Dads will love these green gifts

This hard cider from Bishop Cider is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, all natural, and has no added sugar. Courtesy of Bishop Cider.

June 12, 2019

Father's Day is coming up Sunday. Think green this year when shopping for Dad! We’ve compiled some eco-friendly gifts that will honor your shared love of the planet.

Bishop Cider four packsSWEET AND SOUR

Dad’s tastebuds will tingle when he sips a bubbly brew from Bishop Cider in Oak Cliff. Joel and Laura Malone began making cider at home and now offer their delectable drinks all across the Metroplex. You can visit their original location in the Bishop Arts District Tuesdays through Sundays. With radical flavors such as Crackberry, the Dark Cide and Texas Tea, you’ll be sure to find some that your Pops will love. All ciders have no added cane sugar but their sweetness comes naturally from fruits harvested in the Pacific Northwest such as apples, black currants, cranberries, blackberries and even pineapple. All gluten-free, vegan-friendly and Texas-made, of course. Find locations that sell Bishop Cider near you.

V-EatsGREEN PLATE SPECIAL

Give Dad an experience that he’ll never forget with a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner at one of the many eco-friendly restaurants around town. Show him that you support eateries that source their ingredients from local, Texas or sustainable suppliers and farms. Most are open on Father’s Day. A few area highlights are Spiral Diner, V Eats, Celebration, True Food Kitchen, The Healthy Hippie and Righteous Foods. What’s your favorite? We’d love to hear about it!

TEXAS OIL BOOM

If Papa is a foodie, pick up a selection of yummy olive oils from Texas Olive Ranch in flavors such as Happy Jalapeno, Hill Country Herb, Rio Grande Valley Orange, Roasted Garlic or Chili & Chipotle “Rattlesnake.” The company also produces tangy balsamic vinegars that will knock Dad’s boots right off – infused with figs, blackberries, Texas pecans and jalapenos with lime. Texas Olive Ranch is nestled just outside of Carrizo Springs, Texas. The ranch presses their fruit at various stages of ripening, resulting in flavors that are buttery and earthy with a hint of a peppery aftertaste that any olive oil fan will appreciate. Find them at Jimmy’s Food Store in Dallas, Local Yokel Farm to Market in McKinney, Greens Produce and Plants in Arlington as well as most Central Market and Whole Foods locations.

Leatherman ToolsMACGYVER'S SECRET WEAPON

Sometimes the most sustainable product is one that lasts and lasts. Over three decades ago, Tim Leatherman, was inspired on an overseas trip to create a knife with pliers attached with which he could fix things when he traveled. His idea sparked a company that now sells their iconic Leatherman tools in 86 countries. Produced in Portland, Oregon since 1983, these handy gadgets are near impossible to break and carry a 25-year warranty to prove it. Dad will use his Leatherman for everything from fixing the car to setting up his campsite. Heck, he might even loan it to you – or you can buy one for yourself. Check out this Leatherman Wingman, on sale at Lowes for $47.95 through June 19. Other styles available at retailers all around the area including Target and REI.

Maximus Motion Activated Outdoor LED Camera FloodlightSAFETY AND SECURITY

Give your Padre peace of mind with a Maximus Motion Activated Outdoor LED Camera Floodlight. This state-of-the-art wonder not only provides a super-bright 2400 lumens of near-daylight for night activities but also lets Dad know when visitors arrive or intruders are on the prowl. With adjustable 270-degree coverage and 70 foot detection range, the camera floodlight captures motions in a wider and further area than similar products. Wifi technology sends images to Dad's phone and allows two-way talk. He can listen in and talk back to visitors from his smart devices and works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Will even play pre-recorded messages, a barking dog sound or a very loud alarm when needed. Around $200 at Home Depot and other retailers.

GREEN DEALS FOR DAD

Natural GrocersNatural Grocers is offering 30 percent off several reusable items, June 14-16, such as stainless steel straws, Stasher resealable silicon storage bags (to replace zipper-type), titanium sporks, hydro flasks, etc… You must be a member of the Natural Grocer’s customer club but it’s easy to join when you visit the store. Why not put together a fun gift basket for Dad with an assortment inside and maybe an extra Natural Grocer’s gift card so he can buy his favorite foods to go along. Learn more here.

Brazos Walking StickHIKING AID

Norine Childers, owner of Chisholm Country Store in Rockwall, recommends Brazos Walking Sticks if you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind gift for Daddy’s who like to hit the road – or just trek around the block. Not only can a walking stick help to set the pace but they are great to fend off bothersome dogs or other irritants along the trail. Each one is a work of art, hand-carved right here in Texas. Shown is the Free Form Twisted Hickory Walking Stick with a lovely barley-twist design and lots of gorgeous bark that conveys the true beauty of the hickory wood. Perfect if your dad needs to get in shape and it might even encourage him to do so while feeling confident and safe – plus quite fashionable.


DON'T THROW IT AWAY - IFIXIT!

If Dad loves to repair things, gift him a Essential Electronics Toolkit from Ifixit – packed with all of the Ifixitgadgets he’ll need such as specialty screwdrivers, tweezers, suction handle and so forth to repair a phone, computer or grandkids’ toys – plus the company hosts an amazing website that is loaded with how-to videos from users. They call it "The free repair guide for everything, written by everyone." Dad can learn how to change the battery in his phone, replace a broken computer key, fix a frayed plug and more. Kits are available online or at local retailers such as Fry’s, Micro Center and select hardware stores. Ifixit.com.


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