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Father’s Day is just around the corner, and kids are getting ready to deliver heartfelt gifts that say, “I love you dad… I just don’t get you.” Well, though I don’t profess to know what all dads like, I’m willing to take a stab at five awesome, eco-cool gifts a dad like me would appreciate… if that special mom is reading this, please take note.

ADORN NATURAL BELT BUCKLE $68

Help dad keep his pants up with wooden belt buckles from Adorn Natural. Designed by Alexandra Snook and Edward Way, each piece is a unique creation incorporating recycled or reclaimed wood and metals. Why a belt buckle? Because there is no worse sight at the playground than new dad plumber’s butt… even if dad really is a plumber.

ONE-OF-A-KIND VINTAGE NECKTIE FROM TYMBAL $28

Some think that the worst gift you could get a dad is a necktie. Obviously those naysayers have not come across the hip, hand-screened collection offered by Tymbal. Each tie is a one-of-kind, recycled piece that will most definitely clash with a suit, but works well with the more relaxed attire of a stay-at-home dad.

TOKEN CUFF FROM SWEAR JAR DESIGNS $45

Another general misconception is that men, besides Mr. T (“I pity the fool,” indeed), do not appreciate gifts of jewelry. While I’m not one for perpetuating the ills of mining the Earth for gold or diamonds, I would definitely rock an upcycled street sign Token cuff from Swear Jar Designs. And the fact that they’re hand-crafted by a dad is a plus!

SALVAGED WOOD LONGBOARD FROM FUNKINFUNCTION $325+

For those dads who understand that the word ‘truck’ means more than a gas-guzzling transport vehicle, and that a deck is also something you stand on while rolling along upwards of 15 miles per hour, the salvaged wood longboards offered by FUNKINFUNCTION are the perfect gift. The boards, which are made to order and hand shaped by designer Daniel Moyer, are fashioned from local hardwood scrap and outfitted with “cutting edge carving trucks, fast bearings and fat wheels.”

‘I AM NOT A PAPER CUP’ $20/NEW YORK COFFEE CUP $14

Leave that mug, with #1 DAD emblazoned across it, sitting on the convenience store shelf. Instead, get him a reusable porcelain coffee cup. Either the Graham Hill designed New York version or James Burgess’ more minimalist ‘I Am Not A Paper Cup’ will do. Besides, a reusable cup might negate the bad eco-karma of his next Starbucks purchase.

DIY BAMBOO BICYCLE $1000

Yes, I know I said I would recommend five green gifts for dads, but this is a Hail Mary shot at getting a truly awesome dad (wink, wink) something he really desires: A DIY Bamboo bicycle from Bamboo Bike Studio! He walks into the studio empty handed, and leaves two days later with a complete bicycle that sports a frame fashioned from sustainably grown New Jersey bamboo. The best part is that he made it all by himself! This item is for some lucky dad out there, because at $1,000 for a 2-day class, I’d probably have to physically birth a child before I’d be getting this as a Father’s Day gift. More info by email: bikes[at]bamboobikestudio[dot]com.

Alas, not every dad has the same tastes I do, so eco-inspired dads, if your list differs from mine, feel free to drop your picks in the comments area of this post.

*lead photo from AL-SHAIJY’S Flickr photostream