Last Minute Gifts for Father's Day

In a bind to find a gift for your Dad? Check out these quick and easy suggestions.

By Brian Clark Howard

Nobody likes that sinking feeling that sets in when you realize Father's Day is just around the corner, and you still don't have anything to give your old man. It reminds you of the times you had to face your father and explain why your chores weren't finished, why you brought home that D from school, or what happened to the neighbor's window. But take heart. The Daily Green has you covered with some affordable, easy gift ideas to help you show your Dad you appreciate all he's done for you. And you still don''t have to tell him what really happened to that window. Brighten up Dad's day with a cold six-pack of organic beer. As a testament to their high quality, organic beers are now experiencing the fastest growth in the organic beverage market. Check out the delicious brews from Wolaver's or Butte Creek Brewing Co., or if Dad's a Bud man get him Wild Hop Lager and Stone Mill Pale Ale organic beers from Anheuser-Busch. Help Dad look and feel his best with grooming supplies that go gentler on the earth than typical brands. Zia Natural Skincare makes sumptuous shaving cream, gel and face wash for men from such natural ingredients as green papaya, vitamins, antioxidants and shea butter ($9.95). Or get him a bottle of soothing after-shave balm from industry leader Aveda ($14). You also can't go wrong with the new Smooth Skin and Shave Set from L'Occitaine en Provence ($54), which comes with a free juniper bark scrub. L'Occitaine sources many of their ingredients from suppliers who practice traditional production methods. Their shopping bags are made from recycled algae that is removed from Venetian canals in a pollution prevention program. Now that your father is on his way to becoming a green grill master, get him something to spruce up his "work space" and help him keep those coals going well into the evening. Gaiam offers a flexible neck solar-powered lamp that charges during the day, and shines through the dark with super efficient, bright white LEDs. Few American Dads will admit that they like to be pampered, but get yours a gift certificate for a massage at a local eco-spa, and you'll be amazed how grateful he'll be. If the thought of your father drinking water with cucumber or wearing a robe in front of strangers is too much, consider a gift certificate to a local artisanal bakery or nursery that offers organic gardening supplies. For the gift of quality bonding time, take him to do something that gets him in the great outdoors. Dads, just like kids, can suffer from the recently coined Nature Deficit Disorder, in which people are losing a connection to the natural world. You could take him to an outdoor ball game, out for a round of golf (on a green course), to a picnic dinner, or rent a canoe, row- or sailboat on a local body of water. Or make up for all those times you complained about chores as a kid, and do something nice for him for a change. Mow his lawn, wash his car or clean out his garage. Both of you will be glad you did.