Facts and figures for Father’s Day 2019

It’s that time of year again. When the flowers bloom and the trees leaf out, it’s time to recognize those important guys in our families – our dads.

Spending

Americans are expected to spend a record amount on gifts for Father’s Day this year, according a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. Total spending for the holiday is estimated to reach $16 billion, up from last year’s $15.3 billion.

Father’s Day spending has grown 70 percent, about $6.6 billion, since 2009. The biggest drivers of Father’s Day spending are growth in spending by consumers ages 35 to 44, and spending on clothing, special outings, and gift cards. This year, 75.9 percent of people plan to celebrate and are expected to spend a record $138.97, up from last year’s $132.82, and up from $91 in 2009.

Consumers ages 35-44 plan to spend the most money at an average $197.66, over $100 more than this age group spent 10 years ago. Men are likely to spend more than women for Father’s Day at $160.74 compared with $118.29.More than half of those surveyed plan to buy for their fathers or stepfathers, 53 percent, while others will shop for their husbands, 27 percent, or sons, 9 percent, among other dads in their lives.

Facts about the nation’s dads

The U.S. Census Bureau offers these facts and figures about fathers:

• About 60 percent of men aged 15 and over are fathers.
• About 36 million men live with about 80 million children aged 0 to 17.
• Men who start having children at older ages – aged 35 or older – have fewer children than men who had their first child before the age of 25.
• About 17 percent of men aged 40 to 50 have never been married and 24 percent are childless.
• Nearly 90 percent of men whose youngest child is under age 6 are employed, compared to slightly more than 60 percent for women
• Childless men are less likely to be in management than are fathers, regardless of men’s children’s ages. Childless men are also less likely to be in STEM – science, technology, engineering, or mathematics – occupations than are fathers whose youngest child is under age 18.

Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere.