Spectacular Father’s Day Gifts, Minus the Ties and Paperweights

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Just to bring you up to speed for a minute – Father’s Day is June 20th! This year, get your dad a gift he’ll love, while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet with your purchase. We’ve got suggestions that will suit all types of dads, from the stay at home dad and surfer dude, to the tech-savvy businessman, the sports fan and the sentimental softie. From wooden headphones and hip daddy diaper bags made from plastic bottles, to hemp surf shoes and green soccer jerseys, everything on our list is sustainably designed and sure to be a huge hit with your pop!

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Thinksound Headphones

For dads who love their ‘toys,’ and are always in sync with their iPhone and other gadgets, a pair of Thinksound headphones will be the ultimate gift. The company surpasses its goal to “create incredible sounding headphones with the smallest eco-footprint possible.” My husband is a self-professed audiophile, music connoisseur and former DJ, and he gives thinksound headphones – which he uses with his iPhone – two big thumbs up for their pure sound and clarity. These high definition headphones are made of real wood from renewable sources and deliver a crisp, natural resonance and unparalleled acoustics. They also feature passive noise cancellation, a 3.5mm gold plated plug, and they are PVC free. We hear Thinksound‘s tag line loud and clear: “clear sound, with a clearer conscience.” The headphones come in black chocolate or silver cherry wood and they retail for $99.99.

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Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude

Equip earth-friendly daddies with the ultimate hip and masculine diaper bag: the Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude! This messenger style bag is functional and fashionable, and each bag is made from 25 16 oz. sized recycled plastic water bottles. A dad on the go won’t forget to pack baby’s essentials because the vivid orange interior features a daddy checklist to keep him on track. Bottle? Check. Diapers? Check. Saving the planet by toting an eco-conscious diaper bag? Check. Additional features include a changing pad, a padded shoulder strap, insulated bottle holder, cell phone holder, and more! Priced at $98 each.

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100 Percent Recycled Silver Custom Necklace or Ring from Heart and Stone Jewelry

Why should moms be the only ones who get to wear their kids’ names close to their heart? Dads can get in on the keepsake charm action with custom designed 100 percent recycled silver necklaces and rings from Heart and Stone Jewelry. You can design a necklace or ring yourself on the Heart and Stone website, making this jewelry a truly unique and meaningful gift dad will treasure. Prices vary based on design.

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Lil Davinci Art Cabinet Frame

Refrigerator doors everywhere can let out a sigh of relief with the introduction of the Lil Davinci art cabinet from Dynamic FRAMES. Now doting dads can instantly frame their childrens’ artwork and store up to fifty previous 8 1/2 x 11 sized creations in the cabinet behind the framed masterpiece of the moment. Less clutter, less waste, and kids will revel in watching dad frame their prized art on a rotating basis. The frame itself is sustainably made from scrap wood. Priced at $25.

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Ergo Organic Baby Carrier

The babywearing trend isn’t just for green mamas. Dads can tote their tots all over town in a comfortable carrier, and bond with their little ones in a whole new fashion. The Ergo organic baby carrier is ergonomically designed to provide proper back support for wearers, and safe and healthy positioning for babies and toddlers. Dads can carry their precious cargo on their chest, back or hip with this versatile carrier, which is made from organic cotton. These carriers range from $120-$148.

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Sustainably Designed Hemp and Recycled PET VANS Surf Sneakers

VANS aren’t just for kids and teens. Totally tubular green dads can ride the wave of eco-consciousness by leaving a lighter footprint in VANS surfer shoes made from recycled PET (recycled plastic bottles) or Hemp (hemp is a renewable resource and is not treated with pesticides). Both collections feature organic cotton textiles and an array of styles and color options that will suit every father’s taste. Their Ortholite midsoles are constructed from recycled car tires, the inner lining is comprised of Dri-lex bamboo, and the water-based glues and inks used to compose these kicks are biodegradable and more environmentally sound. The manufacturing of these green VANS reduces waste production in half. Only $60 a pair.

World Cup Soccer Jersey

If your dad is a sports aficionado, you probably already know that the 2010 World Cup is this month. Buy him this official USA home soccer jersey to wear his love of the game on his sleeve. In addition to boast-worthy construction, keeping wearers cool and sweat free, this jersey is also made from plastic bottles (100 percent recycled polyester), which is a total score. You can even customize it with dad’s name, number or patch! Priced at $70.

Image: kwanie