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Find the Perfect Gift for Mom on Mother's Day
Mother’s Day 2025: Celebrated on Sunday, May 11 - A Boon for U.S. Retail and the Economy
By USA Best News Trending Today, Business Correspondent | May 4, 2025
USA – Mother’s Day 2025, falling on Sunday, May 11, is shaping up to be more than a heartfelt occasion—it’s expected to be a significant driver of consumer spending and business activity across the United States. As families prepare to honor the women who raised and nurtured them, retailers, service providers, and online platforms are preparing for a surge in sales that could inject billions into the economy.
Economic Pulse of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day has long held a firm position among the top consumer holidays in the United States, trailing only behind Christmas and Valentine's Day in certain retail categories. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are expected to spend $33.5 billion on Mother’s Day in 2025, slightly down from last year's record of $35.7 billion. This marks the second-highest spending in the survey's history. Investopedia+1National Retail Federation | NRF+1National Retail Federation | NRF+5FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth+5FOX 29 Philadelphia+5
This year’s spending reflects sustained consumer confidence, with 84% of U.S. adults planning to celebrate the holiday. The average per-person expenditure is anticipated to be $254.04, with individuals aged 35 to 44 expected to spend the most at approximately $345.75 each. Investopedia+4CPA Practice Advisor+4National Retail Federation | NRF+4National Retail Federation | NRF+4Investopedia+4CPA Practice Advisor+4
Consumer Spending Trends
Traditional gifts remain popular, with 74% of shoppers planning to purchase flowers and greeting cards. Special outings like dinners or brunches are chosen by 59% of consumers. FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth+3National Retail Federation | NRF+3FOX 29 Philadelphia+3National Retail Federation | NRF+5FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth+5FOX 29 Philadelphia+5
Spending by category is projected as follows:
- Jewelry: $7 billion
- Special outings: $5.9 billion
- Electronics: $3.5 billion
- Flowers: $3.2 billion
- Greeting cards: $1.1 billionFOX 29 PhiladelphiaFOX 29 Philadelphia+2FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth+2National Retail Federation | NRF+2National Retail Federation | NRF
Retail Strategies and Consumer Behavior
Retailers are adapting to evolving consumer preferences by emphasizing personalized and experiential gifts. Nearly half of consumers (48%) are focusing on finding unique or different items, while 43% aim to create special memories through their gifts. National Retail Federation | NRF
Online shopping continues to dominate, with 35% of consumers planning to shop online, followed by department stores (32%), specialty stores (29%), and local or small businesses (25%). National Retail Federation | NRF
Retailers are leveraging AI-powered personalization, curated gift guides, and influencer collaborations to enhance the shopping experience. Omnichannel strategies, including buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) options, are also being employed to meet consumer expectations. NIQ
Impact on the Broader Economy
Mother’s Day spending, while seasonal, has a ripple effect that supports thousands of jobs—from delivery drivers and customer service representatives to hospitality workers and freelance designers. Increased credit card usage during this period also boosts short-term earnings for banks and payment processors.
Economists view Mother’s Day as a consumer sentiment indicator. Increased spending on this occasion often reflects broader financial optimism. In 2025, this is a positive sign that the U.S. economy is stabilizing after past inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions.
Closing Thought
As Mother’s Day 2025 approaches, it stands as a poignant reminder of family values—and a powerful economic engine. With consumer enthusiasm running high and businesses poised to deliver more personalized and meaningful offerings, this year’s celebration could prove to be not only emotionally fulfilling but also economically rewarding.
For a visual representation of the projected spending across categories, please refer to the infographic below:
Projected U.S. Mother’s Day Spending by Category (2025)
| Category | Estimated Spending |
|---|
| Jewelry | $7.0 billion |
| Special Outings | $5.9 billion |
| Electronics | $3.5 billion |
| Flowers | $3.2 billion |
| Greeting Cards | $1.1 billion |
