15 meaningful Father’s Day gifts

Image credits: Juliane Lierbermann via Unsplash

Father’s Day is around the corner, and let’s be honest— dads can be notoriously tricky to shop for. Sure, there’s always the classic "grab him a tie" fallback, but this year, why not aim a little higher?

At fair&good, we’ve curated an ethical gift directory filled with meaningful gifts that also make a positive impact on the world.

Choosing an ethically made gift means you’re not just giving dad a wonderfully unique gift, you’re also supporting a world where people are treated fairly, resources are used responsibly, and communities thrive. These picks won’t just make Dad feel cherished and loved, they’ll make you feel good about your choices too.

For the coffee connoisseur.

If your dad’s morning doesn’t officially start until he’s had that first cup of coffee, then it’s time to up his caffeine game. Skip the basic beans and go for something that’ll make his taste buds dance—a bag of Common Good Coffee (Colombia) will do just the trick. This coffee is a punchy full bodied medium-dark roast with malt and vanilla flavours throughout. Or perhaps a bag of Honduras Natural from People’s Coffee, sourced by COMSA, a cooperative in Honduras that supports rural business development.

You could also opt for something from IncaFe Organic Coffee, which offers a smooth roast that’s as rich as his breakfast banter. Pair it with a sleek, reusable coffee cup and you’ve just turned his daily ritual into a mini-celebration.

For the classy dresser.

For the dad who never leaves the house without looking like he stepped out of a GQ magazine, your gift game needs to be as sharp as his style. How about some ethically crafted, hand-stitched leather goods from The Loyal Workshop? Not only are their products made with the highest quality, but they also provide work opportunities and holistic care for women enslaved in the sex industry.

Another one of our favourites is Duffle&Co who produce handcrafted bags, wallets and laptop sleeves that don't compromise on your values. Each Duffle&Co label is hand signed by the artisan that made it, and each purchase plants 5 native trees.

For footwear, Collective Canvas offers shoes that combine classic design with naturally grown and sustainably sourced materials. They come in the best colours, ranging from neutrals to bold hues so Dad can step out in style.

For the outdoor explorer.

Does Dad’s perfect weekend involve trekking through the wilderness? Consider getting him a lightweight rain jacket from Patagonia or a durable backpack from Kathmandu so he can enjoy the great outdoors while leaving nothing but his own footprints behind.

While both these companies might seem like your average corporate giant, they are proof that bigger brands can be ethical too. As of 2023, 86% of Patagonia products are made in a Fair Trade factory. Their goal by 2025 is to be able to pay all individuals involved in the production of their clothing a 'living wage', which is currently only met in 40% of their factories. Similarly, Kathmandu empower their workers through higher wages, supply chain assessments and supply chain transparency to ensure no exploitation goes into the making of your products.

Check out our previous article on whether big companies can be ethical too.

For the practical Dad.

This Dad is always prepared for anything, from fixing a leaky faucet to assembling furniture without breaking a sweat. They are the hardest people to buy gifts for (as they seem to have thought of everything already), but you can’t go wrong with simple items to help them tackle the daily grind.

A pair of Orba Shoes Ghost Sneakers will keep his feet comfortable during all those weekend projects. Or, consider a basic but stylish AS Colour shirt or polo that’s durable as it is versatile.

And for the dad who appreciates comfort with a conscience, Thunderpants has got him covered—literally. Made with regenerative Australian grown cotton, Thunderpants’ wacky prints and unique undies are sure to give dad a good chuckle.

For the wellbeing enthusiast.

If your dad is all about staying fit, healthy, and zen, then enhancing his wellness routine is the perfect way to show you care. Start his day off right with Yum Granola, a deliciously wholesome breakfast that’ll keep him fueled and satisfied. To help him boost his energy levels naturally, we highly recommend Seleno Health’s maca powder or Daily Good’s wellness shots, packed with organic superfoods.

For cooking, Blue Coconut oil is a versatile kitchen staple that’s as good for his body as it is for his favourite recipes. And if he’s a bit of a snacker, Ceres Organics has a range of healthy, sustainably sourced treats.

Bonus: Help Dad invest ethically!

If “acts of service” is Dad’s love language, he’ll appreciate a gift that helps him make a bigger positive impact. Unfortunately, most of our Kiwisaver funds are supportingthe fossil fuel, weapons and tobacco industries. You can make Dad’s KiwiSaver funds a force for good by using Mindful Money to check how his funds are being used and switch to portfolios that better align with his values. Learn more about Mindful Money here.

For more ethical gifts, check out our brand directory - Happy Father’s Day!

When we take the time to choose gifts that reflect our values —whether that’s supporting ethical brands, or simply finding something that brings us joy— we’re showing our loved ones that we care not just about them, but about the world they live in. This Father’s Day, make dad proud of your choices and principles.