For many, selecting the ideal gift for Father’s Day can be a challenge, whether it’s knowing what to give or what to ask for themselves. Dads often appreciate gifts that not only serve a purpose but also come with fascinating stories. This curated list is designed to provide memorable options filled with narrative charm.

At over seventy years old, His Majesty has opted for a modern twist on traditional coronation attire, choosing to forgo britches and tights. Nevertheless, he adhered to the formalities with a pair of stylish buckled court shoes instead of military boots, complementing his naval trousers. These unique shoes, crafted by Gaziano & Girling on Savile Row specifically for the King’s coronation, feature a distinctive design. For formal events, the standard version with a velvet bow is also a sophisticated choice. Priced at £1,200, they embody elegance for any black-tie affair.

Fragrance of James Bond

The producers of the James Bond series, Eon, never shied away from clever product placements in the franchise. With Amazon now at the helm, we can expect even more integration of brand names. Creator Ian Fleming masterfully introduced Floris products into his novels, showcasing his affinity for high-quality men’s grooming items. For instance, in Moonraker, he details the luxurious soaps and lotions. Fleming’s go-to fragrance, No 89, named after the prestigious Jermyn Street store, is a timeless option for the sophisticated gentleman. Available for £70, it adds a touch of classic charm to any grooming routine.

Papal Socks

Amidst the vibrant traditional garments seen in Rome, a unique gift idea emerges: the iconic scarlet papal socks. The color red symbolizes the martyrs, connecting directly to the Pope’s lineage from St. Peter. These striking socks can be found at Gammarelli, a family-run tailor in Rome since 1798, or conveniently purchased online for around £20.

Napoleon’s Lapel Pin

The lapel pin has made a resurgence as a fashionable accessory, thanks in part to figures like Mike Tindall, who showcases stylish pins regularly. For those looking to elevate men’s fashion, Chaumet’s latest collection includes a standout piece: the Bee de Chaumet lapel pin. This brand has a rich history, having designed coronation insignias for Napoleon, and this exquisite piece retails for £14,000.

Churchill’s Reading Glasses

CW Dixey, a lesser-known yet historically significant brand established in 1777, has crafted eyewear for figures like Winston Churchill. Their half-moon reading glasses, reminiscent of those worn by Churchill, feature distinctive spot designs on the arms for easy identification. Available for £270, these glasses offer a unique glimpse into the past.

Bertie Wooster’s Umbrella

In the tale of The Inimitable Jeeves, Bertie Wooster famously requests his whangee, an item originally referring to a cane, now symbolized by an umbrella as a quintessential gentleman’s accessory. The whangee wood, strong and resilient, became popular for its symbolism post-World War I. Swaine offers exquisite umbrellas crafted from this material, perfect for £520.

JFK’s Favorite Cigar

The story of JFK requesting an extraordinary number of Petit Upmann cigars prior to the Cuban trade embargo is quite notorious. Although these specific cigars are no longer available, similar options can be found at Davidoff of London, with the H Upmann Regalias priced at £25 each, ideal for anyone looking to treat their father.

Monty Don’s Mug

Renowned gardening personality Monty Don is a favorite among many, and his signature mug embodies a cozy, homely vibe. Produced exclusively in a small workshop by Duncan and Karen Browning in Wales, these mugs are not readily available online but can be sourced from select retailers for £15.50, making a lovely gift for fans of the garden.

Eric Clapton’s Guitar

This unique gift idea is truly special. A Guild acoustic guitar previously owned by Eric Clapton will be auctioned by Bonham’s, making it a fantastic find for the music enthusiast dad. Expect bidding prices between £12,000 and £18,000 during their sound and cinema auction running from May 23 to June 4.