Like clockwork, every June on social media there’s a thread about how all dads really want for Father’s Day is to be left alone with a beer or a mountain of bacon. While that does sound both clichéd and sorta perfect, the big guy deserves a little bit more this year.
We’ve rounded up a list of Father’s Day gifts that meets our favorite criteria: Each gift is something he’ll actually use or devour (no dust-collecting office tsotchkes!), and each one supports local businesses and meaningful causes too.
As June 21 approaches, here’s wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas That Give Back ????
FOR THE FOOD-LOVING DAD
Something to grill: Primal Supply Meats has the best locally sourced, pasture-raised brats, burgers and beef in town, not to mention provisions like BBQ sauce and local produce. And now, they’re delivering to the city and the suburbs. Get all the ordering details for your zip code here.
High-quality pantry staples: The Pennsylvania Grain Coalition, a project of All Together Now PA, is working to support regional farmers and promote high-quality grain and staples. Lost Bread Co. and The Pasta Lab, members of the Coalition, have helped launch the PA Pantry Box—a selection of freshly-milled flours, quick-cooking grain, dry beans, and cooking oil sourced from local growers, plus recipes by local chefs and bakers. All proceeds enable the Coalition to make these same high quality ingredients available to families who are struggling to buy groceries due to Covid-19. Details here and here.
Something to toast with: With PA allowing to-go cocktails, Philadelphia Distilling has cocktail kits ready for pickup or delivery. Sales of the kits support local bartenders.
Pizza-making fun: As Oath Pizza’s Ardmore location rolls out outdoor seating and its Fashion District outpost continues takeout, the pizzeria also launched their new craft pizza care packages. Throughout June, 10 percent of profits will be donated to The Home for Little Wanderers to help provide a supportive living environment and mental health services for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. Care packages can be ordered online at oathpizza.com (and shipped nationwide).
FOR THE CASUAL DAD
Photo: Philly restaurateur,—and dad—Marc Vetri models a “We Are Philly” T-shirt
T-shirts to wear down the Shore (or on the couch): We’ve been a fan of Camden-based Live Life Nice and its do-good mission since its inception, and we’re especially digging their new limited-edition collections, wherein proceeds go to a different charitable cause each month. Right now, they’re selling these Be The Change tees to benefit Color of Change; when the batch runs out, the next crop will support LGBTQ+ causes, just in time for Pride. Check here for the latest.
These “We Are Philly” shirts don’t just scream hometown pride: $10 of the proceeds will be used to purchase a care package of food from Giordano Garden Groceries, valued at $18, to be given to a Philadelphian in need. Shop the full line here.
Whether The Birds return to the field or not this fall may remain to be seen, but for now you can hook your guy up with a Stronger Together Eagles shirt from Fanatics, and all proceeds will go to United Way.
His official summer hat: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised more than $200 million since its late founder, then eight-year-old Alex Scott, launched her first lemonade stand to fight cancer. Their entire online gift shop is a delight, and we know dad could always use a new hat like this one this summer. Proceeds will benefit cancer families affected by Covid-19.
New kicks: R5 productions, the local show promotion company, has partnered with Vans to create these cool limited edition “The Church Carpet Vans,” which pay homage to the iconic stage floor of the First Unitarian Church. 100 percent of proceeds benefit venue workers like ticket-scanners, hand-stampers, guest-list-receivers, equipment haulers, and everyone else who helps bring the Church shows to life.
FOR THE DAD WHO SOCIAL-DISTANCES LIKE A CHAMP
Face masks he’ll want to wear: A three-pack of Phillies face masks from Fanatics benefits hunger-relief organizations.
For each stunning mask you buy from D’iyanu, they’ll donate one to an essential worker.
And when you buy a mask from South Fellini, your purchase will support Sew Face Masks Philly. (Psst: They’re also selling this hilariously-bottled Jabroni Repellent Hand Sanitizer.)
FOR THE ARTSY DAD
A portal to his Deadhead days: For the crafty dad who’d get a kick out of rocking tie-dye to harken back to his color war camp days, 10 percent of proceeds from the fun kits, from local tie-dye master Jackie Pepper Green of Dye It Pepper, will be donated to No Kid Hungry. Details here.
Groovy Socks and Ties: For the dad who misses museums as much as we do, The Barnes’ online shop is still open, and you’ll be supporting the institution’s mission when you hook dad up with van Gogh socks or Monet ties.
FOR THE VIP DAD
A chance to go all In: Michael Rubin launched the All In Challenge to raise money for kids, the elderly, and frontline workers, and while many of the online auctions and raffles have already wrapped up, there’s still time to place your bid on, say, a private poker lesson from Daniel Negreanu, or buy a raffle to win a trip to Hawaii. There’s no guarantee you’ll win the prize, but your donation makes the risk 100-percent worth it. Check out the remaining prizes here.
