Father's Day is just around the corner. Gift ideas that will put a smile on dad's face

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Families are counting down to celebrate Father's Day, a holiday to commemorate dads, grandpas and male figures.
The county has been celebrating fathers for more than a century. The country's first unofficial Father's Day began with a service in a West Virginia church in 1908 as the congregation came together to eulogize 362 men killed in a Fairmont Coal Company mine disaster.
The sentiment behind the holiday and its celebration have spread and expanded since then. In 1972, President Richard Nixon made it a national holiday.
The day now includes backyard barbecues, rounds of golf or other hobbies enjoyed by dads and gifts. Gifts are a great way to show appreciation to others, Jessica Andrews-Hanna, an associate professor at the University of Arizona said in a Q&A, adding that gift-giving makes us feel better.
"Evidence from brain imaging also suggests that both giving gifts and receiving gifts activate core areas of our brain associated with reward and pleasure," Andrews-Hanna said in a news release.
Many may be wondering what to get their Dad for his special day? A few ideas:
If your father is a fan of cars or auto racing — maybe even still excited after watching the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix — book him a spot at Michigan International Speedway for a one-hour training session inside a race car.
At the end he'll have the chance to drive an Indy-style race car. The event is hosted by Virgin Experience Gifts and allows the driver to get on the track for a timed session and communicate with a racing instructor through a radio system.
There are eight packages available starting at $539.
For the dads who enjoy fishing, there are numerous spots in Michigan perfect for the occasion.
Michigan's lakes and streams are home to more than 150 species, most of which are legal to catch. You can cast a line at more than 100 state parks and hundreds of other locations. Some favorites include William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, Bishop Park, Belleville Lake and Lake St. Clair.
Gifts can include such things as rods, reels, a cooler, etc.
To celebrate the Detroit Tigers' quasquicentennial season, the Detroit Free Press' book 'Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Detroit Tigers!' will cost $44.95, but order now and it's only $33.71, plus shipping and handling.
Order online at Tigers125.PictorialBook.com.
For a personal automotive gift, give sign your dad up for unlimited car washes for as low as $16 a month.
Super Car Wash has Michigan's No. 1 unlimited wash club membership program, and has 10 locations across the state.
If your father is a sports fan, there are tons of Michigan teams apparel that you can get him to support his favorite team.
Whether it's the Tigers, Pistons, Lions, or University of Michigan or Michigan State, there is a plethora of Michigan merchandise that your father would love.
Bucket list golf course round for dad
Michigan is blessed with a number of great golf courses, although some can be pricey for every day play.
But if dad's a golf nut — and there are many around — maybe a round at someplace like Arcadia Bluffs in Arcadia ($275 through Oct. 5), American Dunes in Grand Haven ($205) or Forest Dunes in Roscommon ($165-$195) — or any number of other great courses — fits the bill.
Father's Day falls on June 15, 2025.
Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday of June, which means the calendar date changes every year.
The holiday celebrates fatherhood, fathers and father figures, the Old Farmer's Almanac's website says.
In the U.S., Father's Day celebrations date back to the early 1900s in the state of Washington, according to History.com.
Prior to that time period, a West Virginia church held the country's first event honoring fathers, a 1908 Sunday sermon for 362 men killed in a Fairmont Coal Company mine disaster.
In 1972, former President Richard Nixon signed a law making Father's Day a permanent national holiday.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: With Father's Day fast approaching, here are gift ideas that will bring a smile to dad's face