"According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend an average of $130 on Mother's Day. This year, they will spend an average of $90.89 for Dad today."
The article goes on to say, through various (random) people's commentary, that this is because kids are closer and more attached to their mom, and spend considerably more time with them; thus their kids feel more motivated or obligated to spend more on them. One mom acknowledged that more effort probably went into her Mother's Day than her husband's Father's Day, adding, "everyone loves their mom."
Another possible explanation given for the spending disparity is because women are "more demanding".
I especially loved the comment from a spokeswoman for the Greeting Card Association:
"For a man, oftentimes to get a sentimental card, it might make them feel uncomfortable. We often tend to shy away from engaging in sentimentality in cards for fathers. [She then goes on to say humorous cards fly off the shelves.] Lots of these humorous cards focus on, you know, the barbecue and sports and all of those dad subjects where we can give him gentle ribbing but still show him we have affection for him."
A sad tidbit from the article: Hallmark has introduced a line of cards this year that acknowledge the hard work of fathers and husbands (not mothers and wives?) during the tough economic times. With categories including "Dad Having a Difficult Year" and "Husband Having a Difficult Year". Sad. But those cards better not be TOO sentimental!
And it even starts young, a 7th grade kid explained why he appreciates his dad: "They give you a great time. They have less limits usually. They like to press the envelope. "
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In my family, my dad would spend money on himself, and my mom wouldn't. When it was time for mothers/fathers day presents, there were things to get my mom that we knew she would like, and could afford. Not so for my dad, so he got candy and homemade cards.
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