Show Dad some true patriot love with these homegrown ideas,

Celebrate Dad’s day and Canada Day at the same time with these Canuck-made items, writes Adam McDowell

For the dad who’s smooth of face, grooming tools to keep the whiskers in place

Brad Julicher, of the Copper Hat of Victoria, fashions many of its vintage-looking shaving utensils from vintage material. As Kate MacDonald, his wife and business partner, explains: “He mostly works in reclaimed wood from items like old clocks, tree houses, fallen fruit trees and sometimes framing timbers from heritage buildings. He also works in some exotic woods and acrylic materials.” The shaving brushes are made with badger hair, which is dense but has soft tips. They cost $65 to $159. Some of the higher-end items are one of a kind, and have an identification card explaining hair type, handle material and other facts. Available at thecopperhat. ca

For the ever-punctual patriarch, a nifty timepiece to hit the mark

Where do we learn punctuality if not from our parents? If your perfectly timed papa is also a patriotic one, he may appreciate a 21st-century rarity — a watch assembled in Canada. The Momentum by St. Moritz Vortech GMT Alarm Titanium, $335, hails from Vancouver (with a Swiss-made movement). This watch is perfect for the frequent traveller: You can read it the dark, it helps you track a second time zone and it sports a loud alarm so the wearer doesn’t miss that flight. After reminding you to be on time so often over the years, would Dad ever live that down? Available at MEC

For the fashionable dad who’s a fancy lad

Long gone are the days when you could expect dads to alternate between a boring work outfit (suits or coveralls) and a boring casual outfit (golf shirts and slacks). And thank goodness. Maybe your dad likes to explore his feminine side. Maybe he likes to dress in heels and/or drag. Kid, it’s the 21st century: Go with it. Here’s an idea: Visit the Bata Shoe Museum with your fancy father, where from now until next June, you can step into the exhibit Standing Tall: The Curious History of Men in Heels. You’ll see the pair pictured here, which was made in Canada, by shoemaker Master John, in 1973. No, dad can’t take them home with him. But perhaps he’d enjoy a $60 Friends of the Bata Shoe Museum card for future visits?

For the benefit of everyone’s eyes, especially dads who accessorize

Going by the name Pomp & Ceremony, Toronto designer Andrea Dixon specializes in turning fabrics by Liberty of London into eye-catching gentlemen’s accessories. A necktie might be the most cliché gift you can give on Father’s Day, but giving a piece by Pomp & Pageantry will make it seem like a bright and fresh idea. Pocket squares are $30 to $35, bow ties $60 to $65 and neckties $80 to $90. Available at Model Citizen, Scout and Cabaret and Etsy.com

For the casual weekend-loving pop, a beer jug holder and cosy top

Working out of a shop and studio in Roncesvalles Village, Muttonhead transforms cotton, canvas and leather into accoutrements for those lazy leisure hours. If Dad likes his duds sweatshop-free and his beer tasty and local, you know where to go. Between Muttonhead’s house brand and others, the shop sells straps and bags to carry around cameras and books and drinks, and sweats that are ideal for surfing — the channels. A poly/cotton blend camping hoodie, $128, is as soft on the inside as the old softie in your life. Available at muttonheadstore

For the burger-flipping père, a grill to take anywhere

Having trouble dragging Dad away from his backyard barbecue? You might lure him away with Broil King’s Porta-Chef line of portable propane grills. Made at the company’s Waterloo facility, they can attach to a five-, 10- or 20-pound propane tank, a flexibility that makes them convenient for the backyard or to pack up for a picnic or camping trip. Also the legs come off and it can be carried as easily as a suitcase. Dad’s going to love that! The Porta-Chef 120 weighs 18 kilos and costs $220. Available at Home Hardware

For the father who appreciates when goods are tough, a miner’s box to tote his stuff

May Metal Fabricators in Sudbury makes its Original Miner’s lunch boxes out of aluminum, with nickelplated steel hardware. They should last a couple of decades or more, says Catherine Langin. Her father came up with the design in 1957 while he was working as a miner. “They’re meant to be turned around and used as a seat,” she says. Your own dad might find that a miner’s lunch box works equally well for carrying tools, or just as something to admire on a shelf for its simple, rugged perfection. Unadorned lunch boxes are $50 to $90, depending on size. Colourful anodized finish cost more. Available at metalfabricators.on.ca