Dads are in for a treat this weekend, according to the international delivery expert Parcelhero, which says record amounts will be spent on pampered pops on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21).
Parcelhero predicts UK Father’s Day spending will rise 5% this year to a record £1.32bn.
“Fortunate fathers are in for a record-breaking Father’s Day,” says Parcelhero head of consumer research David Jinks M.I.L.T. “A survey from Savvy predicts a 3% increase in Father’s Day spending this year, while our own analysis of recent spending trends indicates a slightly more generous 5%, leading to a climb from last year’s £1.26bn to £1.32bn.
“Interestingly, 67% of Brits say they have difficulty choosing gifts for dads on Father’s Day. That’s not helped by the fact that one of the top answers dads give when asked what they would like is: “Nothing!” (32%).
“Despite this, retailers and couriers should be prepared for a last-minute Father’s Day spike as Brits get set to spend on: greeting cards (50%), alcohol (48% with beer top choice at 25%), chocolates (33%), clothes (28%), sports and hobbies equipment (25%), vouchers or gift cards (20%), experiences (20%), aftershave (16%), homemade gifts (16%), and gadgets or electrical products (14%).
“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.”
While record numbers are set to splash the cash on their pops, Brits are increasingly leaving gift-buying until the last minute, with meals and drinks out expected to feature strongly in celebrations.
Research from the personalised gifts specialist Create Gift Love reveals 64% of shoppers have left it until the week before to buy their Father’s Day gifts, up from 53.8% in 2023.
David comments: “While they may be tardier than in previous years, Brits are not stinting on 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%).
“Perhaps predictably, online search engines are the top source of gift ideas for Father’s Day, with 67.6% of respondents saying they use Google to start their gift hunt. However, High Street store owners can take heart from the fact that browsing in person was an extremely close second at 67.1%.
“Social media has soared in popularity as a source of gift ideas; 49.9% of people say they have used it for Father’s Day suggestions, up from 28.8% in just three years. Actually asking what dads would like came in at 35.9% and AI chatbots at 24.3%. We expect the number of people consulting AI to soar by next year.
“Many people like to spend personal time with their dads on Father’s Day. If dad doesn’t live in the UK, however, and, like most Brits, you’ve left it until the last minute to buy a gift, there’s still just time to send a gift overseas to destinations such as the US in time for June 21, using a two-day express service.”
