Sunday, June 15, is almost here, and that means it is time to start thinking about what to buy dad for Father’s Day.

There are a number of businesses and stores in Newtown that have something to suit the interests of any father, and some businesses responded to queries by The Bee to share gift ideas.

Queen Street Gifts & Treats, for example, has presents that range from practical to hilarious. When co-owner Patrick Kearney opened his door to show off all that his store has to offer, items that stood out were shoe-shining kits, authentic shaving equipment, baseball-themed coasters for Boston and New York fans, golf memorabilia, ballpoint pens, Newtown hats, shot glasses, flasks, cookware, and frames for any occasion.

Mr Kearney also said his store, at 3 Queen Street, has whiskey stones, which can be placed in the freezer and then used to keep a glass of alcohol cold without watering down the drink. At the front of the store is a collection of red plastic cups that have been remodeled for more sturdy usage. Coffee mugs bearing Dad’s initials in Scrabble letters are available as well.

Mr Kearney said some of his most popular gifts are made by Abdallah Candies, as the Sea Salt Caramel and Butter Almond Toffee both seem to fly off the shelves. Finally, Queen Street Gifts & Treats offers Father’s Day shoppers a bathroom spray called “Poo-Pourri.” These air fresheners come in a number of different scents, and the various names are comical enough to merit a visit to the store.

Another shop offering creative gift ideas for Father’s Day is Down on Main Street, at 14 Church Hill Road. Owner Larry Schneider gave a tour of his store to demonstrate the wide range of items which could make the dads of Newtown very happy come June 15. Mr Schneider pointed out some simple and safe present suggestions like mugs and picture frames, but he also revealed a number of more artistic and creative entities. These include recycled metal yard art, a map of the United States made of recycled license plates, 3-D chalkboards in the shape of various animals such as cows and owls, local town signs bearing the dates of establishment, and a multitude of Beatles’ products.

The Wishing Well,  at 107 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook Center, has health food gift baskets for Father’s Day. Store owner Tamara Doherty described these as “dietary makeovers for Dad.”

Ms Doherty also said that prospective buyers should check out The Wishing Well’s mugs, martini shakers, coasters, antique maps, antique reproduction fishing lures, and locally made tie-dyes.

Matt Bobkowski at Olympia Sports, 228 South Main Street, also provided The Bee with some classic gift ideas for active dads. Mr Bobkowski said that golf balls and polo T-shirts are some of the most popular Father’s Day items year after year. He also said the sporting goods store sells a multitude of team shirts for fans of many different teams and sports. Finally, Mr Bobkowski said that Olympia always has a great selection of shoes for those who want to get outside and run around.

Benjamin Crumlich, wine director and bottle pro at the Bottle Shop Wine & Spirit Superstore, 5 Queen Street, offered a number of suggestions for gift ideas. For beer, Mr Crumlich noted a domestic brew in the Brooklyn Sorachi Ace 750 ml bottle for $16.99, as well as a four-pack of English ale called Old Speckled Hen. When it comes to wine, Mr Crumlich recommend the J. Christopher Chardonnay Cuvee Lunatique 2012 from Oregon for $26.99, or with the Fratelli Alessandria Barolo 2009 from Italy, $44.99.

Mr Crumlich also made three suggestions for specialized gifts that which would make many dads very satisfied this upcoming Father’s Day: The Real McCoy 12-Year Rum from Barbados, for $47.99; Pierre Ferrand Cognac 1er Cru Reserve from France for $64.99; and 1776 James E Pepper 15-Year Bourbon from Kentucky, $99.99.

Mr Crumlich also said the section in the Bottle Shop called “The Collector’s Corner” contains numerous ideas for Father’s Day, ranging from $50 to $500 per bottle.

There are many more gift opportunities for Father’s Day all around Newtown, in shops and elsewhere. Don’t forget to check hardware stores, auto supply stores, and memberships or gift certificates to local spas or gyms.