Fathers Day: Gift Ideas, Shopping & History

Father's Day 2009 is June 21st. The idea of Father’s Day was conceived by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington, while she listened to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. A day in June was chosen for the first Father’s Day celebration—June 19, 1910, proclaimed by Spokane’s mayor because it was the month of William Smart’s birth. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent.

Father’s Day Business Facts - Retail Shopping

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Retailers everywhere are gearing up for the only American holiday in which wacky ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ neckties, golf clubs, and barbeque sets complete with ‘King of the Grill’ aprons, prove to be thoughtful gifts. In spite of higher gas prices, spending on Father’s Day this year is anticipated to reach nearly $9.4 billion, down slightly from 2008. When it comes to spending on gifts for Dad, the average person is expected to spend $90.89, compared to the bigger bucks spent earlier in the year for Mom.  A record number of consumers plan to make that Father’s Day purchase of clothing and sporting goods online.  More people will be shopping at Discount Stores; making it nearly a tie with Department stores.

Most dads can expect at least a greeting card, with almost 70 percent of consumers expected to purchase at least one card for Father’s Day. Two other noticeable favorites for Dad this year are gift cards (29.9%), and special meals, outings  and sporting events. (42.7%). Other popular categories include clothing (37.1%), electronics or computer-related accessories (15%), home improvement or gardening tools (12.4%), sporting goods or leisure items (13.9%), and tools or appliances (13.5 %).  Father’s Day marks the beginning of the summer barbecuing season.