UK Father's Day spending set to hit GBP £1.32 billion

Parcelhero forecasts that UK consumers will spend £1.32 billion on Father's Day, a 5% increase on last year.

In the United States, spending is expected to rise even faster, up 16% to USD $27.9 billion from USD $24 billion, according to National Retail Federation figures cited by the delivery company.

Parcelhero's assessment points to a late surge in UK purchasing, with 64% of shoppers leaving Father's Day buying until the week before. That compares with 53.8% in 2023, according to research from personalised gifts business Create Gift Love.

Retailers and couriers should prepare for a spike in last-minute orders as consumers continue to spend despite delaying purchases. Parcelhero's analysis suggests that while shoppers are slower to choose presents, they are not cutting their budgets.

David Jinks, head of consumer research at Parcelhero, compared the company's forecast with other market estimates.

"Fortunate fathers are in for a record-breaking Father's Day," said Jinks.

A survey from retail agency Savvy predicted a 3% increase in UK spending, while Parcelhero's reading of recent spending trends indicated a 5% rise from £1.26 billion to £1.32 billion, he said.

Choosing gifts remains a challenge for many consumers. Parcelhero found that 67% of Britons struggle to pick Father's Day presents, made harder by the finding that 32% of fathers say they want "Nothing".

Gift choices

The most common intended purchases in the UK are greeting cards, cited by 50% of shoppers, followed by alcohol at 48%. Within that category, beer is the leading choice at 25%.

Chocolates account for 33% of planned spending, while clothes stand at 28%. Sports and hobbies equipment follows at 25%, with vouchers or gift cards and experiences each at 20%.

Aftershave and homemade gifts each account for 16% of planned purchases, while gadgets or electrical products stand at 14%.

Jinks linked the sports category to the current football calendar.

"That 25% expected spend on sports-related items reflects the fact that this year Father's Day arrives just as a summer of football has kicked off. While some analysts have predicted the world's biggest football tournament could put Father's Day in the shade, our own analysis is that it will inspire gift ideas for many dads. That's what happened on Father's Day 2024, which coincided with the Euro 24 championships," he said.

He added that football-related gifts are likely to appeal beyond the UK.

"It's not just fathers in England and Scotland that will be hoping for some football themed gifts. Soccer-related items will prove popular across North America this year as it plays host to the event," said Jinks.

UK and US

Popular Father's Day gifts rank somewhat differently in the UK and the US. In the American market, National Retail Federation figures show greeting cards at 60%, apparel at 58%, special outings at 55% and gift cards at 52%.

In the UK, spending patterns suggest lower-ticket purchases still dominate even as total outlay rises. Two-thirds of shoppers expect to spend between £10 and £50, with the most common bracket being £10 to £30 at 34%.

The search for gift ideas is closely split between digital and physical retail. Parcelhero cited figures showing that 67.6% of respondents use Google to start looking for Father's Day presents, while 67.1% browse in person in shops.

Social media has become a much more prominent source of inspiration, used by 49.9% of people, up from 28.8% over three years. Asking fathers directly what they would like stands at 35.9%, while 24.3% of respondents said they use AI chatbots for suggestions.

Jinks said shoppers may be delaying decisions, but they are still prepared to spend.

"While they may be tardier than in previous years, Brits are not stinting on the spending. Two-thirds of shoppers in the UK expect to spend between £10 and £50 on Father's Day gifts in 2026, with the most common amount being £10-£30 (34%)," he said.