Father's Day Gift Ideas

But for those of us who live in the real world, one with rising fuel and groceries bills and an environmentally-minded conscience, what to give Dad to thank him for his endless contributions to the family, that doesn’t break the bank and is sustainable? How to avoid the well-intentioned, but ultimately ill-advised dust collector that we settled upon last year?

Luckily, there are numerous products on the market that not only represent cutting-edge technology for the gadget-minded father, but will help Dad save money all year round. This Father’s Day consider these gift ideas:

• Does Dad grimace every time someone takes a shower, calculating how much water just went down the drain and how soon before he’ll have to order a truckload of water? Consider buying Dad a low-flow showerhead and installing it together. With low-flow showerheads you still have ample water pressure but they reduce bathing water consumption by up to 70%. They’re simple to install and run from basic ones for around $8 to more advanced ones with flow-adjusting dials and other special features.
• Pay for a service for something you know he’ll use. Consider a gift certificate to his barbershop for a few month’s of hair cuts, a round of golf, dinner out, a movie of his choice. Just remember to inquire about the terms and conditions of any gift certificate (such as expiry date, what happens if he loses it, and so on) and pass this information along to Dad with your gift.
• Do you like gift baskets but want to give something technologically savvy, yet sustainable? Consider an eco-friendly gift basket. In a reusable bag include your choice of the following: CFL lightbulbs (they last 8x time longer than incandescents and cut home lighting energy use by 75%); a reusable water bottle (such as by Sigg) so Dad stops using non-biodegradable disposable plastic ones; a tire pressure gauge (properly inflated tires extend tire life by up to 25% and increase fuel efficiency); faucet aerators (a simple aerator installed on any bathroom faucet saves up to a gallon of water per minute from going down the drain); and a Smart Strip power strip (this power strip offers power surge protection and line noise filtering, but also turns offs peripheral electronics when not in use, such as your printer, fax and modem).
• Why focus your attentions on something Dad will enjoy indoors? Why not plant a tree this Father’s Day to celebrate Dad? Consider giving Dad an endemic favourite of his like a cedar or olivewood for shade, privacy and oxygen, or a fruit-bearing tree such as peach or orange. Want to really personalize it? Consider working with the kids on a little wooden plaque to plant next to the tree in Dad’s honour.
• Does Dad have a lot of gadgets that use batteries? Reusable batteries and a charger set will save him money, shopping time, and reduce his trips to Tynes Bay to properly dispose of one-use batteries.
• Does Dad like to garden? Hate taking out the trash? Consider a composter so that he can make his very own rich, organic fertile soil for the garden and lawn. He’ll be able to reduce his waste output by up to 30% by diverting organic matter to the composter. To buy a composter, contact the Waste Management Section of the Ministry of Works and Engineering at tel. 297-7946 or visit www.wastemanagement.gov.bm.
• Consider an electricity usage monitor so Dad can connect it to appliances around the home to assess how efficient any appliance or machine really is and forecast energy costs by the day, week, month or year. It’ll be an eye-opener for Dad and a great way to help him assess how to reduce his electricity bill.
• Get Dad a water heater timer so that he can start saving 5-12% on his electricity bill. For approximately $60, he’ll no longer be paying for his water to be heated all day and all night, and you can easily install it yourselves.
• If your father truly has it all, consider a donation to a local charity in his name, supporting a concern that is dear to his heart. Is he an animal lover? The SPCA. Does he bemoan how Bermuda is being paved? Save Open Spaces. The lack of affordable housing in Bermuda? Habitat Bermuda. The possibilities are endless to tailor the gift specifically to your father. For a complete list of locally registered charities, visit the Centre on Philanthropy at www.charity.bm.