Mother's Day 2024
🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🇦🇺 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 🇮🇹 🇳🇱 🇧🇷 🇲🇽 🇮🇳 🇯🇵 🇲🇾 🇹🇭 🇻🇳 🇮🇩 🇵🇭 🇳🇿 🇸🇪 🇳🇴 🇩🇰 🇵🇱 🇵🇹 🇮🇪 🇨🇭 🇦🇷 🇨🇴 May 12, 2024
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Mother's Day is one of the top gifting holidays worldwide, driving sales in flowers, jewelry, greeting cards, and experiences. In the US alone, Mother's Day spending exceeds $30 billion annually, with average per-person spending continuing to rise each year.
History & Origins
Mother's Day in its modern form was established by Anna Jarvis in the United States, who held the first official observance in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Ironically, Jarvis grew to resent the holiday's commercialization. The tradition spread internationally, with over 80 countries now observing some form of Mother's Day.
Market Scale & Popularity
Mother's Day is one of the most widely celebrated gift-giving holidays globally, observed in over 80 countries. In the United States, spending reached $38 billion in 2025 according to the NRF, with approximately 85% of American consumers celebrating the holiday.
Business Impact
Mother's Day is the largest gifting holiday in the United States by total spending, generating $38 billion in 2025. Flowers are the most popular gift, driving over $3.5 billion in floral sales. Jewelry accounts for approximately $8.5 billion, while special outings generate about $5.6 billion.
E-commerce Relevance
Mother's Day is a significant e-commerce event, with online channels capturing approximately 35% of total spending. In 2025, online Mother's Day purchases exceeded $14 billion in the US. Subscription gifts have become increasingly popular online Mother's Day purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mother's Day celebrated?
In the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries, Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May. The UK celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls in March.
How much do people spend on Mother's Day?
US Mother's Day spending reached $38 billion in 2025, with the average consumer spending approximately $274. It is the top gifting holiday in the US by total spending.
What are the most popular Mother's Day gifts?
Flowers are the most popular gift, purchased by approximately 70% of celebrants. Greeting cards follow at 78%, then special outings like brunch (55%), jewelry (42%), and gift cards (40%).
Why is Mother's Day the top gifting holiday?
Mother's Day leads in total spending because of its universal appeal—nearly everyone has a mother or maternal figure to honor. The 85% celebration rate in the US exceeds most other holidays.
How can e-commerce retailers maximize Mother's Day sales?
Key strategies include launching curated gift guides, offering personalized products, and guaranteeing delivery deadlines. Last-minute digital options like e-gift cards capture procrastinators. Social media advertising with emotional storytelling drives strong engagement.