The Complete Guide to Passing Heirlooms Down to Your Son
One of the most underrated, truly rewarding aspects of being a dad? Getting the chance to tell your son, “My father gave this to me, and his father gave it to him, and now I’m giving to you.” Whether it’s a beloved timepiece or a classic car, we’ve all got treasured heirlooms we’re hanging onto to deliver that very line. Below, we’ve compiled a handy guide to the ideal moments to do just that, along with the appropriate dad humour to accompany each occasion.
Your Tool Set
When: He moves out.
Tell him: “Son, today awl this will be yours.”
A well-built set of the basics will get most jobs done and teach him the self-reliance he’ll need to be somebody in the world: a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers and a wrench will do.
Your Vintage Safety Razor
When: He starts shaving.
Tell him: “Your beard was really growing on me.”
With your guidance and a razor worthy of pass- ing down, you can show him how to conquer one of the first rites of manhood (and manage that peach fuzz).
Your Classic Roadster
When: He earns his license.
Tell him: “I know you wanted to drive a stick, but I got you this car instead.”
It’s time you let your son claim his independence (you know, the kind you subsidize), just like you did back when you were in high school. Just get the back seats reupholstered first.
Your Watch
When: He graduates university.
Tell him: “Here, I got you this second hand.”
A watch with classic go-anywhere looks will show he means business as he starts his career. No pressure.
Your Best Bottle
When: He’s old enough to need a good drink.
Tell him: “Liquor? I hardly knew her.”
A father knows how to appreciate a quality drink. Now that your son’s one himself, he’s earned a taste of the good stuff. Heck, maybe the whole bottle.
Your Notebook
When: The time comes.
Tell him: “You taught me a lot. Now you can learn from my mistakes, too!”
You probably won’t be around long enough to teach your son everything you know. A written record of your legacy is for everything you left unsaid.
