Father’s Day spending to hit new record; electronics, personal care to see big gains
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Father’s Day spending has increased across all categories, with the exception of shoppers ages 65 and older.
Spending for Father’s Day, which falls on June 21 this year, is expected to reach a record $27.9 billion this year, according to the annual survey the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This marks an increase from the previous record of $24 billion set last year.
On average, consumers expect to spend $226.58, up from the previous record of $199.38 in 2025.
Online and department stores remains the most popular holiday shopping destination at 38% and 37% respectively Meanwhile, 26% of shoppers plan to visit a discount store, up from 23% in 2025.
As in past years, greeting cards (60%) are the most popular gift for Father’s Day, closely followed by clothing (58%). Other popular options include a special outing (55%) and gift cards (52%).
Similar to other holidays, subscription boxes and experiential gifts also remain popular options. Nearly one-third of consumers (31%) say they plan to give an experience, while 45% of shoppers are interested in gifting a subscription box.
“While nearly every gift category is seeing an increase in planned spending this year, electronics and personal care items have the largest gains,” said Phil Rist, executive VP of strategy, Prosper Insights & Analytics. “These items reflect consumers’ focus on giving dad practical and popular gifts, especially products that help make his life easier.”
As in recent years, shoppers remain focused on finding gifts that resonate with dad, with many saying it’s most important to choose something unique or different (44%) or one that creates a special memory (34%).
Forty-five percent of consumers plan to buy a gift for a father or stepfather, followed by a husband (25%), son (13%), brother (10%), friend (8%) and grandfather (7%). In line with previous years, 77% of consumers plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year.
