Canadians are spending less on dad for Father's Day compared to what they spend on their mothers, according to a new survey.
In a survey of 1,000 Canadians, IPG Mediabrands found while 57 per cent of Canadians say Father's Day is important, only 45 per cent plan to buy a gift for their dad. By comparison, 55 per cent of Canadians said they plan to buy a gift for their mothers on Mother's Day.
The survey also found that total national spending for Father's Day is projected to be $311 million this year, representing about $20 per person. Projected national spending for Mother's Day was $492 million, representing about $27 per a person, the survey found.
But those spending habits might not matter, as both mothers and fathers say they would actually prefer to spend time with loved ones over material gifts, according to Loraine Cordery, a manager at IPG Mediabrands.
"Similar to Mom, Dad would actually like to spend more quality time with his family," she said in a statement. "He's certainly not interested in getting a bad tie for a gift or, in many cases, a gift of any kind."
In terms of what Canadian fathers wanted for their special day, the survey found the following:
- 44 per cent said spending time with their immediate family (partner and children);
- 2 per cent said spending time with extended family;
- Eight per cent said a "me day" where they could do whatever they please;
- Five per cent said getting recognition for the hard work they do;
- Three per cent said a "day off" from household chores;
- Three per cent said gifts and treats;
- 21 per cent said Father's Day is just another day, and they were not expecting anything.
