New research from the Australian Retail Council (ARC), in partnership with Roy Morgan, shows 5.5 million Australians plan to buy a Father’s Day gift this year, with alcohol one of the most popular purchases.
The number of shoppers has risen 20% compared to last year’s celebration. Australians are expected to spend around $730 million on Father’s Day gifts this year, up $10 million, or 1.4%, from 2025.
However, the average amount shoppers expect to spend has fallen from $145 last year to $135 this year, a decline of 6.9%.
ARC Chief Industry Engagement Officer Fleur Brown said: “It is encouraging to see more Australians planning to buy a Father’s Day gift this year, but we are some way below the participation levels from a few years ago.
“Australians want to celebrate Dad, but they’re being careful about how much they spend. We’ve more people shopping compared to 2025, yet the average budget has come back, which tells us value remains front of mind for households.
“Father’s Day remains an important occasion, with retailers getting behind options to cater for every budget.”
Among shoppers who already know what they plan to buy, food and alcohol are the most popular Father’s Day gift at 29%, followed by clothing, shoes & sleepwear at 19%, experiences such as dinner or a trip at 14%, and vouchers or gift cards at 11%.
In-person celebrations are important this year. Around 8.7 million Australians, or 37%, plan to celebrate Father’s Day with breakfast, lunch or dinner at home, at a restaurant or café – up from 28% last year.
Around 12% of Australians – 2.8 million people – also plan to purchase a Father’s Day gift for someone other than their birth father this year, up from 1.9 million people in 2025.
“As Australians head out to find something special or Dad, we encourage them to back the retailers that back Australia – businesses that employ Australians, invest here and support communities right across the country,” Brown said.
“Whether it is a local small business or one of Australia’s major retailers, choosing businesses that invest and employ here helps support Australian jobs and communities.
“We wish all the dads, grandfathers and father figures across Australia a very happy Father’s Day.”
Father’s Day takes place on Sunday 6 September 2026.
Pictured main: Whisky gift set from Liquor Loot.