Best of Etsy: Father’s Day gifts

Looking for a new and original way to show your dad or the father of your children how much you appreciate him this June 16? Then your search is over. These unique pieces from Etsy are made with the kind of attention and care that makes them the perfect gifts for Father’s Day.

If your father needs a new set of cufflinks, you’ll find plenty of choices at Tammy Bastin’s B*jeweled Vintage. Tammy’s gorgeous cufflinks feature beautiful images, such as this India map, to create the perfect new accessories for his wardrobe. All kinds of styles and worldly destinations are available to choose from, so have fun shopping for the pair that’s just right.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start designing and selling your pieces?

Tammy Bastin: From a very young age, I have always had a fascination with anything that was antique or vintage, especially if there was a story behind it. I started collecting vintage costume jewellery years ago and found great satisfaction in repairing broken pieces to give them a new life. Before long, I started designing my own pieces, incorporating all sorts of vintage odds and ends into them — orphaned earrings, keys, chandelier crystals, buttons, etc. I was at a restaurant one night, wearing a necklace that I had made for myself, and had a complete stranger approach me to find out where she could buy one like it. I sold it to her right off my neck, and B*jeweled Vintage was born.

SK: What do you think sets your designs and creations apart?

TB: Almost all of my pieces are one of a kind. I don’t have a specific style that I design. Some of my pieces are very simple, and others are very intricate and detailed. It just depends on what kind of mood I am in that day. My favourite designs, though, are the ones that have a story to tell, that have some long-forgotten vintage treasure worked in.

No matter which sport the man you’re celebrating this Father’s Day has an affinity for, you’ll find a way to showcase it at Tara Sinclair Hingco’s Inspired Art Prints. Her black-and-white photographs come in several sizes and can be personalized with the words or quote of your choosing on a variety of backgrounds, such as this vintage-looking baseball.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start creating and selling your pieces?

Tara Sinclair Hingco: In 2007, I was looking for a name art piece to go in a nursery but wanted something timeless and [that] had an organic feel. I wanted a keepsake art piece that could grow with my child and was disappointed with what was currently available on the market. I have always loved the interplay of text with art and, having a more minimalist aesthetic, I came up with the idea of adding text to a photographic stone image. Since that first piece, the line has evolved to include sports images, heart imagery, eggs and nests.

SK: What do you think sets your creations apart?

TSH: My art has an elegant, classic black-and-white feel that is unique to anything on the market. Being a professional photographer since 2003, it was important for me to ensure my photography had a cohesive brand so customers could add into the line and it would work together. Some quotes are written by me, so I try to infuse my writings with my art. From gifts to home decor, there is a piece for everyone. Elegant fine art to treasure, beautiful keepsake art to gift.

If the special man you’re shopping for happens to be a golfer, you simply must check out these personalized golf ball markers by Sarah Jane at Silver Jane. You can get them hand-stamped with the names or words of your choice for a truly one-of-a-kind Father’s Day gift.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start designing and selling your pieces?

Sarah Jane: I have always had the entrepreneurial “bug,” and the thought of owning my own business excites me! Two years ago, my husband started his own engineering design company, and we love the flexibility and freedom this has given our family. In 2012, I decided to take the jump and start my own business as well — Silver Jane! As a mother of four children, I do not have a lot of spare time, but being busy has forced me to stay organized and prioritize to get everything done each day!

SK: What do you think sets your designs and creations apart?

SJ: Silver Jane products are unique, handmade items created with high-quality materials and sold at a very reasonable price. I love working with people to design personalized items that suit their style, and I am thrilled to have Silver Jane as a creative outlet!

Ties make great gifts for men of all ages, but if your husband or dad has enough simple business ties, get a little more creative this Father’s Day with a fun silkscreen necktie made by Annabel Dubuc at Ice Orchid. Her unique ties are printed with all kinds of meaningful images, from classic cars to hockey gear.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start designing and selling your pieces?

Annabel Dubuc: I was inspired to create fun and unique ties because I noticed there was a lack of this product, especially in Canada. I love drawing and screen-printing, and thought I would combine the two to create these neckties.

SK: What do you think sets your designs and creations apart?

AD: My ties represent specific interests or hobbies. I want my neckties to say something about the men that wear them.

Want to help the man in your life keep track of important necessities, such as his money, phone and cards, when he’s out and about? The many stylish creations, such as this iPhone 4S case/wallet, made by Vick at Adimaa will do just that!

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start designing and selling your pieces?

Vick: I have been making stuff from an early age and have worked with sewing machines both as a part of my job and as a hobby. With a slowdown in the economy, I was left working less than full-time hours, and at that time, I started seriously devoting time to my Etsy shop.

SK: What do you think sets your designs and creations apart?

V: My designs are based on a minimalist idea — I like to keep things plain, simple and straight. Anything you find in my shop is a piece that I will use in my life without any hesitation. I will never use materials or make pieces that I am not willing to use myself.

If the special man in your life loves to cook in the kitchen or grill in the great outdoors but doesn’t have an apron of his own, it’s time to change that. And that’s easy to do, thanks to the many stylish and functional pieces, such as this plaid men’s apron, created by Katherine Phan at SSatHome.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start designing and selling your pieces?

Katherine Phan: I have always been inspired to make my own wears. My mother is a seamstress and has always made pieces for me over the years. As a young adult, I decided to live a more simplistic lifestyle — the simpler, the better — thus starting my original shop: SimpleSmiles. In addition, I found that regardless of the brand, items that I bought commercially would only last one or two washes before a hole would appear or the colour would fade. I decided that I would produce small runs of everyday wears, focusing on my mother’s classic teachings of construction, and provide people with pieces that will last.

SK: What do you think sets your designs and creations apart?

KP: I have never been a fashionista. However, I think every girl loves fashion in her own way. I believe in creating pieces that are simple with a bit of flair. With my aprons, it is a classic design that suits many body types and comes in fabrics that are complimenting to make your at-home chef feel proud to be in the kitchen.

If the man you’re celebrating this June 16 loves cooking and grilling and is ready to take his flavour combinations to the next level, then generic, store-bought spices simply won’t do. Julie Pedersen at Purpose Design has a huge array of tea mixes, dry rubs, popcorn seasonings and spice kits, such as this BBQ grill guru master kit, that your man won’t be able to wait to start using.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to start creating and selling your products?

Julie Pedersen: I am inspired by the different cultures in Montreal and the plethora of different cuisine that is available — Ethiopian, Peruvian, Tibetan, French, Japanese, Korean and many more.

SK: What do you think sets your creations apart?

JP: My products are unique because I develop and test and create them myself. My rubs are developed from my own recipes and experiments in the kitchen. They are made in small batches, so they are super fresh and do not contain any chemical additives.

More from Etsy

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Best of Etsy: Patio decor
Best of Etsy: Thank-you cards