What do American dads want for Father’s Day in 2025?

As June nears, many families are thinking about how to celebrate Father’s Day, but what do American dads want? YouGov surveyed 502 fathers across the country to understand their preferences for how to spend the day and what kinds of gifts they most appreciate.

How dads want to spend the day

For most dads (56%), Father’s Day is best spent with their children or grandchildren. Sharing a meal at home is the second most popular choice, at 44%. Going out to eat or drink also ranked highly, chosen by 36% of the respondents.

Eighteen percent (18%) said they would like the gift of free time to spend however they like, and fifteen percent (15%) said they would not like to receive any gifts at all.

Preferences also vary considerably by age. Younger dads are more likely to enjoy material gifts. Forty percent of dads 18-34 would like a gift of clothing compared to only 3% of those 65 and older. The youngest dads are also more interested in tools, gift cards, holidays and experiences.

In contrast, older fathers are far more focused on connection than consumption. Among dads aged 65 and older, 51% said they would most appreciate a phone call or visit from their children or grandchildren. This compares to only 15% of those 18-34 and 12% of those aged 35-49. Very few in the eldest age group expressed interest in material items such as gadgets, clothing, or tools. One in four (25%) of those over 65% said they do not want any gifts at all, indicating a shift away from tangible items toward meaningful gestures as fathers age.

This year’s results highlight that while many dads appreciate gifts, the heart of Father’s Day is still family. Whether it’s spending time together over a meal or receiving a heartfelt call, dads value the thought and connection behind the gesture. And while preferences differ between younger and older generations, the underlying message is the same: what fathers want most is to feel remembered and appreciated.

Methodology: YouGov polled 502 American fathers online on April 28-29 2025. The survey was conducted using YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Learn more about YouGov Surveys.