As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to honor the millions of fathers around the world who work hard and try to be the best father they can, to their loving family.

But how did Father’s Day come about? Let’s take a look at the history of Father’s Day.

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington state, first suggested the idea of a “father’s day” back in 1909. Mrs. Dodd desired to have a special day to honor her beloved father, William Smart.

William Smart was a Civil War veteran and sadly became widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was then left to raise the newborn and his other five children all by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.

As Mrs. Dodd became an adult, she realized the strength and selflessness her father, and the sacrifices me made to raise all his children as a single parent.

The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. Around the same time in towns and cities across American, other people began to celebrate a “father’s day.”

In early times, wearing flowers was a traditional way of celebrating Father’s Day. Mrs. Dodd favored the red rose to honor a father still living, while a white flower honored a deceased dad.

J.H. Berringer, who also held Father’s Day celebrations in Washington State as early as 1912, chose a white lilac as the Father’s Day Flower.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge initially supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Years went by but no formal declaration was ever made. Finally in 1966, then President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

Father’s Day has become a special day in June to not only honor your own father, but all men who may have the role as a father figure. For that reason, stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father’s Day.

To all fathers out there, have a very special Father’s Day. You deserve it.

Monaco Grand Prix

Father’s Day is almost here, so make sure you spoil your dad with a gift he will always remember. Dad’s are a big part of our lives and sometimes we forget to show them how much we really do care.

Here’s an impressive list of several truly amazing gift ideas for every type of dad – from the avid traveler, to the gym lover, to the food connoisseur. Let’s get creative here, because dad really doesn’t want to get another tie.

Enjoy our Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide for 2012:

For the Die-Hard Sports Fan Dad: Championship Series Tours from Kensington Tours
Sporty Dads like to be part of the action, so show him a side of sports he’s never seen before with these championship series tours from Kensington Tours.  These once-in-a-lifetime experiences include the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and get a chance to be up close and personal with the world’s most prestigious sporting events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Kentucky Derby, the Golf Masters, Wimbledon, and more! So if your dad is a die-hard sports fan, help him fulfill his bucket list with these extraordinary adventures. These trips feature impossible-to-get tickets, luxury hotels, glamorous soirees, first class seats, VIP access & endless opportunities for indulgence, which all make for the most unique gift that will never be forgotten.

Private-guided trips with all accommodations (excluding flights) starting from $2395 per person; for more information, please visit http://kensingtontours.com/champ-series

For the Adventurous Dad: South African Family Safari Explorer
If your dad loves to travel and is the outdoorsy type, why not treat him to a bonding experience like no other? Fulfill his lifelong Indiana Jones fantasy, by giving him the gift of excitement with an incredible South African Safari from Jacada Travel’s.  This luxury tour is specifically designed for families, so in addition to adventure, what a better gift to give your dad than some quality time with the whole family?

Madikwe, The Kalahari, Cape Town & Whale Coast from $8,227 per person/12 nights; for more information and additional trip ideas for dad please visit www.JacadaTravel.com (all tours can be customized to suit each individual’s needs.)

For the Chilled Out Dad: 5^th Avenue Egyptian Cotton Men’s Luxury Robe
So you want to spoil your dad with luxury, but don’t quite have a few grand to spare? Spoil your Dad with the gift of comfort and relaxation with this luxurious 5^th Avenue Robe from Luxor Linens, which can be customized with his initials for that extra touch of luxury.  Whatever his hobby or job is, your Dad deserves a little R&R at home, and what better way to treat him than with an incredibly soft robe that actually gets softer with each wash!

$112.00, available at http://www.luxorlinens.com

For the Stylish Dad: Bone Cufflinks in Gold, Sterling Silver and Black Diamonds
Whether he’s the strong, stylist, or dapper type, these Bone Cufflinks from Hanson by Kristin Hanson are made for a man of distinction. Though seemingly not every father likes to accessorize, there will always be an opportunity for dad to break out of his sweats, and dress up his suit with these unique and beautiful cufflinks. These Bone Cufflinks feature both sterling silver and gold, making them ideal for anyone who likes to mix and match metals!

Price upon request. Available at http://www.kristinhanson.us/men/cufflink.html

Kat Burki Eau de Poire et Santal Candle and Signature Soap
You know dad would never get this for himself, but who could resist bathing in luxury and setting up a cozy atmosphere when they get home from a long day of work. This masculine scent from the Kat Burki Signature Collection, Eau de Poire et Santal is a woody fragrance with a hint of sweetness. Loved by men for the exotic combination of sandalwood and pear, Eau de Poire et Santal is calming and sensual.

Candle $38.00 11.oz, Signature Body Soap $15.00 per bar. Available at http://www.katburki.com.

Dream Arcade

With Father’s Day nearing, wondering what to get that dad who loves video games and beer? How about a Beer Arcade?

The Octane 120 Beer Arcade from Dream Arcade is a sit-down arcade racing game with a twist – a beet tap to enjoy your favorite brew!

The Octane 120 Beer Arcade is a high-end gaming PC that includes full driving controls, plus a beer tap all together in one unit.

The Octane 120 Beer Arcade unit from Dream Arcade features a dozen driving sims, an HD projector for wall display, a fully adjustable steering wheel and seat, dual motor force feedback and variable resistance on the pedals.

The arcade system comes with a wireless 2-player arcade control panel and 200 different games for nonstop gaming action.

If you’re a beer lover, then you’ll be impressed that the Octane 120 Beer Arcade can hold either two five-gallon kegs or a half-barrel. So you can pour while you play because the beer flows to an in-dash beer tap located directly above a cup-holder.

Each Octane 120 Beer Arcade is custom-made and sells for around $6,000. Want to make it your own? You have the option to personalize your beer arcade with a custom-design to fit perfectly with the theme of your Man-Cave.

DEWAR’S

With Father’s Day just around the corner, looking for that perfect gift for your dad? Consider DEWAR’S 18-Year Old Scotch Whisky.

DEWAR recently introduced its brand-new packaging in time for Father’s Day. Although the iconic Scotch whisky inside remains the same, the new leather package and masterfully redesigned bottle reflect a blending of the rich DEWAR’S heritage with the modern aesthetic of today’s man.

A bit of history … DEWAR’S was actually founded by a father-son team (John Dewar Sr and sons John Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar), so we think it could be a great fit for dad!

DEWAR is widely known for its unique bespoke double-aging process, an extra step taken to give DEWAR’S 18-Year Old its remarkable smoothness and depth of character.

This extra step creates a smoother blend, with a long, lingering finish. DEWAR’S is as famous for its quality taste as it is for its family heritage, making it the perfect gift for the refined and sophisticated man in your life, who appreciates the family history and the cultural significance behind this iconic brand.

DEWAR’S has perfected its master blend from generation to generation, starting with John Dewar Sr. in 1846, and continuing with his sons, John Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar, who worked to build DEWAR’S into one of the largest whisky brands in the world, and the top selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States.

Make a bottle of DEWAR’S 18-Year Old Scotch Whisky the perfect Father’s Day gift. Just as the Dewar’s brothers honored their father’s legacy by making Dewar’s the best-selling Scotch Whisky in the world, honor your father on June 17th with a gift that’s worth giving.

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, it’s often difficult to pick out that perfect gift for our beloved father.

People are left asking themselves, “What do you get for the man who has everything?” Another tie or World’s Best Dad coffee mug just isn’t going to cut it these days.

If your dad enjoys the finer things in life and is a whisk(e)y connoisseur, then the Maker’s Mark Gift Shop (www.makersmarkgiftshop.com) is the perfect place to find a gift that will make him say cheers!

Maker’s Mark has personally recommended the following special items. If you really want to surprise dad, then whisk him for an unforgettable trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto, KY.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Dipped Glass Decanter
Made in small batches from red winter wheat, Maker’s Mark bourbon has a smooth taste and can be enjoyed straight or in a delicious cocktail, like a classic Maker’s Mark Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Gift dad a bottle with this glass decanter, dipped in Maker’s Mark’s signature red wax, to display on his bar.

Dipped Glass Decanter: $64.95
Maker’s Mark 750 ml. Bottle: Available at liquor retailers nationwide.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Chocolates
These decadent sweets have a dark chocolate outside, rich nougat center laced with Maker’s Mark and are crowned with a single toasted pecan.

Half-Pound Box: $16.95
One-Pound Box: Price: $24.95

Maker’s Mark Gourmet Lovers Basket
You don’t have to wait until after 5:00pm to savor the flavor of Maker’s Mark bourbon. This gift set features several gourmet products infused with the savory taste of Maker’s Mark.

* 16 oz. Bourbon Chocolates
* 15 oz. Gourmet Sauce
* 8.25 fl. oz. Bourbon Soaked Cherries
* 9.5 oz. Whole Bean Coffee
* 10 oz. Bag of Ground Coffee
* (2) Single Serve Coffee Packets

Price: $67.95

Maker’s Mark Golf Bag
With its five zippered pockets, in addition to its fleece-lined valuables pocket, integrated trunk handle, water bottle holster, full length 3-way club dividers, zippered rain hood, and shoulder strap, this light weight stand bag from Ogio is the perfect companion for any golf course.

Price: $169.95

Maker’s Mark Golf Balls
There won”t be anymore confusion on the fairway over whose ball is whose with these Maker”s Mark logo golf balls.

Price: $12.95/ Set of 3