Father's Day spending lags behind Mother's Day
Spending for dad is expected to reach $12.7 billion for golf lessons, tools, coffee mugs and more.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Father's Day is approaching (Sunday, June 21st) and while most Americans plan to do something to celebrate dear old dad, they won't spend as much as they do on mom.
Overall, Father's Day spending will average $115.57 per person, or an additional $12.7 billion dollars for retailers, versus the $21.2 billion estimate they spent for Mother's Day, according to the National Retail Federation.
Why the gap in spending between mom and dad? It could be a matter of timing, with June weddings, graduations, and summer vacations putting a strain on spending around the day. Or maybe dads are just more laid back about celebrating their holiday.
The most popular gift for dad this Father's Day, is a special day out. The NRF found consumers will spend about $2.6 billion dollars on a gift like baseball tickets or a family meal. Another popular option, letting him choose his own gift. 39% of Father's Day gift buyers said they'll purchase a gift card, for a total of $1.8 billion dollars in spending. Americans will spend another $1.7 billion dollars on clothing for dad, and $1.6 billion on electronics.
For those still looking for Father's Day ideas, a survey by RetailMeNot.com found the gifts most requested by dads include gift cards, clothing, and gadgets. The items they're least likely to treat themselves to are clothing, shoes, or home goods and tools. And gifts aside, almost half of dads in the survey said what they really want for Father's Day, is to spend time with their family.
