Dashing Dads of Dalnavert: a Victorian/Edwardian Father's Day Gift Guide

by Lovissa Wiens

Nowadays, shopping for father’s day gifts can be quite a hassle. With hundreds of thousands of options, it’s difficult to narrow things down to a brief list. That’s why we here at Dalnavert recommend shopping at the turn of the century: when options were fewer, prices were lower, and fathers were less picky. Our father’s day gift guide will give you the inspiration you need to get your dad a gift that will make him say “Heaven’s to Betsy!”

Toiletry kit

Your dad can groom wherever he goes with this handy-dandy traveling toiletry case! This brown leather bag has leather loops to hold all your equipment in place and a key lock to keep those train station hooligans out of your belongings. All you have to do to get your hands on one of these is travel to 1910 Ireland. It’s worth the trip!


Silk neckties

What dad doesn’t love a funky tie? Thankfully, the Victorian era has no shortage of patterns. From paisley to stripes to flower print, these ties will turn any man into the belle of the billiard hall.


Tie pins

Of course, no man wants his tie to fly this way and that when he steps off the streetcar. Help your dad keep his cravats crisp with a gorgeous tie pin that reflects his personality and interests. If your dad already owns every tie pin in the Eaton’s catalogue, why not get him this lovely mahogany stickpin stand to keep them tidy?


Razor strap

Nothing makes a father happier than a nice sharp razor edge! This leather and cowhide razor strap comes to you straight from the 1880s. With one side for honing and the other for finishing, it’s the perfect gift to keep your dad (and his razor) looking sharp.


Razor

Is your dad a name-brand man? If so, he will absolutely love this 1905 Gillette brand razor (yes, that Gillette!). This innovative product uses disposable blades, making sharpening a thing of the past. Forget about the razor strap, you’ve entered the 20th century and there’s no turning back!


Mustache cup

As a proper gentleman and a member of high society, your father is always on time for afternoon tea. Alas, with his freshly groomed face, however will he keep his waxy whiskers from getting damp and droopy? Introducing the mustache cup! A favourite here at Dalnavert, this cup lets you keep your ‘stache stylish without sacrificing a single sip.


Men’s grooming lecture

If you’ve made it to the end of this post, it’s likely that you have an interest in Victorian men’s grooming habits. Why not share that interest with your dad? Surprise him with two tickets to “Mustache Maintenance: Men’s Grooming Habits”, the second lecture in our Domestic Spaces with Dyna Sanderson series, taking place July 23rd. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than learning about hairy history!

Happy father’s day from the Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre team!

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