Gas prices will shrink Father's Day gift budgets

Dad could be getting a cheaper necktie as a Father's Day gift this year.

With gas and food prices rising, consumers are likely to cut back on Father's Day spending this year, the National Retail Federation, a trade group of merchants, said today.

(At right, famous TV dad Ward Cleaver sports some nifty neckwear.)

"Dad takes a back seat to gas and food costs" is the title that the group gave to its consumer survey on Father's Day spending trends this year.

The survey predicted that consumers plan to spend an average of $94.54, compared with last year’s $98.34; total spending is expected to reach $9.6 billion, the federation said.

In a statement, federation president and chief executive Tracy Mullin offered some Father's Day gift-giving advice: "When it comes to dad, a simple greeting card and family dinner really goes a long way.”
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)