Hello, procrastinators! I know what it's like to be in your shoes, so right about now you're probably biting your nails wondering how Father's Day sneaked up on you again this year. Maybe you should just head to Macy's and pick-up a nice, non-offensive polo. Sure, it's not the most thoughtful gift, but something's better than nothing, right? Or is it...

Practically every dad I know has everything he needs and an overflowing garage to prove it. Why buy another thing to add to the mess?

This year we're buying honeybees for our daddy-o via Heifer International. For $30, you can help a family in need earn income through the sale of honey, beeswax, and pollen. How sweet! Got deeper pockets? Make dad feel like a hero by spreading Joy to the World. But there's something for every budget---just ten buckaroos will let you gift a share of a pig, a sheep, or a trio of rabbits. Bonus: Dad's gift is tax deductible, and since you probably didn't pick-up a card yet, you can print one directly from Heifer's website.

Heifer International
1 World Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72202
(800) 422-0474
info@heifer.org

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If ever there was a treat ripe for a makeover, it was the popsicle. Outdated flavors in neon hues made them decidedly retro, but not in a good way (think artificial flavors and colors, and high fructose corn syrup). They were slated to a life of mediocrity until now...

Behold People's Pops. All-natural ice pops (and shaved ice) made from local, sustainably-grown fruits and herbs. The company whips out unorthodox flavors that light up your taste buds---like blackberry and jasmine, watermelon, cucumber and hyssop (wondering what hyssop is?), and rhubarb and spice. But these are pops for the people, so there's something for everyone. Not a foodie? That's okay. There are more traditional flavors just for you like "straight-up raspberry" and organic lemon.

The dynamic trio behind People's Pops are Nathalie Jordi and her partners, David Carrell and Joel Horowitz. What began as a one-time act of benevolence to support a friend's summer market became a catalyst for an ice pop revolution.

Read a bit of their blog, and you'll want them to be your next Facebook friends. They traverse the world of entrepreneurdom with wit, humor, and a sterling attitude despite getting caught up in a mini-legal drama with Unilever (who knew the term 'popsicle' was trademarked?) and breaking down (often) in their company van. They're certainly the underdogs of the ice pop world, so you can't help but root for them. The fact that their pops are so GOOD doesn't hurt either...

People's Pops
Chelsea Market - Arcade
425 W. 25th Street
NY, NY 10001
people@peoplespops.com
Open 10 AM to 8 PM
About $3.00-$3.50 a pop
You can also find them at Brooklyn Flea on the weekends or check out their Twitter feed for updated locations.
  
**Not in or around New York? Whip up your own Blueberries-and-Cream pops (recipe via Tasting Table).**
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I wish I was crafty. Not in the devious, cunning type of way, but someone who could whip out a quilt, make some really killer homemade jam (without poisoning anyone), and knit a scarf that isn't wider on one side than it is on the other. Oh and I'd like to learn letterpress. I love letterpress...

But I'm not and that's okay. There are plenty of people craftier than I, and I'm glad to support them. Which is why I'll be heading to L.A. for the 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair on July 24th and 25th. From handmade soaps to stationery, purses to dog collars, jewelry to ceramics, and everything in between, you'll find it here. I checked out the event's website and was amazed and inspired (though a tad bit jealous) of the artists' creativity and talent. But I got over it and you will too, once you see that [insert object] that you just can 't live without. For me, it's the plant pals. Don't ask.

If you can't make it to the L.A. event, have no fear! There's a Renegade Craft Fair in almost every major city across the U.S., and if you (sadly) can't make it to any of those, you can always shop 24/7 at renegadehandmade.com or drop by their brick and mortar store in The Windy City.

Renegade Handmade
1942 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL
773-227-2726
Open 11 am - 7 pm everyday
info@renegadehandmade.com

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Image via renegadehandmade.com