Father’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide. Beyond its sentimental significance, this day is also a major economic and cultural event. But how much do we actually know about it? What are the spending trends and fun facts about this special occasion? We’ve crunched the numbers to give you the big picture of Father’s Day, one statistic at a time.

A Global Celebration

Father’s Day is celebrated in about 100 countries worldwide, but the dates and traditions vary significantly from one region to another. While most countries, including the United States, Canada, and the UK, celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, others, like Spain and Portugal, honor fathers on March 19, aligning with St. Joseph's Day.

• First Father’s Day in the US: The first official Father’s Day celebration was on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, following a campaign by Sonora Smart Dodd to honor her father, a widower who single-handedly raised six children.

• UNESCO Recognition: Father’s Day is not yet a recognized global holiday by UNESCO, but its popularity continues to grow worldwide.

Fun Fact

While Mother’s Day has been officially around for longer (since 1908), Father’s Day took decades to gain federal recognition. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon officially declared Father’s Day a national holiday in the United States.

Father’s Day Spending Trends

Father’s Day isn’t just a day for showing appreciation; it’s also a major shopping event. Consumers spend billions annually to celebrate their dads, and the trend is not slowing down.

• $20.1 Billion in Spending (2023): Americans spent a jaw-dropping $20.1 billion on Father’s Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). This marks a steady increase from $14.2 billion in 2014.

• Average Spending Per Person: The average consumer spends around $196 on Father’s Day, with millennials leading the charge at $252 per person.

• Most Popular Gifts: Greeting cards (59%), clothing (49%), and special outings like dinners (45%) top the list of Father’s Day purchases. However, tech gadgets and tools are quickly growing in popularity.

Fatherhood In Numbers

Fatherhood itself is filled with compelling statistics that highlight its evolving nature in today’s world. Here are a few facts about dads today:

• Working Dads: Over 93% of fathers in the US are active participants in the workforce, with many balancing demanding careers and family life.

• Stay-at-Home Dads: Around 2 million dads in the United States are stay-at-home fathers, a number that has tripled since 1989.

• Average Age of First-Time Dads: According to recent census data, the average age of first-time fathers in the US has risen to 30.9 years, compared to 27.4 in 1972.

• Time Spent with Children: Dads today spend an average of 8 hours per week on childcare, up from just 2.5 hours per week in 1965.

Interesting Dynamics

Modern fathers are changing the narrative around parenting. They are more involved in everyday childcare activities, from school drop-offs to emotional support. This redefined role has changed how families celebrate Father’s Day, moving beyond traditional gifts to experiences and moments together.

Why Father’s Day Matters

At its core, Father’s Day is not just about the presents or spending trends. It’s a day to reflect on and appreciate the impact fathers have in our lives, from shaping our character to supporting us through life’s challenges. For many, it’s also a time to remember and celebrate father figures, mentors, and anyone who has played a paternal role.

A Day For Reflection

With 57% of people stating that they spend Father’s Day simply relaxing at home, it’s clear that the simple moments often resonate the most. Shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and spending time together make lasting memories.