12 Ethically-made Items for this Dude’s Day
It’s that time of the year again to formally appreciate that special dude in your life — whether he be your father, partner, or father-figure. As a conscious consumer, it can be hard to know exactly what to buy “For Him” that benefits both the world’s makers and the planet. While ethical products in the womenswear scene are gaining traction, menswear is … not so up-to-speed. Instead of buying him that same Nike golf polo or random funny t-shirt, shop our guide to ethical, unexpected gifts with purpose. Finally, you can appreciate your guy and relax on Father’s Day knowing your gift benefits all involved.
Socks
What dad doesn’t want (or need — let’s be honest) a new pair of socks? This “Parrot Party” organic cotton three pack is made by Pact. Pact is committed to changing how consumers interact with what goes on their body. They are Fair Trade USA Factory Certified, Organic Cotton GOTS certified, and guarantee sustainable and ethical style. A pack of Pact socks will assure that he is as comfortable as possible — while benefiting the earth and makers around the world. This pack also comes in a blue-and-black pattern.
The Classic Button Down
If you’re looking to give your dad the ever-classic, button down shirt, you definitely want to check this one out from Everlane. Boost his everyday wardrobe with something tailored and ethical. Everlane is committed to radical transparency, meaning they audit each of their factories to ensure fair wages, reasonable hours, and environmental sustainability. Everlane’s goal to make products so high-quality you can wear them for years or decades to come surely goes along with your dad’s commitment to wear every shirt down to its last fiber.
Fishing Work Station
For the serious fisherman in your life, Patagonia’s Wader Work Station checks all the boxes. It’s water-resistant and complete with ample pockets to keep every hook and tool organized. The Wader Work Station clips easily onto any pair of wader overalls for a convenient fishing experience. Patagonia’s commitment to “Leave No Trace” on the earth is made even more commendable by their upstanding labor practices. Patagonia placed second in the 2019 Ethical Fashion report by ensuring living wages across its supply change. For durable, high quality sporting gear, look no further than Patagonia.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
For the outdoor adventurer or plastic-water-bottle-conserver, this 40 oz stainless steel water bottle will fuel all his endeavors. The wide mouth attaches to most backcountry water filters and the Loop Cap promotes easy carrying. All of Klean Kanteen’s products have interchangeable lids, in case your dad is a coffee-in-the-morning and king-of-hydration kind of guy. Klean Kanteen is family and employee-owned and a Certified B Corporation. This means they are legally required to consider the impact on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment with each decision they make. Each Klean Kanteen product is handmade in China; the company is Climate Neutral Certified and a 1% For The Planet member. For the environmental activist in your life, Klean Kanteen is the way to go.
Gin Making Kit
For the scientist, crafter, or up-for-anything dad, this gin making kit is an experience you can both enjoy. Simply grab his favorite bottle of Absolut vodka, add the botanical mix sachet, and let steep for 24 hours. The kit includes an Italian glass bottle, label, filter papers, funnel, fine mesh sieve, and gin toppers. This kit is UK-made, vegan, and comes in recyclable packaging.
Trade Coffee Subscription
Give the gift that keeps on giving! Trade Coffee offers personalized coffee subscriptions for regular, decaf, and cold brew coffee drinkers. Take a short survey to choose your dad’s preferred brew method, flavors, and favorite add-ins and set him up with the best local coffees from around the country. Each of the 50 coffee roasters Trade partners with signs the Trade Roaster Pledge to source their beans ethically, provide fair wages, work with compassionate importers, and roast their coffee with the care that went into growing it. One of the brands is the only coffee company to offer on-site daycare to serve its employees.
Personalized Golf Tee Holder
For the avid golfer in your life, there are few gifts as thoughtful as a personalized tee holder that clips right onto their bag. Keep track of tees in style, and they’ll think of you with every shot they take. This tee holder is ethically handmade with British leather by UK-based company Parkin and Lewis. The lettering is customizable and comes in gold, silver or plain embossed and adding five colored wooden golf tees is an option. Parkin & Lewis offers this golf tee holder in several other colors as well.
Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For the guy who can’t resist a good beat, consider gifting this mini portable bluetooth speaker featuring 6 hours of playtime, bamboo trim, integrated microphone, and Rewind fabric. The House of Marley takes inspiration from the late Bob Marley’s love for the planet and its people. Project Marley supports the One Tree Planted initiative to reforest the earth and the Surfrider Foundation for ocean conservation. The House of Marley uses only sustainably-sourced materials and promises socially responsible craftsmanship. If your dad is a Bob Marley fan, you can watch his eyes light up as you explain how the legacy of Bob Marley lives on each time he plays a song on his new speaker.
Papa Bear Tee
Does your dad love a good graphic tee? Then this Papa Bear shirt by Don’t Feed the Bears is perfect. Don’t Feed the Bears is located in Sheffield, UK and offers products that are handmade, fairly made, organic, and sustainable. They use 100% Organic ring-spun Combed Cotton, are certified by the Fair Wear Foundation, and are GOTS & PETA approved vegan. Offering an extensive range of bear-themed designs, Don’t Feed the Bears has the perfectly unexpected win for your graphic-tee-loving man’s. There are plenty of pawsitively adorable designs where this came from.
Ded Cool Cologne
For the suave guy who loves a night on the town — or simply appreciates the power of a good cologne— Ded Cool’s signature fragrance might just be his new fav. The sweet yet subtle scent of bergamot, amber, vanilla, and fresh dew is derived from essential oils, vegan, and certified under the Credo Clean Standard which ensures proper safety and sourcing of ingredients, sustainable practices, and ethical working conditions.
Hairy Jayne Beard Oil
If quarantine has prompted a self-imposed beard-growing challenge for your man, consider gifting him this vegan, 100% natural beard oil. The oil nourishes, softens, and deodorizes facial hair and the skin underneath it, and the recyclable amber bottle will look great on your bathroom counter. Hairy Jayne is an independent company whose products are natural, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced with a commitment to being vegan and cruelty-free. Each product is handmade in the UK and all packaging is widely recyclable. Hairy Jayne is committed to eliminating plastic waste by offering shampoo and conditioner bars and refillable aluminum bottles. Leave it to Jayne to help tame your man’s whiskers.
Sseko Wallet
If his wallet has seen better days, check out the bi-fold and slim style wallets from Sseko Designs. Each wallet is handcrafted from small-batch, rugged, oil-tanned cowhide leather in Ethiopia and hand-coated with oil, rather than painted or dyed, to draw out the natural beauty of the piece. Sseko Designs is based in Uganda where they employ young women with the goal of helping them save money to attend university. The employees receive life-training, professional mentors, and formal work experience that help them end the cycle of poverty in East Africa. As a part of the #HeForShe collection, this wallet will not only beautifully organize his cards and bills, but it will support women’s education and empowerment.
About the Author
Emma Beavins is from Franklin, Indiana—a mid-sized town in the heart of central Indiana. Emma is an avid reader, caffeinated-beverage consumer, and a firm believer in the pancakes-are-better-than-waffles debate. Emma enjoys running half marathons and spending quality time with friends, preferably over breakfast. Emma is studying English and Spanish at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana where she hopes to be able to use her verbal and written communication skills to advocate for various social justice issues.