Bow ties are experiencing a bit of a comeback (my husband never abandoned them in the first place), but good ones are still hard to find. Any bow tie- addicted dad would be pleased as punch to sport this entirely handmade version. A classic butterfly bow, they’re stitched locally by Cottagewood Bowties, from new and vintage fabrics. $55 each or two for $100. Find them at Essence in Old Saybrook.

p.s. For everything you ever wanted to know about bow ties and how to tie them, watch Alton Brown’s video, here.