likes to travel, maybe get them a nice suitcase, and a reusable water bottle (like this one or this one).
• Lunchbox: A lot of people are starting to bring their homemade lunches into work. A better alternative before plastic bags is this waxed canvas biodegradable lunch bag.
• ​Outdoors: Out in the wild and without an outlet? A Solar Phone Charger may come in handy! Solar camping lantern is good to have if your dad likes the outdoors (the ones that collapse are super cool). What may also come in handy is some organic undershirts and socks!

​When you decide on the gift, be sure to skip the plastic gift wrap. Opt for recycled paper you already have on hand or reuse a gift bag. 

What are you getting your dad for Father's Day?