Father’s Day Spending To Hit Record High Amid Concerns for Economy: Study

Despite worries surrounding the American economy and the impending tariffs, one study suggests that spending for this Father’s Day will break a record. The National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics are predicting that spending will reach a record $24 billion in 2025. 

NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said in a press release, “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.”

Study Finds Most Will Celebrate Father’s Day This Year

This study found that 48% of consumers plan on purchasing a gift for their father or stepfather. Consumers could also be purchasing a gift for their:

• Husband (25%)
• Son (12%)
• Brother (9%)
• Friend (8%)
• Grandfather (6%)

When it comes to celebrating the holiday, 76% of consumers plan on doing so. 

Consumers Expected To Spend Around $200 on Father’s Day

Despite a poll from The Economist and YouGov showing that 50% of respondents believe the country’s economy is only getting worse, consumers are still purchasing gifts this Father’s Day.

Consumers are expected to spend $10 more on average this year compared to 2024, making the 2025 average $199.38. Total spending is expected to hit $24 billion, which is up from $22.4 billion in 2024.

According to the National Retail Federation, those who are between 35 and 44 years old normally spend the most on Father’s Day, at an average of $278.90. When searching for gifts, 46% of shoppers believe it’s important to find something unique, and 37% of shoppers want a gift that will make a special memory.

Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist explained, “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.”

Online Shopping Is Still the Most Popular Method for Father’s Day

Subscription boxes and experiences have become increasingly popular options for Father’s Day gifts. The study showed that 43% of shoppers plan to give the dad in their lives a subscription box, while 30% plan to gift an experience of some type, up from 34% and 23%, respectively, in 2019. 

As is with most shopping, online shopping is the most popular method for Father’s Day at 41%, with local and small businesses being the least popular method at 19%. NRF and Prosper’s survey consisted of 8,225 consumers and was conducted from May 1 to May 7.