Australians are set to splash out $860 million on Father’s Day gifts this year, with food and alcohol predicted to be the top gifts for dads.

Research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan projects a modest dip in Father’s Day spending this year, down $12 million (1.3%) from 2022.  

This year, 35% of Australians plan to buy a gift for Father’s Day (down 1% from 2022), spending an average of $112 per person (down $1 from 2022). 

Food and alcohol are slated to be the most popular gift for Dad, mentioned by 18% of survey respondents, followed by clothing and shoes (10%) and books, music and games (6%). 

More than two-thirds of Australians plan on spending the same on Father’s Day this year compared to last year (69%), while 14% plan on spending more and 17% intend to spend less.  About a fifth of respondents’ plan on celebrating Father’s Day with a meal at a café or restaurant. 

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said while the spending forecasts are marginally down on last year, it’s understandable given the current economic environment, and potentially bigger if you factor in recent price increases.

“With Australians experiencing unprecedented cost-of-living pressures and mortgage holders under extreme financial stress, the decline in Father’s Day spending is no surprise,” Zahra said.

“Retailers will still be encouraged by the $860 million projected spend, which will provide a reprieve for some retailers from the intense pressure due to rising operating costs and an overall discretionary spending slowdown. 

“Father’s Day is another gift-giving event centred around giving back – and we find that when shoppers are showing appreciation for loved ones, they are more likely to splash out. 

“This is a very social family event and, food and alcohol are typically the favoured gifts on Father’s Day, with barbeques and gatherings proving a very popular way to celebrate the occasion. 

“It’s an important milestone to celebrate the immense contribution of dads and the sacrifices they make, but many Australians also take the opportunity to show their appreciation for their partners, grandfathers, caregivers, and other family members.”

More than a fifth (21%) of Australians will purchase gifts for someone other than their birth father.

The hottest whiskies for Father’s Day

Drinks Digest asked the co-founder of Australia’s largest online whisky retailer The Whisky List, Oliver Maruda, for his tips on the top whiskies to give dad for Father’s Day.

According to Maruda, seasonal events like Father’s Day and in the lead up to Christmas always see a significant boost in whisky sales.

“Whisky continues to be a great gift that excites, and one that you can enjoy with family and friends on these special occasions,” he said.  

As for the most popular Father’s Day purchases at The Whisky List, Maruda said Single Malt Scotch Whisky like Bunnahabhain, Ledaig and Glendronach are always popular.

“We are seeing an increase in demand for Australian whisky like Amber Lane Distillery and Cape Byron Distillery, both produced on Australia’s mainland or your favourite Tasmanian single malt whiskies like Hobart Whisky, Spring Bay Distillery, Overeem and Remnant are in demand. They represent great flavours and value,” he said. 

Scotch Whiskies continue to be the dominant dark spirit, however The Whisky List is seeing a shift with Australian whisky drinkers consuming more locally produced whiskies.

“We now have over 100 Whisky Distilleries in Australia with product in market, many of them are smaller operations supporting jobs in regional parts across Australia,” Maruda (above) said.

“This shift to drink less, yet more higher quality Aussie premium whisky is a wonderful trend.” 

Oliver’s top 5 whisky gift suggestions

• For the serious Scotch whisky lover, check out Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at a massive 56.6% ABV. It’s a serious sherry bomb whisky, full of rich sherry cask flavours.
• For the sweet tooth, try Hobart Whisky Liqueur. They make it using Hobart Whisky Single Malt married with Tasmanian Manuka and Wildflower honey, orange zest, and spice. 

• Amber Lane Equinox Australian Single Malt Whisky – bottled at 46% ABV, non chill filtered and over four years old. Expect flavours of honeyed pastries, baklava, rose water, toffee and Werthers Original. Last week this whisky won a gold medal at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. 
• For those who enjoy a little bit of smoke in their Scotch whiskies, try Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky. One of the best valued under $99 Scotch Whiskies available in Australia currently. Flavour wise it perfectly balances peat smoke with sweet, fruity Rioja cask. Not too overpowering in smoke. Like all of Ledaig’s single malts, this is non-chill filtered and natural colour, bottled at 46.3% ABV.
• For those looking to spend a little more, then I recommend they explore the Highlander Inn Oishii Gurein Wisukii 35 Year Old Blended Grain Scotch Whisky. Bottled by independent bottler The Highlander Inn in Scotland, they personally selected this cask, bottling it at natural cask strength of 54.9% ABV. This 35 Year Old Scotch Whisky represents superior value with an age statement whisky of its calibre.