Father’s Day is a day to recognize the contribution American fathers make to their families and communities.
Spending
Americans are expected to spend a record amount on gifts for Father’s Day this year with the biggest share going to special outings such as a ballgame, concert, or dinner, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation.
Father’s Day shoppers are expected to spend an average $135 for the holiday, up from last year’s $126. With 77 percent of consumers surveyed celebrating, total spending is expected to reach $15.5 billion. That’s the highest number in the survey’s 15-year history, topping last year’s previous record of $14.3 billion.
The survey found 27 percent of dads would love to receive a “gift of experience” for Father’s Day – and 25 percent of shoppers plan to grant that wish with gifts such as tickets to a concert or a sporting event. When dinners, brunches, and other types of “fun activity/experience” are included, consumers plan to spend $3.3 billion on special outings, which will be given by 48 percent of those surveyed.
Next on the spending list is $2.2 billion on gift cards, given by 43 percent, followed by $2.2 billion on clothing, 46 percent, and $1.8 billion on consumer electronics, 21 percent. Personal care products such as a bottle of cologne, 21 percent, total $888 million, slightly edging out home improvement supplies, 16 percent, at $885 million. Greeting cards are the most common gift, purchased by 64 percent of consumers, and these cards make up $861 million of projected spending.
American dads
The U.S. Census Bureau offers these facts on American fathers for Father’s Day 2017:
How many fathers?
72.2 million
The estimated number of fathers across the nation in 2014, the most recent year for which data are available.
24.6 million
The number of fathers living in married-couple family groups with children younger than age 18 in 2016.
2 million
The number of single fathers in 2016 living with their children under age 18; 17 percent of single parents were men.
- Nine percent were raising three or more children younger than age 18.
- About 40 percent were divorced, 38 percent were never married, 16 percent were separated, and 6 percent were widowed.
- About 46 percent had an annual family income of $50,000 or more.
12.4%
The percentage of dads who have kids with their current spouse or partner, but also have kids with someone else.
29.2 million
The number of fathers who are also grandfathers.
Stay-at-home dads
209,000
The estimated number of stay-at-home dads in 2016. These married fathers with children younger than age 15 have remained out of the labor force for at least one year, primarily so they can care for the family while their wife works outside the home. These fathers cared for about 392,000 children under age 15.
Child-support payments
$3.1 billion
The amount of child support received by custodial fathers in 2013; they were due $4.2 billion. Custodial mothers received $19.4 billion of the $28.7 billion in support that was due.
40.7%
The percentage of custodial fathers who received all child support that was due in 2013; for custodial mothers it’s 46.2 percent.
70.3%
The percentage of custodial fathers receiving noncash support in 2013, such as gifts or coverage of expenses, on behalf of their children; for custodial mothers it was 59.9 percent.
