As fatherhood has evolved over the years, so, too, has Father’s Day. In addition to traditional presents linked to hobbies like fishing and golfing and celebrations centered on family meals, the mini-holiday on the third Sunday in June now includes a variety of gifts that reflect the interests and lifestyles of modern dads, grandfathers, and father figures.

Circana’s data from last Father’s Day confirms the ongoing popularity of certain items and highlights other up-and-coming offerings. In 2025, more than two-thirds (64%) of consumers planned to give the father in their lives something for Father’s Day, with gift cards at the top of the list of intended purchases. This year, Father’s Day in the U.S. is observed on June 21, which coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Perennially Popular With Papas

Taking their ’cue

Grilling remains a Father’s Day pastime. Despite higher prices in 2025, consumers continued to spend on beef cuts for the holiday, balancing budget-friendlier cuts like ground beef with premium options such as beef loin. For the week preceding Dad’s Day in 2025, volume sales of ground beef spiked 10.3% and volume sales of beef loin rose 8.2%. The situation is similar this year, with meat prices remaining elevated but consumers seeking small indulgences, per Circana’s latest Demand Signals report. Circana also found that sales within the grills/smokers/stoves categories outperformed during the Father’s Day shopping weeks compared to year-to-date performance.

That’s the spirit

Although the overall spirits/liquor sector remained relatively flat during Father’s Day last year, high-quality bourbon performed well. Four of the top five brands showing top dollar growth were higher-end bourbon labels. Consumers also picked up accessories to go with drinks: bottle stoppers were up 15% in units and 13% in dollar sales for the two weeks preceding this occasion last year, while ice cube trays increased 7% in units and 9% in dollars.

Wearing it well

Fragrance and apparel remain staples for this early-summer event. Circana’s insights show that Father’s Day is the most important sales week for the men’s apparel market outside of the fourth quarter holiday season, generating more than $1 billion in sales. Last year, trending segments within men’s apparel during this time of year included active shirts, underwear, and hats. Meanwhile, men’s prestige fragrances grew 2% in dollars and units during the run-up to Father’s Day in 2025, driven by fragrance juices and gift sets.

Now for Something New

Joining the track team

Mirroring Mother's Day trends, fitness trackers were one of the fastest-growing categories for Father’s Day last year. Fitness trackers posted a 74% dollar growth for the two weeks ending June 14, 2025. Also reflecting the ways that today’s fathers are on the move, unit sales of total tennis footwear climbed 29% and dollar sales surged 33% in that same time period.

Kid at heart

Toy-building sets were among the top 10 Father’s Day-related categories last year, with a $21 million period-over-period dollar lift. Those sets had a 17% gain in units and a 16% bump in dollar growth for the two-week time frame heading into that weekend.

Alternate realities

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) hardware and accessories were another bright spot for Father’s Day 2025, signaling potential growth for this year, too. Dollar growth accelerated by 27% and units rose 24%.

As retailers and brands kick into high gear for Father’s Day, Circana’s insights underscore the effectiveness of blending emotional giving with practical essentials, especially during this ongoing time of economic uncertainty.