The Perfect Father’s Day Collectible: Top 5 Gift Ideas from Kovels

Father’s Day was created in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, whose father, William Smart, was a Civil War veteran and a widower who raised her and her five siblings. She wanted to honor fathers the way Mother’s Day honored mothers. In 1972, Congress passed an act making Father’s Day a national holiday, celebrated on the third day of June each year. (So that’s June 18th this year!) Buying Father’s Day gifts was well established by then; during the Great Depression, retailers and manufacturers promoted Father’s Day as a “second Christmas” as a way to stimulate the economy. Customers were encouraged to buy gifts like greeting cards, men’s clothes, tools, tobacco or smoking products, and sporting goods. Most of these are still today’s conventional Father’s Day gifts. We of course encourage putting a unique twist on them by looking for vintage or antique examples. Here are our top 5 ideas for Father’s Day gifts:

1. A Card. According to the National Retail Federation, greeting cards are the most popular items bought for Father’s Day. A rare vintage one is extra special.

This artwork by George Shedd was made for a 1980s counter display of Rust Craft greeting cards for Father’s Day. A framed piece sold for about $12 at auction. Photo: Copake Auctions

 

2. Vintage Clothing. Whether it’s a classic tie, comfortable T-shirt, or stylish pair of sneakers, something to wear is always a good pick. We like this eye-catching vintage Hawaiian shirt, perfect for summer weather.

This Hawaiian shirt with an unusual pattern of World War II battleships and aircraft sold for $723. Owned and worn by Wally Schirra, one of the original Mercury astronauts, it’s also a piece of space memorabilia. Photo: RR Auction

 

3. An Antique Toy. Look for one that will bring back childhood memories or reference a hobby or interest.

Made by Bing, this 18-inch-long painted metal toy speedboat sold for $900. Photo: Bertoia Auctions

 

4. Sports Collectibles. The possibilities are endless here—think baseball cards, game-worn jerseys, vintage equipment, a fishing reel, nautical compass, bicycle poster, toy race car, figurine of a sportsman, and many more!

Listen up, football fans! This novelty Wilson football AM radio by Radio Shack sold for $24 with its stand and original box. Photo: Matthew Bullock Auctions

 

5. Antique Tools. It’s one thing to have the latest power tools; it’s another to have unique vintage versions! Antique tools and household appliances can connect to a skill, hobby, or profession, or act as interesting decorations.

The Stanley “Sweetheart” trademark was used from about 1920 to 1935 in honor of Stanley Works president William Hart. This Stanley Sweetheart oak toolbox, complete with vintage tools, sold for $275. Photo: Chupp Auctions & Real Estate, LLC

And for the collector dad that has it all, why don’t you give him the gift of knowledge? Surprise dad with an exclusive ALL Access Kovels.com membership. Plus, enjoy a fantastic $10 discount on an annual subscription using code: DAD10.

 

Offer ends Monday, June 19th, 2023.