How to Budget for Father's Day

Father's Day does not need a big budget to feel like a big deal. Set a number before you start shopping, back it with a few genuinely thoughtful ideas, and the day works out cheaper and better than winging it ever does.

How much do Australians spend on Father's Day?

Father's Day moves real money. According to the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, around 4.7 million Australians were expected to spend a combined $720 million on gifts in 2025, with the average gift-buyer planning to spend about $145.

Two things follow from that. Spending creeps up fast when everyone is shopping for the same day. And if you would rather spend well than spend more, you are in good company. Food and drink, clothing, grooming, tech and shared experiences top the list every year.

Set a budget before you start shopping

The single biggest lever is deciding what you will spend before you start browsing. A number up front takes the pressure off and keeps you focused on what matters, not what is on sale.

• Pick a number that fits. Choose an amount that sits inside your month, not one that leaves you short on essentials.
• Split it up. Buying for more than one person, or adding a lunch on top? Divide the total so every part has its own limit.
• Budget the extras too. Wrapping, a card, fuel or delivery add up fast. Build them in so the final total does not surprise you.
• Track as you go. The Budgeting & Insights tools in the Beforepay app make it easy to set a limit and watch how you are tracking.

Meaningful gifts don't have to cost a fortune

The gifts that land best are rarely the most expensive ones. A few that tend to hit the mark:

• Make something. A home-cooked meal, a baked treat or a photo book of favourite memories carries more weight than anything off a shelf.
• Give your time. A shared fishing trip, a round of golf or just a day together often beats an object outright.
• Go practical. A tool he has mentioned, a hamper you put together yourself, or a subscription to something he actually uses.
• Team up. Split the cost of one better gift with siblings or family and fund something he will genuinely value.

Ways to celebrate on a budget

The day itself does not need a big spend to be memorable. A cooked breakfast at home instead of a busy cafe, a picnic or barbecue in the park, a bushwalk followed by coffee, or a family games afternoon all work. Eating out? Go lunch specials over dinner, and book early to dodge Father's Day surcharges. The part that matters is the time together, and that costs nothing.

Planning ahead for annual celebrations

Father's Day lands at the same time every year, alongside birthdays, Mother's Day and the December holidays. Treat these as planned annual costs rather than surprises and they get a lot easier to manage.

Add up what you typically spend across all your gift-giving occasions in a year, then set aside a small amount each payday into a dedicated savings account. By the time each occasion rolls around, the money is already there. The Australian Government's Moneysmart has solid guidance on building savings habits like this.

Final thoughts

Father's Day is about showing up, not spending big. Set a budget, pick gifts with some thought behind them, and celebrate in a way that suits your finances, and you get to enjoy the day fully with no money hangover after. If an unexpected expense lands around the same time and you are briefly short after covering the essentials, a small, short-term option such as a Beforepay Pay Advance is one way some people bridge the gap until payday. It is best considered only after other options, and only if the repayments fit your budget. Approval is not guaranteed and eligibility criteria apply.

This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. It is not financial advice. Beforepay products are subject to eligibility criteria and Terms of Service.