Statistics and Trends: How Much Does The World Spend on Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is a global celebration honoring mothers and motherhood. Beyond its sentimental value, it also carries significant economic weight.

Mother’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude for the mothers in our lives with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift, making it a significant economic event worldwide.

Are you ready to explore Mother’s Day spending statistics across different countries? 

What is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is a celebration that honors mothers, motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. Its modern form was first observed in the United States in the early 20th century, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who wanted to commemorate her mother and set aside a day to honor all mothers. 

Mother’s Day is observed on various days in different parts of the world, most commonly in March or May, and in the United States, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Mother’s Day significantly impacts retail, with spikes in sales of flowers, greeting cards, jewelry, and other gifts. It’s one of the busiest days for restaurants and has become a major event for marketers and retailers.

Mother’s Day Spending in the United States

Americans reportedly spend billions on Mother’s Day, with the average expenditure on gifts and celebrations increasing yearly.

Total Spending in the United States

Mother’s Day is a significant spending occasion in the US, reaching a record high of $35.7 billion in 2023 according to the National Retail Federation. This translates to an average of $274.02 spent per person, highlighting the significant economic impact of the holiday.

Spending Categories

While heartfelt gestures are priceless, consumers often express their love for mothers through various gifts and experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the top spending categories in the US for Mother’s Day 2023:

• Jewelry: $7.8 billion 
• Special Outings and Experiences: $5.6 billion (includes dining, travel, etc.)
• Electronics: $4.0 billion
• Flowers: $2.2 billion 
• Greeting Cards: $2.0 billion

Mother’s Day Spending in the United Kingdom

It’s estimated that Britons spend billions on Mother’s Day, with the average amount spent on gifts and celebrations rising annually.

Total Spending in the UK

While Mother’s Day is a widely celebrated occasion globally, the UK observes slightly lower spending compared to the US. In 2023, it was estimated that £1.7 billion would be spent in the UK for Mother’s Day, according to data and analytics specialist GlobalData. This translates to roughly £25.76 per person on average.

Spending Categories

• Flowers: £500 million – Flowers remain a popular choice, with almost half of Brits planning to purchase them for Mother’s Day.
• Chocolate: £410 million – Chocolate is another popular option, reflecting the UK’s love for sweet treats.
• Clothing: £190 million
• Jewellery: £210 million
• Gift cards/vouchers: £200 million

Mother’s Day Spending in Canada

Canadians are said to spend billions on Mother’s Day, with the average expenditure on gifts and celebrations seeing a yearly increase.

Total Spending in Canada

Canadians shower their mothers with love and appreciation on Mother’s Day, which is reflected in their spending habits. According to a 2023 survey by the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) in collaboration with Caddle, 75% of Canadians plan to make purchases to celebrate Mother’s Day.

The total spending on Mother’s Day in Canada is estimated to be in the billions of dollars]. While the exact figure can vary depending on the source and methodology, it’s safe to say it’s a significant contribution to the retail industry.

Spending Categories

Canadians spend their Mother’s Day budget on various categories, with some of the most popular being:

• Experiences: Canadians are increasingly opting for experiences like dinners (up to $184), spa treatments, or outings. This reflects a shift towards creating lasting memories instead of just material gifts.
• Gifts: Traditional gifts like flowers, cards, and gift cards remain popular, with average spending on gifts reaching $76.
• Jewelry and clothing: These categories also see a rise in sales during Mother’s Day, showcasing a desire to present moms with something special and personal.

Mother’s Day Spending in Australia

Australians are reported to spend billions on Mother’s Day, with the average spending on gifts and celebrations showing a yearly uptrend.

Total Spending in Australia

Australians celebrate their mothers with great enthusiasm, reflected in their spending habits. According to the National Retail Association (NRA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan, Australians were projected to spend nearly $1 billion (AUD 925 million) on Mother’s Day in 2023. 

While the exact figure can vary slightly year-on-year, estimates suggest Australians spend close to $1 billion on Mother’s Day, solidifying its position as a major spending event.

Spending Categories

When it comes to showering their mothers with love and appreciation, Australians primarily focus on the following categories:

• Food and alcohol: This category emerged as the top choice in 2023, with 17% of respondents intending to spend on it. This could involve treating mom to a special meal at a restaurant, preparing a delicious homemade dinner, or simply enjoying a picnic together.
• Gift cards and vouchers: Offering flexibility and choice, gift cards and vouchers were chosen by 7% of Australians in 2023. This allows moms to select something they truly desire, making it a practical and thoughtful gift.
• Flowers: Though not the top category, flowers remain a popular choice with 16% of Australians planning to buy them for Mother’s Day. The timeless elegance and symbolic gesture of flowers continue to hold significance for many.
• Other categories: Additionally, Australians spend on various other categories, including homewares, clothing, experiences like spa treatments, and personalized gifts.

Mother’s Day Spending in Other Parts of the World

While the US, Canada, and Australia show significant spending on Mother’s Day, let’s explore how other regions around the world celebrate and spend on this special occasion:

Latin America

• Mexico: Mother’s Day is a major holiday in Mexico, with families often gathering for large celebrations. Spending figures are not readily available, but popular gifts include flowers, chocolates, and personalized items.
• Brazil: Similar to Mexico, Mother’s Day is widely celebrated in Brazil. While specific spending data isn’t available, common gifts include flowers, chocolates, and beauty products.

Asia

• India: Though a relatively new tradition, Mother’s Day is gaining popularity in India. Estimates suggest spending could reach ₹200 billion (USD 2.4 billion) in 2024, with electronics and home appliances being popular gift choices.
• Japan: Known for expressing gratitude through gift-giving, Japan sees a rise in spending on Mother’s Day. Consumers often focus on health and wellness products (around ¥10,000 or USD 75), along with luxury items like handbags and jewelry (up to ¥50,000 or USD 370).

Europe (outside of the UK)

• France: As mentioned earlier, data on total spending is unavailable, but the holiday is significant. French consumers typically purchase flowers, perfumes, and beauty products to celebrate their mothers.
• Germany: Spending in Germany includes traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates (averaging around €20 or USD 22), with a growing trend towards technology and wellness gifts like massage vouchers.

Middle East

• In countries like the UAE, Mother’s Day celebrations often involve luxury goods, beauty products, and experiences like spa treatments. Specific figures are not readily available, but the focus reflects the region’s high disposable income and emphasis on luxury experiences.

Africa

• South Africa: Here, Mother’s Day spending is diverse, ranging from traditional choices like flowers and chocolates (around R200 or USD 12) to more substantial gifts like electronics and jewelry (averaging R1,500 or USD 90).

Insights and Future Trends

As Mother’s Day continues to be a significant event worldwide, evolving spending trends offer insights into consumer behavior and societal changes. Here are the key trends shaping how we celebrate and spend on Mother’s Day across different regions:

• Emphasis on Personal and Meaningful Gifts: Consumers are increasingly seeking gifts that convey a deep personal connection. Personalized items such as custom jewelry, photo albums, and handmade crafts are gaining popularity, reflecting the desire for meaningful gestures over generic presents.
• Growth in Experience-based Spending: There’s a noticeable shift towards gifting experiences, such as spa days, cooking classes, and weekend retreats. This trend underscores a broader preference for creating lasting memories over accumulating material goods.
• Rise of E-commerce and Online Shopping: The convenience and variety offered by online shopping platforms have led to a surge in online gift purchases. Special promotions, free shipping, and the ability to shop from home are appealing to a wide range of consumers.
• Focus on Health and Wellness: Gifts that promote health and wellness, including fitness trackers, massage sessions, and organic skin care products, are becoming increasingly popular. This reflects a growing societal focus on health and self-care.
• Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: Eco-friendly and sustainable gifts are seeing an uptick in popularity. Products made from recycled materials, sustainable fashion, and eco-conscious experiences resonate with consumers’ growing environmental awareness.
• Impact of Global Economic Factors: Economic uncertainties influence spending habits, with consumers looking for value in their purchases. Budget-friendly gifts, DIY projects, and experiences that cost little to no money are becoming more common.
• Digital and Technological Gifts: With the continuous advancement in technology, gadgets, and tech accessories are emerging as popular gifts. Smart home devices, wearable technology, and digital subscriptions cater to the tech-savvy mother.
• Local and Artisan Products: There’s a growing preference for buying local and supporting small businesses. Artisanal products, locally sourced goods, and items that support local artisans and communities are particularly cherished.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mother’s Day spending trends reveal much about societal values, economic conditions, and the evolving role of mothers in families across the globe. As we look towards the future, these insights will continue to shape the way we celebrate and appreciate the mothers and mother figures in our lives.

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