There’s something pretty special about the first Father’s Day. Whether the new dad in your life is still mastering the art of swaddling or already has “dad joke” status unlocked, it’s a moment worth celebrating. And like most things that matter, the way we mark it can say a lot—about our values and our love.
Father’s Day as we know it started on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd. She wanted to give her dad, William Jackson Smart—a tough Civil War vet who raised six kids solo—a little love and recognition. Inspired by Mother’s Day, she felt dads deserved more than just another tie or mug; they deserved a heartfelt moment of appreciation for all they do.1
Fast-forward over a century, and that original spirit is still worth holding onto. The truth is, a lot of Father’s Day gifts out there are wrapped in plastic, filled with gimmicks, or designed to be used once and forgotten. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Finding a gift that’s meaningful and mindful isn’t just possible—it’s actually easier (and way more rewarding) than scrolling through another list of “funny mugs for dads.”
Some are handmade with love, and others can be picked up with a few clicks—but all focus on thoughtfulness over excess. Whether you’re celebrating a brand-new dad or someone already settling into the role, these gifts are about honoring the moment in a way that actually means something.
Why Choose an Eco-Friendly First Father’s Day Gift?
The first year of parenthood is already full of stuff. Baby gear, hand-me-downs, bottles, blankets—and let’s not even talk about the avalanche of plastic toys waiting in the wings. So, when it comes to celebrating a new dad, gifting something that doesn’t add to the clutter (or the planet’s plastic problem) feels like a meaningful shift.
Choosing an eco-friendly gift isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. It’s about saying, “I see you becoming a parent, and I also care about the kind of world you’re raising this little human in.” That kind of thoughtfulness doesn’t come wrapped in shrink wrap or surrounded by foam inserts.
Many mainstream gifts are loaded with unnecessary plastic—from the packaging to the product itself. And the truth is, most of that plastic won’t get recycled. Recent studies reveal that global plastic recycling rates remain alarmingly low, with less than 10% of all plastic recycled. In 2022 alone, just 9.5% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced came from recycled materials.2 The rest doesn’t just disappear—it often ends up sitting in landfills, burned in incinerators, or dumped into the ocean and other waterways, harming ecosystems where it doesn’t belong.
14 Thoughtful First Father’s Day Gift Ideas
TRIWA Ocean Plastic Timer
Price Range: $185
Looking for a meaningful First Father’s Day gift? The Ocean Plastic Timer watch from Triwa is more than just a stylish accessory—it’s made from recycled ocean plastic collected through their partnership with #tide. With an estimated 1 to 2 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans each year,3 supporting a brand that’s turning waste into something worth wearing feels good.
Triwa also partners with organizations like Sea Shepherd, Protect Our Winters, and UOcean 2050, tying its products to real efforts in ocean conservation and climate action. Its products are thoughtful, practical, and made with purpose—just like the new dad you’re shopping for.
WOODZEE Sunglasses
Price Range: $49–$240
Woodzee’s sunglasses are crafted with sustainability in mind, with many models made from recycled skateboard decks. Each pair is unique, thanks to the distinct colors and textures of the repurposed skateboards. These eco-friendly frames offer a stylish, one-of-a-kind look, combining functionality with a commitment to the environment.
Woodzee’s recycling program is a win-win. They encourage customers to return their old sunglasses; in return, they get a 50% discount on your next pair. What’s even cooler? The returned sunglasses are either fixed up using recycled materials or repurposed into something new if they can’t be salvaged. It’s all about reducing waste and keeping the cycle going—pretty awesome, right?
Lettuce Grow Hydroponic Garden
Price Range: $149–$1,423
With grocery prices soaring, the Lettuce Grow Farmstand feels more like a smart investment than a splurge. This self-watering, self-fertilizing hydroponic system lets you grow up to 36 plants—leafy greens, herbs, veggies, even strawberries—right at home. And if space is tight, they’ve got smaller Counterstands too, perfect for apartment kitchens or tiny patios.
The Lettuce Grow Farmstand offers long-term savings by allowing you to grow your produce, reducing grocery bills, and enjoying fresh, homegrown food year-round. Made from recycled ocean-bound plastic with recyclable packaging, it’s a gift that supports eco-friendly values. Through their Lettuce Give initiative, Lettuce Grow also improves access to fresh food by providing grants for Farmstands and seedlings to schools and nonprofits, empowering communities to embrace sustainable gardening and healthier lifestyles.
Elvis & Kresse Wallet
Price Range: $54–$161
Elvis & Kresse has mastered turning something tough and storied—like decommissioned British fire hoses—into something unexpectedly sleek: luxury wallets. Their men’s wallets are crafted from these decommissioned fire hoses, offering durability and a unique aesthetic. Each wallet is lined with reclaimed parachute silk, combining functionality with eco-friendly design.
Beyond these efforts, Elvis & Kresse has reclaimed over 300 tonnes of materials from landfills, including fire hoses, which are transformed into luxury accessories. Their innovative approach reduces waste and raises awareness about the importance of sustainability. The brand donates 50% of its profits to charitable causes, including The Fire Fighters Charity, and operates as a certified B Corporation, ensuring ethical practices throughout its operations.
Ooni Pizza Oven
Price Range: $399–$469
Imagine the fun Dad will have making pizzas for years—from Friday night classics to creative topping experiments with the kids. The Ooni Koda is a sleek, gas-powered pizza oven that brings authentic, stone-baked pizza to your backyard. The Ooni Koda is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It also offers a larger cooking area and an innovative L-shaped flame for effortless one-turn cooking. It’s quick, easy to use, and delivers seriously satisfying results.
Ooni’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond great pizza. The company uses 100% plastic-free packaging and partners with One Tree Planted, contributing to global reforestation with every oven sold. As proud members of 1% for the Planet, Ooni donates 1% of its annual revenue to environmental and social causes, including clean energy access, food education, and rewilding projects.
Mueller French Press Coffee Maker
Price Range: $15–$60
I used to love my coffee machine with those convenient little plastic pods—just pop one in, press a button, and voilà: caffeine magic. It was fast, easy, and kind of addictive (in more ways than one). But the more I learned about microplastics, the harder it became to ignore the waste behind that daily habit. So, I made the switch to a French press.
The Mueller Futura Glass French Press has been a delightful upgrade. Crafted with heat-resistant borosilicate glass and encased in a sleek stainless-steel frame, it combines durability with modern aesthetics. Its 4-level filtration system ensures a smooth, robust cup every time, free from residual grounds.
Beyond quality products, Mueller supports community initiatives through partnerships with organizations like Better World and the Youth Opportunity Center, contributing to causes that make a positive impact.
Made In Knives
Price Range: $69–$569
Made In manufactures its knives in Thiers, France, a region renowned for its high-quality knife craftsmanship. They collaborate with a fifth-generation family-owned knife maker to produce their professional-grade kitchen knives—a blend of tradition and modernity that ensures exceptional quality.
Made In integrates sustainability into its business by focusing on smart packaging, efficient shipping, and long-lasting design. They’ve replaced plastic liners with reusable dust bags, prioritized recyclable materials, and even reused packing supplies when possible. To help reduce emissions, customers can choose to consolidate their orders into a single shipment. And because their cookware and knives are built to last, there’s less need for frequent replacements—meaning less waste over time.
In addition, Made In partners with Habitat for Humanity to repurpose old cookware, giving it a new life or recycling it to create new pots and pans. It’s a practical, behind-the-scenes approach to reducing their environmental impact while keeping quality front and center.
Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Wood Shaving
Price Range: $59.99
The Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Wood Shaving Gift Set is a beautifully curated kit that turns shaving into a low-waste ritual. It includes a rich, organic shaving soap, a hand-carved olive wood bowl, and a soft-bristled shaving brush made with natural materials. The soap creates a creamy, moisturizing lather that helps the razor glide smoothly—no harsh chemicals, just skin-loving ingredients.
What really makes this set special is the brand’s dedication to sustainability. Everything is made with USDA certified organic ingredients, and the packaging is over 99% plastic-free. Chagrin Valley is also Leaping Bunny certified, so you can be confident that no animal testing is involved at any stage. Even the olive wood bowl is sustainably sourced, making this set as eco-friendly as it is elegant.
First Father’s Day DIY Gift Ideas
There’s something extra special about a first Father’s Day—it’s not just another gift-giving occasion; it’s the start of a whole new chapter. And while store-bought gifts are great, there’s something about a DIY gesture that feels more personal and memorable. Whether you’re crafting with baby’s help (hello, tiny handprints) or putting together something thoughtful on your own, these DIY ideas are perfect for celebrating the new dad in your life—with a bit of heart, a little humor, and a lot of love.
Golf Ball Box
Do you have a dad who’s always out on the green? This DIY golf ball box is a fun and thoughtful gift that’ll score big with any golf lover.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
DIY Photo Coasters
Commemorate his first Father’s Day with coasters featuring sweet baby moments. These personalized photo coasters turn adorable memories into something he’ll use (and smile at) every day.
Get the tutorial at Home Made Lovely.
DIY Cookout Kit
This thoughtfully curated DIY cookout kit treats Dad to the ultimate backyard BBQ experience. Packed in a wooden beer caddy, it includes grilling essentials like smoked sea salts, a BBQ tool set, a steak branding iron, and homemade ketchup. Add his favorite beers and a personalized apron to make it extra special.
Get the tutorial at Lark & Linen.
Papa Bear & Baby Bear Matching Shirts
Celebrate Father’s Day with these adorable matching “Papa Bear” and “Baby Bear” shirts. Featuring Big Dipper and Little Dipper constellations, they’re a sweet and simple DIY project using printable iron-on transfers.
Get the tutorial at Squirrelly Minds.
Baseball Handprint Keepsake
Hit a home run this Father’s Day with a heartfelt gift! This simple craft involves stamping your child’s handprint onto a baseball, creating a cherished keepsake for any baseball-loving dad. It’s an easy and memorable project that captures a moment in time.
Get the tutorial at The Kindergarten Connection.
DIY Photo Explosion Box
Celebrate his very First Father’s Day with a gift full of heart—and photos. This DIY explosion box reveals layers of special moments, sweet notes, and memories from the journey into parenthood. It’s a creative, meaningful way to capture just how much he’s already loved.
Get the tutorial at It’s Always Autumn.
This Has Been About First Father’s Day Gifts
Whether you spend time making something by hand or pick out a meaningful gift, Father’s Day is all about showing appreciation in a way that feels genuine. A DIY project adds a personal touch, while a thoughtful purchase can be just as special. However you choose to celebrate, what matters most is the love and intention behind it—because that’s what turns an ordinary gift into an unforgettable moment.
References
- Roos, D. (2025, March 2). The man who inspired Father’s Day: A Civil War vet and single dad. History. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from https://www.history.com/articles/man-who-inspired-fathers-day-civil-war-vet-single-dad ↩︎
- Phys.org. (2025, April 12). Global plastic recycling rates remain stagnant despite efforts. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from https://phys.org/news/2025-04-global-plastic-recycling-stagnant.html ↩︎
- Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (n.d.). Plastic pollution. Our World in Data. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution ↩︎
