Happy Father’s Day

Despite tough economic times, Americans are expected to spend an average of $90.89 on gifts for dad this year, down slightly from $94.54 in 2008, according to a National Retail Federation Survey. Total spending for Father’s Day, which falls on June 21 this year, are expected to reach $9.4 billion. Spending for Mother’s Day was expected to be slightly higher at an average of $123.89.

Some $1.9 billion will be spent on dinner or a sporting event, but clothing is still an important choice ($1.3 billion), according to the survey, reports the Chicago Tribune. Dad will also be the recipient of a gift card ($1.2 billion), electronics ($1 billion) books or CDs ($548 million), home improvement or tools ($522 million) and sporting goods ($502 million).

Discount stores (33.9 percent) and department stores ((33.7 percent are the most popular shopping destinations this year. Other options include electronics and home improvement stores (26.8 percent), online (17.9 percent), specialty clothing stores (6.1 percent) or catalogs (2.8 percent).

Forget the tie and get dad a new grill, a bottle of wine or his favorite snacks.

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