GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mothers Day Statistics

Mother's Day began as a tribute for peace and health before evolving into a highly celebrated commercial holiday.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

92% of Americans acknowledge Mother's Day, highest recognition rate globally.

Statistic 2

75% of consumers start shopping for Mother's Day two weeks in advance.

Statistic 3

Women are 60% more likely to buy gifts for other mothers than men.

Statistic 4

68% prefer sustainable or eco-friendly gifts for Mother's Day.

Statistic 5

Social media influences 45% of gift choices via influencer posts.

Statistic 6

55% of Gen Z opt for experiential gifts over material ones.

Statistic 7

Last-minute shoppers comprise 25%, using same-day delivery services.

Statistic 8

40% return or exchange Mother's Day gifts within a week.

Statistic 9

Email newsletters drive 30% of online Mother's Day purchases.

Statistic 10

72% of recipients prefer practical gifts like household help over luxuries.

Statistic 11

Mobile shopping apps account for 50% of Mother's Day transactions.

Statistic 12

65% of boomers prefer traditional gifts like flowers and cards.

Statistic 13

Loyalty programs influence 35% of repeat purchases for Mother's Day.

Statistic 14

48% use buy-now-pay-later services for higher-end gifts.

Statistic 15

Hispanic consumers spend 20% more on family-oriented Mother's Day gifts.

Statistic 16

82% say time spent with mom is the best gift, beyond purchases.

Statistic 17

In 2023, 64% of UK consumers dined out for Mothering Sunday.

Statistic 18

70% of shoppers research gifts online before buying in-store.

Statistic 19

Personalized gifts see 28% higher satisfaction rates among recipients.

Statistic 20

51% avoid regifting on Mother's Day due to emotional significance.

Statistic 21

Mother's Day spending in the US reached $33.5 billion in 2024 according to the National Retail Federation.

Statistic 22

Average spending per child or individual on Mother's Day gifts was $258 in 2024 per NRF survey.

Statistic 23

US Mother's Day economic impact includes $2.6 billion spent on flowers annually.

Statistic 24

Restaurant spending on Mother's Day totals $4.3 billion yearly in the US.

Statistic 25

Jewelry accounts for $6.5 billion in Mother's Day sales in the US.

Statistic 26

Greeting cards generate $700 million in revenue on Mother's Day in the US.

Statistic 27

Spa and gift card spending reaches $1.2 billion for Mother's Day.

Statistic 28

E-commerce Mother's Day sales grew 15% year-over-year to $5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 29

Travel-related Mother's Day spending hit $1.5 billion in 2024.

Statistic 30

Candy and sweets sales for Mother's Day total $1 billion annually.

Statistic 31

Apparel gifts contribute $2.8 billion to Mother's Day economy.

Statistic 32

Home goods and electronics add $3.1 billion in spending.

Statistic 33

Pet-related Mother's Day gifts reached $800 million in 2023.

Statistic 34

Total retail sales boost from Mother's Day is equivalent to 2% of quarterly GDP contribution.

Statistic 35

76% of flower deliveries are ordered online for Mother's Day.

Statistic 36

US florists sell 25 million bouquets on Mother's Day weekend.

Statistic 37

Roses account for 65% of Mother's Day flower sales, totaling 14 million stems.

Statistic 38

Mother's Day boosts flower imports by 30%, with $150 million in value.

Statistic 39

Average flower bouquet price rises 20% to $45 on Mother's Day.

Statistic 40

Tulips are second most popular, comprising 15% of sales with 4 million bunches.

Statistic 41

Florist retail sales increase 25% during Mother's Day week.

Statistic 42

80% of carnations sold on Mother's Day honor the tradition from Anna Jarvis.

Statistic 43

Orchid sales spike 40% for Mother's Day gifting.

Statistic 44

Mother's Day flower waste is estimated at 10 million arrangements post-holiday.

Statistic 45

Lilies represent 12% of sales, preferred for their elegance.

Statistic 46

Subscription flower services see 35% new sign-ups around Mother's Day.

Statistic 47

Total flower revenue on Mother's Day exceeds $2.6 billion globally.

Statistic 48

84% of US consumers bought flowers for Mother's Day in 2023, generating $2.6 billion.

Statistic 49

70% of Americans purchase greeting cards, with 113 million cards sent annually.

Statistic 50

Jewelry is the top gift, chosen by 52% of shoppers, averaging $150 per item.

Statistic 51

41% buy special outings or events, like dinners costing average $100.

Statistic 52

Flowers top the list for 72% of recipients, with roses most popular at 56%.

Statistic 53

28% opt for personalized gifts like engraved items or custom jewelry.

Statistic 54

Average gift basket spend is $75, with food baskets leading at 35% preference.

Statistic 55

Spa treatments are gifted by 24%, with average cost of $120 per session.

Statistic 56

62% of millennials spend more on experiences like brunches over physical gifts.

Statistic 57

Handmade gifts from Etsy see 40% sales increase pre-Mother's Day.

Statistic 58

Chocolate gifts preferred by 45%, with average spend $40 per box.

Statistic 59

55% of shoppers buy clothing or accessories, averaging $60.

Statistic 60

Books are gifted by 18%, with personalized books up 25% in sales.

Statistic 61

67% of fathers buy gifts for Mother's Day on behalf of children.

Statistic 62

Online shopping accounts for 45% of Mother's Day purchases.

Statistic 63

Mother's Day was first celebrated in the United States on May 10, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia.

Statistic 64

The modern Mother's Day holiday was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1870 with her "Mother's Day Proclamation".

Statistic 65

Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day service in 1908 to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis.

Statistic 66

Mother's Day became a national holiday in the US when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law in 1914.

Statistic 67

Ann Reeves Jarvis had started "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" in 1858 to improve sanitation and health.

Statistic 68

Julia Ward Howe, writer of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, called for Mother's Day in 1870 to promote peace.

Statistic 69

The first Mother's Day church service was held at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, WV.

Statistic 70

Anna Jarvis spent her inheritance campaigning for Mother's Day and later tried to abolish it due to commercialization.

Statistic 71

In ancient Greece, early celebrations honored Rhea, the mother of gods, during spring festivals.

Statistic 72

The UK's Mothering Sunday dates back to the 16th century, linked to returning to mother church.

Statistic 73

Mother's Day cards were first sold in the US in 1910 by the John Wanamaker department store.

Statistic 74

By 1920, Mother's Day was celebrated in 43 countries around the world.

Statistic 75

Anna Jarvis was arrested in 1948 for disturbing the peace at a Philadelphia War Mothers convention.

Statistic 76

The first Mother's Day stamp was issued by the US Postal Service in 1934.

Statistic 77

In 1915, President Wilson sent carnations to his mother on Mother's Day, setting a floral tradition.

Statistic 78

Mother's Day is celebrated in 150+ countries, often on second Sunday of May.

Statistic 79

In Thailand, Mother's Day is August 12, birthday of Queen Sirikit, with jasmine garlands given.

Statistic 80

UK Mothering Sunday is fourth Sunday of Lent, with simnel cake tradition.

Statistic 81

Mexico celebrates on May 10 with carnivals and mariachi music.

Statistic 82

In India, Mother's Day is second Sunday in May, with 70% urban celebration rate.

Statistic 83

Russia observes International Women's Day on March 8 as Mother's Day equivalent.

Statistic 84

Japan calls it "Mother's Festival" on May 8, with carnations and red flowers.

Statistic 85

Indonesia's Mother's Day is December 22, honoring Kartini with national holiday.

Statistic 86

85% of Brazilians give gifts on Mother's Day, second Sunday of May.

Statistic 87

In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is during Fasika festival with family feasts.

Statistic 88

Australia celebrates on first Sunday of May, with 4 million cards sent.

Statistic 89

France's Fête des Mères is last Sunday of May, with medals for mothers of large families.

Statistic 90

60% of Chinese celebrate imported Mother's Day on second Sunday of May with flowers.

Statistic 91

Argentina's Día de la Madre is third Sunday of October, with family lunches.

Statistic 92

In Poland, Mother's Day is May 26, with handmade cards from schoolchildren.

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From its powerful roots in peace activism and public health to its modern incarnation as a multi-billion dollar juggernaut, the story of Mother's Day is a fascinating journey from heartfelt tribute to global phenomenon.

Key Takeaways

  • Mother's Day was first celebrated in the United States on May 10, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia.
  • The modern Mother's Day holiday was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1870 with her "Mother's Day Proclamation".
  • Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day service in 1908 to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis.
  • Mother's Day spending in the US reached $33.5 billion in 2024 according to the National Retail Federation.
  • Average spending per child or individual on Mother's Day gifts was $258 in 2024 per NRF survey.
  • US Mother's Day economic impact includes $2.6 billion spent on flowers annually.
  • 84% of US consumers bought flowers for Mother's Day in 2023, generating $2.6 billion.
  • 70% of Americans purchase greeting cards, with 113 million cards sent annually.
  • Jewelry is the top gift, chosen by 52% of shoppers, averaging $150 per item.
  • 76% of flower deliveries are ordered online for Mother's Day.
  • US florists sell 25 million bouquets on Mother's Day weekend.
  • Roses account for 65% of Mother's Day flower sales, totaling 14 million stems.
  • Mother's Day is celebrated in 150+ countries, often on second Sunday of May.
  • In Thailand, Mother's Day is August 12, birthday of Queen Sirikit, with jasmine garlands given.
  • UK Mothering Sunday is fourth Sunday of Lent, with simnel cake tradition.

Mother's Day began as a tribute for peace and health before evolving into a highly celebrated commercial holiday.

Consumer Behavior

  • 92% of Americans acknowledge Mother's Day, highest recognition rate globally.
  • 75% of consumers start shopping for Mother's Day two weeks in advance.
  • Women are 60% more likely to buy gifts for other mothers than men.
  • 68% prefer sustainable or eco-friendly gifts for Mother's Day.
  • Social media influences 45% of gift choices via influencer posts.
  • 55% of Gen Z opt for experiential gifts over material ones.
  • Last-minute shoppers comprise 25%, using same-day delivery services.
  • 40% return or exchange Mother's Day gifts within a week.
  • Email newsletters drive 30% of online Mother's Day purchases.
  • 72% of recipients prefer practical gifts like household help over luxuries.
  • Mobile shopping apps account for 50% of Mother's Day transactions.
  • 65% of boomers prefer traditional gifts like flowers and cards.
  • Loyalty programs influence 35% of repeat purchases for Mother's Day.
  • 48% use buy-now-pay-later services for higher-end gifts.
  • Hispanic consumers spend 20% more on family-oriented Mother's Day gifts.
  • 82% say time spent with mom is the best gift, beyond purchases.
  • In 2023, 64% of UK consumers dined out for Mothering Sunday.
  • 70% of shoppers research gifts online before buying in-store.
  • Personalized gifts see 28% higher satisfaction rates among recipients.
  • 51% avoid regifting on Mother's Day due to emotional significance.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

Americans, in a stunning display of universal consensus, agree to celebrate moms; we just wildly disagree on how, when, why, and what to buy, while all secretly knowing she’d probably just prefer some help with the dishes.

Economic Statistics

  • Mother's Day spending in the US reached $33.5 billion in 2024 according to the National Retail Federation.
  • Average spending per child or individual on Mother's Day gifts was $258 in 2024 per NRF survey.
  • US Mother's Day economic impact includes $2.6 billion spent on flowers annually.
  • Restaurant spending on Mother's Day totals $4.3 billion yearly in the US.
  • Jewelry accounts for $6.5 billion in Mother's Day sales in the US.
  • Greeting cards generate $700 million in revenue on Mother's Day in the US.
  • Spa and gift card spending reaches $1.2 billion for Mother's Day.
  • E-commerce Mother's Day sales grew 15% year-over-year to $5 billion in 2023.
  • Travel-related Mother's Day spending hit $1.5 billion in 2024.
  • Candy and sweets sales for Mother's Day total $1 billion annually.
  • Apparel gifts contribute $2.8 billion to Mother's Day economy.
  • Home goods and electronics add $3.1 billion in spending.
  • Pet-related Mother's Day gifts reached $800 million in 2023.
  • Total retail sales boost from Mother's Day is equivalent to 2% of quarterly GDP contribution.

Economic Statistics Interpretation

Americans will spend over thirty-three billion dollars this year in a collective frenzy of love, proving that while you can't put a price on mom, we're certainly giving it a brave and florid, jewelry-laden, restaurant-boosting, pet-inclusive try.

Floral Industry Impact

  • 76% of flower deliveries are ordered online for Mother's Day.
  • US florists sell 25 million bouquets on Mother's Day weekend.
  • Roses account for 65% of Mother's Day flower sales, totaling 14 million stems.
  • Mother's Day boosts flower imports by 30%, with $150 million in value.
  • Average flower bouquet price rises 20% to $45 on Mother's Day.
  • Tulips are second most popular, comprising 15% of sales with 4 million bunches.
  • Florist retail sales increase 25% during Mother's Day week.
  • 80% of carnations sold on Mother's Day honor the tradition from Anna Jarvis.
  • Orchid sales spike 40% for Mother's Day gifting.
  • Mother's Day flower waste is estimated at 10 million arrangements post-holiday.
  • Lilies represent 12% of sales, preferred for their elegance.
  • Subscription flower services see 35% new sign-ups around Mother's Day.
  • Total flower revenue on Mother's Day exceeds $2.6 billion globally.

Floral Industry Impact Interpretation

In a floral frenzy fueled by love and last-minute panic, mothers receive mountains of roses while the industry blooms with billions, proving our affection is both deeply heartfelt and conveniently standardized.

Gift and Spending Habits

  • 84% of US consumers bought flowers for Mother's Day in 2023, generating $2.6 billion.
  • 70% of Americans purchase greeting cards, with 113 million cards sent annually.
  • Jewelry is the top gift, chosen by 52% of shoppers, averaging $150 per item.
  • 41% buy special outings or events, like dinners costing average $100.
  • Flowers top the list for 72% of recipients, with roses most popular at 56%.
  • 28% opt for personalized gifts like engraved items or custom jewelry.
  • Average gift basket spend is $75, with food baskets leading at 35% preference.
  • Spa treatments are gifted by 24%, with average cost of $120 per session.
  • 62% of millennials spend more on experiences like brunches over physical gifts.
  • Handmade gifts from Etsy see 40% sales increase pre-Mother's Day.
  • Chocolate gifts preferred by 45%, with average spend $40 per box.
  • 55% of shoppers buy clothing or accessories, averaging $60.
  • Books are gifted by 18%, with personalized books up 25% in sales.
  • 67% of fathers buy gifts for Mother's Day on behalf of children.
  • Online shopping accounts for 45% of Mother's Day purchases.

Gift and Spending Habits Interpretation

American mothers are collectively cherished in a $2.6 billion bouquet of predictable roses, obligatory cards, and dutifully chosen jewelry, revealing a holiday where the heart's intent is precisely measured, meticulously tracked, and overwhelmingly spent online.

Historical Facts

  • Mother's Day was first celebrated in the United States on May 10, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia.
  • The modern Mother's Day holiday was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1870 with her "Mother's Day Proclamation".
  • Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day service in 1908 to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis.
  • Mother's Day became a national holiday in the US when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law in 1914.
  • Ann Reeves Jarvis had started "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" in 1858 to improve sanitation and health.
  • Julia Ward Howe, writer of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, called for Mother's Day in 1870 to promote peace.
  • The first Mother's Day church service was held at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, WV.
  • Anna Jarvis spent her inheritance campaigning for Mother's Day and later tried to abolish it due to commercialization.
  • In ancient Greece, early celebrations honored Rhea, the mother of gods, during spring festivals.
  • The UK's Mothering Sunday dates back to the 16th century, linked to returning to mother church.
  • Mother's Day cards were first sold in the US in 1910 by the John Wanamaker department store.
  • By 1920, Mother's Day was celebrated in 43 countries around the world.
  • Anna Jarvis was arrested in 1948 for disturbing the peace at a Philadelphia War Mothers convention.
  • The first Mother's Day stamp was issued by the US Postal Service in 1934.
  • In 1915, President Wilson sent carnations to his mother on Mother's Day, setting a floral tradition.

Historical Facts Interpretation

From its solemn origins as a call for peace and public health to its contentious bloom into a global, commercialized event, the history of Mother's Day proves we can honor mothers with anything from a proclamation to a protest, but we can never quite agree on how.

International Observances

  • Mother's Day is celebrated in 150+ countries, often on second Sunday of May.
  • In Thailand, Mother's Day is August 12, birthday of Queen Sirikit, with jasmine garlands given.
  • UK Mothering Sunday is fourth Sunday of Lent, with simnel cake tradition.
  • Mexico celebrates on May 10 with carnivals and mariachi music.
  • In India, Mother's Day is second Sunday in May, with 70% urban celebration rate.
  • Russia observes International Women's Day on March 8 as Mother's Day equivalent.
  • Japan calls it "Mother's Festival" on May 8, with carnations and red flowers.
  • Indonesia's Mother's Day is December 22, honoring Kartini with national holiday.
  • 85% of Brazilians give gifts on Mother's Day, second Sunday of May.
  • In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is during Fasika festival with family feasts.
  • Australia celebrates on first Sunday of May, with 4 million cards sent.
  • France's Fête des Mères is last Sunday of May, with medals for mothers of large families.
  • 60% of Chinese celebrate imported Mother's Day on second Sunday of May with flowers.
  • Argentina's Día de la Madre is third Sunday of October, with family lunches.
  • In Poland, Mother's Day is May 26, with handmade cards from schoolchildren.

International Observances Interpretation

It seems humanity’s one universal truth is that mothers deserve to be celebrated, even if we need 150 different calendars, a jasmine garland, a simnel cake, or a mariachi band to finally agree on it.

Sources & References