Every June, families across the United States take time to celebrate the fathers and father figures who have made a lasting impact on their lives, while remembering loved ones who are no longer here to share the day. While Father’s Day is often celebrated with gifts, meals, and quality time together, the holiday has a history that dates back more than a century.

Let’s take a look at the history of Father’s Day and explore some insights into how consumers choose to celebrate the dads in their lives.

Origins of Father’s Day

According to history.com, the earliest known Father’s Day observance in the United States took place in West Virginia on July 5, 1908 when a church sponsored the nation’s first event in honor of fathers. A Sunday sermon took place in memory of the men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah. But, this one-time commemoration did not turn into an annual holiday.

The modern Father’s Day tradition is largely credited to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Inspired by Mother’s Day and raised by her widowed father, Dodd campaigned for a day recognizing fathers and father figures. She was successful: Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910. But Father’s Day faced resistance for decades, it didn’t become a national holiday until 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed legislation making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday to be observed each year on the third Sunday in June.

Perspectives on Spending

According to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics Consumer, 77% of consumers plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year. On average, consumers expect to spend $226.58, up from the previous record of $199.38 in 2025.

This year, online remains the most popular holiday shopping destination, followed closely by department stores.

So what are the top gifts based on total spending and percentage of consumers who plan to buy a specific gift? Let’s take a look!

🎁Top 5 gifts based on total spending:
Special outings
Clothing
Gift cards
Electronics
Personal care

🎁Top 5 gifts based on percent purchasing:
Greeting cards
Clothing
Special outings
Gift cards
Personal care

Also, similar to other holidays, subscription boxes and experience gifts remain popular options.

🛒NCP Panel Members: If you make any purchases for the Father’s Day holiday, please remember to scan those items in addition to your regular shopping. It’s very important to report items you purchase outside of your regular shopping, such as those for holidays. (Don’t scan gifts you receive, only the ones you purchase.) Thank you!

Spending patterns and gift preferences have evolved over time. But, the purpose of the holiday remains the same, recognizing the contributions of fathers and father figures. From its beginnings in the early 1900s to today’s record-breaking consumer spending, Father’s Day highlights family connections and the ways people express appreciation for the dads who have made a difference in their lives.

Regards,

Taylor

More From NCP

Celebrating Dad: Unwrapping Father’s Day Trends
Mother’s Day: History and Trends

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