This Father’s Day, give a gift that’s thoughtful and earth-friendly. Whether they’re an outdoor adventurer, a self-care enthusiast, a tidy kitchen master, or someone who just appreciates a good experience, we’ve curated a guide full of low-waste gifts, DIY ideas, and activities that make memories — not landfill.
DIY Gift Ideas from the Heart
1. Homemade Beard Oil or Aftershave
Simple ingredients like jojoba oil, essential oils, and a glass bottle make this gift both personal and practical.
Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
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1 ounce jojoba oil
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½ ounce avocado oil
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¼ ounce almond oil
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¼ ounce apricot oil
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16–20 drops Cedarwood essential oil
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7 drops orange essential oil
Instructions:
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Combine all the oils in a small glass bottle.
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Shake well to mix.
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Apply a few drops to your beard or skin as needed.
For more detailed instructions and variations, you can refer to this guide: DIY Beard Oil - Parsnips and Pastries
2. “Why I Love You” Booklet
Use scrap paper or cardboard to create a meaningful keepsake filled with handwritten notes or drawings. Perfect for kids to help with!
3. Upcycled T-shirt Tote or Grill Apron
Turn an old shirt into something useful with a basic sewing tutorial — creative and sustainable. Here's a no-sew method for creating a tote bag:
Materials:
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An old t-shirt
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Sharp scissors
Instructions:
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Cut off the sleeves and neckline to create handles.
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Determine the desired depth of the bag and cut slits along the bottom hem.
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Tie the front and back slits together to close the bottom of the bag.
For a visual tutorial, check out this video: Turning an Old T-Shirt into a Handy Tote Bag
4. Build a Custom
Self-Care Kit
Dad's need pampering too! Encourage relaxation with:
Activities That Make Memories
1. Outdoor Picnic or Hike
Bring snacks in reusable containers, wax wraps, and your favorite foldable cutlery. Enjoy the fresh air and good company.
2. Backyard BBQ with a Low-Waste Twist
Use compostable or reusable serving ware. Encourage guests to bring their own plates to keep it eco-friendly.
3. Mini Car Wash Session
Show some love to your ride using biodegradable soap and reusable cloths — bonus points for doing it together!
4. Plant a Tree or Start a Garden
A meaningful way to spend time together and give back to the planet.
5. Board Game Night or Tech-Free Time
Unplug, slow down, and enjoy each other’s company the old-fashioned way.
Eco-Friendly Gifts They’ll Actually Use
💈Zero Waste Shaving Set
Includes a reusable safety razor, natural shave bar, and konjac sponge — a sleek and sustainable grooming upgrade.
🥾 Outdoor Adventure Kit
Perfect for a nature lover:
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Wax wraps for snacks
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Foldable travel cutlery
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National Parks Pass
🧳 Plastic-Free Travel Kit
Include a shampoo bar, conditioner bar, silicone travel case, biodegradable floss, toothpaste tablets and bamboo travel toothbrush — TSA-friendly and waste-free.
🛁 Diatomaceous Earth Bath Mat
Fast-drying, minimalist, and antimicrobial — a bathroom upgrade they’ll use daily.
💧 Reusable Water Bottle – Stainless Steel
Durable, sleek, and plastic-free — hydration, the sustainable way.
🧽 Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack + Corner Rack
Space-saving solutions for an organized kitchen.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Stuff
Whether it’s a gift, a handmade creation, or simply shared time together, what matters most is the intention. Let’s honor the people who show up, take care, and lead with love — in ways big and small — with gifts that reflect our values and care for the Earth.
