Show your appreciation for that special father figure in your life with these gift ideas that place people and the planet at their heart.
The History of Father’s Day
Father’s Day was first observed in the United States on June 19, 1910, after a Washington woman named Sonora Smart Dodd proposed a holiday similar to the already established Mother’s Day. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed legislation establishing Father’s Day as a national holiday.
Once a religious day, Father’s Day is now a secular day where people share cards and gifts with the dads and father figures in their life.
When is Father’s Day in the UK?
Father’s Day always falls on the third Sunday in June – hopefully, just in time for the first heat wave of the British summer!
Unlike Mother’s Day, which is celebrated on different days around the world, Father’s Day falls on the same day in many countries.
SEARCHING FOR Ethical gifts for the dad who wants nothing or has everything?
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Fairtrade gifts to help make sure every dad feels special – from fresh Oxford shirts to beard oil, all the products listed below ensure farmers are paid a fair price and the environment is protected too, so keep scrolling…
Menswear
Arthur & Henry Oxford Shirt
A man can never have too many shirts, so why not get your dad a gorgeous Button Down Collar Fairtrade Organic Oxford Shirt from Arthur and Henry.
Dedicated veggie socks
From Dedicated – a range of fun and colourful socks. Try these funky Sigtuna Vegetables socks! You can get them in mid-rise with a white or black background.
Dedicated Fairtrade t-shirt
For something more eclectic, the t-shirts from Dedicated like the Stockholm Crayon Globe Forest Green are a must.
Thought fairtrade sweatshirt
For the more laidback dad, there are plenty of comfy pieces from Thought like the Rohan organic and Fairtrade sweatshirt in washed black.
Beard care, grooming and cleansing
Amazon Aware soap
The Amazon Aware Hand and Body Soap Bar variety pack with organic aloe vera and Fairtrade olive oil includes a mixed trio of hand and body soap bars with organic oils of energising orange, refreshing mint and purifying lemon, leaving skin feeling clean and soft – perfect for the dad who likes a scent variety.
Earth Conscious deodorant
This Earth Conscious strong protection deodorant is perfect for the eco dad. The Strong Protection formula provides the maximum possible effectiveness without compromising on natural ingredients.
10p from the sale of this deodorant goes to the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. Win-win.
Fair Squared balms and soaps
For the clean-shaven dad, the Fair Squared Argan After Shave Balm protects the skin from irritations. The Black Facial Soap is produced following an old recipe and is ideal for cleansing sensitive facial skin. The Coffee Shaving Soap contains various Fairtrade ingredients which protect and nourish the skin while shaving
Honeystreet Handmade Barber range
Got a dad who sports a fantastic beard? The Honeystreet Handmade Barber Oil is perfect for a soft, supple and fragrant beard. Also from Honeystreet Handmade is the Barber Soap which is Fairtrade-certified and is free of parabens, sulphates, palm oil, petrochemicals and artificial fragrances.
Mumanu beard balms
From Mumanu, try the Organic Beard Balm – a leave-in conditioning and styling balm for facial hair with essential oils of frankincense and mandarin.
Food and drink
Cocoa Loco I Love My Dad – Fish Slab
The I Love My Dad – Fish Slab from Cocoa Loco is the perfect gift for any lover of chocolate – milk chocolate made from 37% cocoa, hand-piped with white chocolate and decorated with dark chocolate fish. As always, organic, Fairtrade certified and palm oil free!
Colombia Cafe Equidad ground
For the coffee obsessed Dad, Grumpy Mule’s Colombia Cafe Equidad ground coffee is a must with sweet, smooth, and moreish taste notes of red apple, caramel, hazelnut, and milk chocolate.
Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Organic Malbec
For the wine connoisseur dad, go for the Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Organic Malbec. One of Argentina’s most respected winemakers, Rodolfo Griguol produced this 100% Malbec from high altitude vineyards growing in the remote, picturesque Famatina Valley in North West Argentina. This full bodied wine is bursting with plum, cherry and jam aromas.
Fairtrade fact: Fairtrade premiums and funding from the Co-op helped to build a new secondary school in Tilimuqui in 2010. The school has 650 pupils and the first graduation was in 2015.
Radical Roots Ginger Pale Ale
For the beer loving dad, why not get him a case of the Radical Roots Ginger Pale Ale. Combining fresh ginger, dried fruit and citrus, this pale ale builds to a deliciously light and spicy finish – he won’t be disappointed!
Steenbergs 4 Pepper blend
For the chef dad, the Organic Fairtrade 4 Pepper Mix Large Jar from Steenbergs combines four organic Fairtrade peppers to liven up any dish.