People in the UK are expected to spend nearly £15 more on Father's Day gifts this year than they did on Mother's Day, according to new research. The average spend on Father's Day gifts and cards is projected to reach £54.38, based on findings from discount code website MyVoucherCodes. This figure is £14.63 higher than the typical Mother's Day spend of £39.75 recorded in a similar survey earlier in 2026.
Popular gifts for Father's Day
The survey, conducted among 2,000 UK adults by OnePoll in April, revealed that alcohol and food are the most popular purchases for fathers and stepfathers, followed by gift cards. Experiences and consumable gifts are being prioritised, reflecting a shift towards more personal and practical presents.
Least popular gifts
Not all gifts are well-received. Jewellery emerged as the least preferred option for fathers, with 17% of respondents naming it as their least favourite category. This contrasts with the broader trend of spending more on dads compared to mums.
Expert advice
Sarah-Jane Outten, a shopping expert at MyVoucherCodes, commented: "The data suggests that shoppers are prioritising experiences and consumable gifts for dads, which may feel more personal or practical." She recommended setting a budget, planning ahead, searching for discount codes, and taking advantage of multi-buy deals to manage costs effectively.
Father's Day falls on June 21 this year, giving shoppers time to prepare. The research highlights a notable difference in spending between the two parental occasions, with dads receiving a higher average expenditure.
