Father's Day
Father’s Day is on Sunday 21st June in the UK this year. And, as with a lot of things in 2020, we will have to approach it slightly differently.
With Lockdown restrictions on socialising and shop openings it makes it that bit more difficult; and even more so if you’re trying to make it a Zero Waste Father’s Day.
For instance if you usually enjoy rummaging around second hand shops looking for gifts that’s something you’ll have to put on hold for this year. However, there are still lots of ways that you can make it a memorable low waste Father’s Day.
10 Zero Waste Father's Day Gift Ideas
When you’re choosing a gift for Father’s Day it really is the thought that counts. Here are 10 of my Zero waste Father’s Day Lockdown Gift Ideas.
Experience Gifts
Usually top of my list but currently experience gifts are tricky. However, there are still a few options.
Luna Cinema has just released dates for socially distanced Drive in Cinemas across the UK which could make a great experience gift.
Theatre or Concert Tickets
While we might not be able to go to the Theatre at the moment, I’m sure we will be able to again soon.
An option would be to buy a Theatre Token so that the person you’re giving the gift to can choose their own tickets when Theatres reopen.
Gift Promise Note
And, remember it doesn’t have to be something you buy to make it a wonderful gift. You could make your own promise note for something you know that your Dad would really appreciate. It could be as simple as offering to give the house a spring clean or cook a family meal. You just need to choose something that you know will be appreciated.
Homemade Gifts
What Dad wouldn’t enjoy a homemade cake.
There’s an endless list of homemade gifts that you can make and it’s so nice to receive something that you know has taken someone time and effort to make.
You could try making jam or homemade fudge. And, you can package your homemade items in a reusable tin or jar.
Subscription and Memberships
You can buy subscriptions for so many things including monthly magazines, wine clubs, beer clubs etc. And, if you buy a subscription to a monthly magazine a lot of them are now digital, so even more Zero Waste friendly.
But, one of my favourite subscriptions is an annual membership to the National Trust or something similar.
The possibilities are endless it just takes a little thought and research to find the right one.
Zero Waste Gift Set
If the person you’re buying for hasn’t started on their Zero Waste Journey why not put together a small Zero Waste Starter kit. You could either do one for the Bathroom with a safety razor, bamboo toothbrush, reusable face wipes, lovely handmade soap etc. Or, maybe do one for when they’re out and about with a reusable cup, some organic cotton produce bags and maybe a reusable straw.
If you do decide to give them a Zero Waste starter kit make sure it’s something they’ll use as you don’t want to buy something that will go to waste.
If you take a look at TMG Zero Waste Shop you’ll find lots of ideas and everything comes in plastic free packaging 🙂
Vintage / Second Hand
You don’t always have to buy new when looking for presents. And, these days you can buy virtually anything second hand from books to bikes. Etsy is a great place to look for vintage or upcycled gifts and is a great option when you can’t rummage around in second hand shops.
A nice pair of second hand cufflinks, a vintage tie or tie press could make a nice present.
Tree or Plant
If the person you are buying for has a garden then another nice present would be a plant or a tree if they have the space.
If you don’t want to buy a plant for their garden you can also make a donation to the National Forest and you’ll get a gift certificate to say you’ve planted a tree and you can even go along to the planting.
Books
Books make wonderful presents and I still love holding a real book to read. And, I love browsing in book shops.
If you want to buy a book as a gift you can still support independent book stores by buying online from Hive. This is what Hive has to say:
We give independent bookshops a chance to be seen online. We hope it will help them to reach new and different customers. We help them benefit from the sale of all kinds of stuff.
Buy Unpackaged Gifts or Zero Waste Friendly Packaging
And, remember these Zero Waste Gift Ideas are just to help you start thinking about the perfect Father’s Day gift. When you’re looking for gifts be a mindful consumer and think about what you’re buying.
Is it something that will be useful? Think about what it’s made from, is the packaging it’s sold in easy to dispose of.
You should be looking for gifts that are unpackaged or if they do have packaging then it should be minimal and preferably compostable like cardboard.
Handmade soaps, books, a nice scarf all make lovely presents.
When it comes to buying a card for Father’s Day make sure that if you buy one that you buy it from an independent shop and it’s not wrapped in plastic or covered with glitter. You may need to buy online but again, Etsy is a great place to look.
You don’t even have to buy a card you could write a note or poem on a postcard or even a nice piece of writing paper.
Be a conscious consumer this Father's Day
I hope my Zero Waste Father’s Day Lockdown Gift Ideas has given you some inspiration given the current situation.
Remember giving and receiving presents should be fun and half the fun in giving presents is choosing them.
Make sure you’re a conscious consumer and I hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day.
