Father's Day is just around the corner. Here are some gift ideas sure to put a smile on dad's face.

1. Forget the Tie

Vintage cufflinks, studs, watches and tiepins can be found for a fraction of the price of what you would pay for buying new. They can add finesse to dad's wardrobe.

2. Vroom Vroom Vroom

Die-cast metal vintage-style cars make great desk toys. A Porsche, a Jaguar or an Aston Martin is sure to make dad's day memorable. Prices starting at $40.

3. Reader's Corner

If dad is a collector, whatever his passion - antique toys, paperweights or furniture of any period - there is a book to teach him all he needs to know. Look for compact pocket guides or more complete reference books to kick back by the fire. Prices start at $9.95.

4. Desk Accessories

Give dad's desk a makeover with the gift of an exquisite writing set. Direct from Italy is the Francesco Rubinato collection of old world writing instruments. This distinctive collection of fine writing instruments and accessories includes desk sets, quill-tipped pens, glass pens, wax seals - all attractively boxed for gift giving.

5. Music Lovers

A gift of a vintage radio or gramophone will delight a fan from the pre-CD era. LP and 78 records can be found at garage sales starting at 25 cents. They can make for charming entertainment at the cottage.

Martin Swinton

A lifelong lover of all things old, Martin was born in Toronto, Canada and spent time in Malaysia as a child.

Martin learned to restore furniture when he was a teenager and has worked at an auction house. He owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located at 1927 Avenue Road, Toronto, Canada.

His television appearances include Canadian Living Television, Breakfast Television, Daytime and Toronto Living.

Martin teaches courses on antiques and he writes a regular column "Let's Talk Antiques" for the Town Crier newspaper and "Antiques 101" for the Home Advisor. He also does appraisals for estates and community events.

When Martin is not appearing on television or teaching, he can be found in his shop restoring well-worn furniture, gluing vintage tables or re-caning and rushing chairs. On warm summer days, he has been seen multi-tasking out front of the shop when he chats up the locals and works on his tan.

Martin recalls that he has always been interested in things from the past, so it is not surprising that he graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Archaeology. He holds a high school equivalency diploma from the Ontario Ministry of Education. Martin completed his grade 2 course of studies at Cedarvale Public School before being home school through to high school. At the age of 7 Martin was diagnosed with a bad case of dyslexia, which explains a lot of the problems that he had in Mrs. Mansica's grade 2 reading circle.

His personal areas of interest are Asian art, European furniture and the Arts & Crafts movement. Martin is a member of the Monarchist League of Canada. He lives in Toronto with his wife Andrea and Kurt, his basketball mad 14-year old son.