Ties, Outings Rank High Among Father's Day Gifts:
Whether you want to stick out from the crowd or pick a safe choice for dad, it's helpful to know which Father's Day gifts are the most popular. A National Retail Federation survey found that Americans will spend the most on outings and clothing for Father's Day gifts. Gift cards and electronics are also top Father's Day gifts.
What We Spend on Father's Day Gifts:
On average, Americans plan to spend $91 on Father's Day gifts, according a survey the National Retail Federation released in June 2009. Overall, Father's Day gifts will cost $9.4 billion. By category, we expect to spend:
- $1.9 billion on an outing such as dinner or a sports event
- $1.3 billion on clothing
- $1.2 billion on gift cards
- $1 billion on electronics
- $548 million on books or CDs
- $522 million on home improvement items
- $502 million on sporting goods.
Where We Shop for Father's Day Gifts:
The survey asked where people plan to buy Father's Day gifts. The breakdown was:
- 33.9 percent at discount stores
- 33.7 percent at department stores
- 26.8 percent at specialty stores, such as electronics or home improvement
- 17.9 percent online
- 6.1 percent at specialty clothing stores
- 2.8 percent through a catalog.
Who We Buy Father's Day Gifts:
Most people (51.1 percent) only plan to buy gifts for their father or stepfather. But 28.6 percent will purchase Father's Day gifts for their husbands. The remaining recipients break down to:
- 7.6 percent sons
- 4.7 percent grandfathers
- 5.1 percent brothers.
The survey, conducted by BIGresearch, has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.0 percent.
Source: The National Retail Federation
Looking for better work-life balance, parenting help or a career boost? Visit the About Working Moms home page.



