Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion this year, according to an annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from $22.4 billion in spending in 2024 and $22.9 billion in 2023.
The survey of 8,225 consumers was conducted May 1-7 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points, according to NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
“Americans are embracing meaningful traditions and holidays, and this Father’s Day, spending on gifts and other holiday items is expected to reach record levels,” says NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen. “As consumers look to recognize the father figures in their lives, retailers are prepared with gift ideas, special deals and convenient shopping options to help customers find the right gifts.”
Nearly half of consumers (48%) plan to purchase a gift for a father or stepfather, followed by those purchasing gifts for a husband (25%), a son (12%), a brother (9%), a friend (8%) or a grandfather (6%).
More than three-quarters of consumers plan to celebrate Father’s Day. Consumers are planning to spend $199.38 on average per person, or nearly $10 more than last year’s $189.81 average. Those between the ages of 35-44 years old tend to spend the most on the holiday at $278.90 on average. These shoppers are also spending significantly more compared with last year, increasing their budgets by $27 on average.
Subscription boxes and gifts of experience continue to rise in popularity. This year, 43% of shoppers plan to gift a subscription box, up from 34% when NRF first asked the question in 2019. Additionally, 30% of shoppers plan to give a gift of experience, up from 23% in 2019.
In line with insights from 2024, online remains the most popular shopping destination at 41%, followed by department stores (35%), discount stores (23%), specialty stores (22%) and local/small businesses (19%).
Subscription boxes and gifts of experience continue to rise in popularity. This year, 43% of shoppers plan to gift a subscription box, up from 34% when NRF first asked the question in 2019. Additionally, 30% of shoppers plan to give a gift of experience, up from 23% in 2019.
When looking for Father’s Day gifts, shoppers reported that it is most important that they find a gift that is unique or different (46%), a special outing (53%) or a gift card (50%).
“As consumers prioritize Father’s Day gifts that are unique or create special memories, categories such as special outings and personal care items have seen an increase in popularity this year,” said Phil Rist, executive vice president of strategy at Prosper Insights & Analytics. “A special outing offers an opportunity to create new memories and celebrate together, while a personal care item allows dad to feel pampered.”
