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Mother’s Day is a widely celebrated day in many parts of the world. In the U.S., it is celebrated on May 14 in 2023. Although many people still observe Mother’s Day in the way it was originally intended, the holiday has also become highly commercialized — especially in the U.S. In fact, Americans spend billions of dollars on gifts, events, and activities related to Mother’s Day every year.
If you’ve ever wondered about the financial side of this widely celebrated holiday, keep reading for some of the key statistics about Mother’s Day.
13 Fun Financial Facts About Mother’s Day
Here are some interesting, fun facts about how people in America spend money on Mother’s Day.
1. Americans spend over $35 billion on Mother’s Day
In 2023, it’s estimated that American consumers will spend about $35.7 billion on Mother’s Day. This beats last year’s record high expenditure by almost $4 billion. For context, 2021’s total expenditure was also higher than the previous year.
This total expenditure includes everything related to the holiday. That means gifts, greeting cards, flowers, special activities, dining out, and more.
2. Around 84% of American adults celebrate Mother’s Day
Last year, an estimated 84% of adult consumers in America celebrated Mother’s Day in some shape or form. This number is expected to remain roughly the same this year.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the top spenders are between the ages of 35 and 44 years old. This isn’t too surprising considering many consumers start seeing an increase in earning potential around this point in their lives. In fact, the median weekly earnings for people ages 35 to 64 are between $1,119 and $1,130.
3. People spend over $274 on Mother’s Day
The average adult consumer is expected to spend roughly $274.02 on Mother’s Day related gifts and activities this year. This is nearly $30 more than what they spent the previous year. It’s also higher than any previous year.
4. Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world
Approximately 100 countries observe Mother’s Day worldwide. Those that celebrate it on the second Sunday of May include the U.S., Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Australia.
In some countries, the holiday occurs on different days. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is observed on August 12th every year. That’s because this is the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit, a woman renowned for her charity work.
5. People spend around $3.2 billion on flowers
Around 74% of people plan to buy flowers for their loved ones — whether it’s their birth mother, stepmother, or otherwise. This year, people will spend an estimated $3.2 billion on flowers for Mother’s Day. This includes assorted bouquets, gift bundles, and more.
6. Jewelry accounts for nearly $8 billion this Mother’s Day
The NRF found that people will spend about $7.8 billion on jewelry for the mom in their lives. This makes jewelry one of the single biggest expenses for this holiday.
In comparison, consumers plan to spend around $5.6 billion on special outings and $4 billion on electronics. All of these numbers are up from previous years.
7. American consumers buy 113 million Mother’s Day greeting cards
When it comes to greeting cards, American consumers buy around 113 million Mother’s Day cards every year. This makes Mother’s Day the third most popular holiday in terms of greeting cards sales.
In contrast, the most popular holiday for the greeting card industry is Christmas with a whopping 1.3 billion cards each year. The second most popular date is Valentine’s Day with 145 million cards.
8. 47% of shoppers opt for thoughtful gifts
While flowers, greeting cards, and special outings are the most popular Mother’s Day purchases, many people still value the idea of giving unique or thoughtful gifts.
According to the NRF, 47% of consumers choose gifts that are unique or different in some way. An estimated 42% of shoppers go for gifts that create or evoke a special memory.
9. The majority of people shop online or in department stores
Around 34% of people opt for online or department store shopping. Meanwhile, 30% of shoppers plan to go to specialty stores. Another 24% of consumers turn to small, local businesses for their shopping needs — which in turn helps support the community.
10. Only 57% of those celebrated are mothers or stepmothers
Although the majority of people buy gifts for their own mothers, this holiday is also a celebration of stepmothers, wives, and daughters. Around 23% of people who celebrate Mother’s Day are someone’s wife, while 12% are someone’s daughter.
11. Around 71.2% of mothers have a job
As of 2021, 71.2% of women with children under the age of 18 were part of the labor force. This is roughly 20% lower than the percentage of working fathers. It’s not, however, a major change from previous years.
In 2021, the median weekly earnings for a full-time, salaried female worker was $912. This is 83.1% of the median weekly earnings for a male worker. The wage discrepancy varies based on several factors, including age and race.
12. There are more stay-at-home mothers than fathers
There has been a slow but steady increase of stay-at-home fathers in recent years. However, there are still more stay-at-home moms (27%) than dads (7%). Although the gender pay gap hasn’t changed much over the years, the time away from the workforce can cut into women’s lifetime earning potential.
13. 93% of mothers are experiencing burnout
Despite the fact that Mother’s Day is meant as a celebration of mothers and their sacrifices, the majority of mothers end up feeling burned out at some point or another. Some of this is due to a lack of support at home — especially for women who are also the household’s primary caregiver.
A 2021 survey found that 93% of mothers experience burnout. This is 7% higher than in the previous year. Also, around 43% of mothers feel burned out on a frequent basis — up from 35%.
Tips to Save Money This Mother’s Day
If you’re someone who celebrates Mother’s Day, chances are you understand that the holiday can be expensive. Here are the biggest ways to cut down on costs while still creating a special day for your loved one:
- Start saving up early. It’s never too early — or too late — to plan ahead. Create a budget around Mother’s Day and start setting aside money every month until you have enough to cover things like gifts and outings. If, for example, you spend an average of $274 on this special day, you’ll need to save about $23 a month for 12 months.
- Take advantage of deals. Certain things, like holiday décor and greeting cards, go on sale after the day itself has passed. If you plan ahead, you may be able to buy these items at a cheaper price.
- Use credit card points. If you have a rewards credit card, consider using any points you’ve earned to celebrate your mother with a nice meal, gift, or excursion. Some credit cards also let you earn cashback or points for dining out or travel.
- Plan at-home activities. Mother’s Day celebrations don’t always have to involve an elaborate day out. Instead, decorate the house, cook your mother’s favorite meal, and treat her to a special experience at home.
- Make homemade gifts. If you’re artistically inclined, consider creating a poignant keepsake gift rather than splurging on flowers, restaurant reservations, and so forth. You may need to buy a few things for this, but you can still spend less money. Plus, homemade gifts are often among the most thoughtful, meaning there’s a higher chance she’ll remember them for years to come.
Conclusion
Mother's Day is a celebration of mothers and maternal bonds within families, and it has become a highly commercialized holiday in the US. American consumers are expected to spend over $35 billion on Mother's Day this year. In times of inflation and economic uncertainty, it can be difficult to budget for gifts and holidays. By saving up and planning in advance, you can celebrate your loved ones and have a memorable celebration.
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Angela Mae is a personal finance writer specializing in loans, debt management, investing, retirement planning, and financial literacy. She comes from a journalistic background and pulls from hands-on experience and deep-dive research to breathe life into her stories. Her goal is to help others achieve financial stability and independence. When not writing, she can be found traveling, honing her yoga skills, hiking, or exploring new means of healthy, sustainable living.
