NEW YORK -- Americans are set to spend more to honor dear old dad this year.
A survey by the National Retail Federation points to an increase in spending on Father's Day gifts this year. Americans are expected to spend about $15.7 billion on the holiday, an average of about $117 per person.
That's up about 10 percent over last year. Shoppers will spend about $2.3 billion on a special day out with dad -- like golf, dinner, or a baseball game.
They'll also spend $1.7 billion on apparel, $1.7 billion on gift cards, and another $1.7 billion on electronics.
Gadgets are always popular with dads and Consumer Reports says tablets and smartphones will be among the most-gifted Father's Day items. If you're a tech novice, keep some tips in mind when you shop for dad.
"Before you go out to make your purchase, do your research," says Carol Mangis, Consumer Reports Web Associate Editor. "Know what you want to buy. It's just too easy for a store to recommend something else that they say is just as good, but you want to know for yourself that it's just as good."
Researching prices and products online can also give you more opportunities to comparison shop -- instead of running from store to store.
Associated Press