Shoppers drive Father's Day spending up

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Although gas prices are on the rise, consumers are planning to splurge on their dads for Father's Day, according to a survey released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation.

The survey, conducted by BIGresearch, said consumers are expected to spend $9.9 billion this year, with the average person spending $98.34, up from $88.80 last year.

Although the holiday is for dad, men plan on spending more than woman, the survey says.

"Gas prices have little effect on what consumers spend for those who matter most," Tracy Mullin, NRF President and CEO, said in a statement. "Retailers will see increased sales of clothing and tools as well as gift cards, which allow dad to treat himself to something he chooses."

Similar to previous years, the most popular gift will be greeting cards with nearly 70 percent of consumers planning to buy cards.

Other popular gifts include dining out (42.7 percent), apparel (37.1 percent), a gift certificate or gift card (29.9 percent), consumer electronics or computer related accessories (17.8 percent), sporting goods or leisure items (13.9 percent), tools or appliances (13.6 percent), and home improvement or gardening tools (12.4 percent).

According to the trade group, men plan to spend the most with an average of $100.72, compared to women's estimated $96.09.

Of the consumers buying Father's Day gifts, 34.2 percent plan to shop at a department store, 29.6 percent at specialty stores such as electronics or greeting card stores, 28.7 percent at discount stores, 18.7 percent online, and 7.3 percent at specialty clothing stores.

The survey also found that more than a fourth of consumers plan to spend on others besides their father or stepfather for the holiday. Some shoppers plan on buying a gift for their husband (28 percent), son (7.7 percent), brother (4.6 percent), grandfather (3.8 percent) and godfathers (1.1 percent).