Mother’s Day has long been a cherished occasion, honoring the invaluable contributions of mothers worldwide.
In 2023, this sentiment translated into unprecedented consumer spending, signaling not only deep appreciation but also evolving trends in how we celebrate this special day.
Recommended Videos
Record-Breaking Expenditure
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Mother’s Day spending in 2023 reached an astounding $35.7 billion, marking a significant increase from previous years. This surge underscores the holiday’s growing economic impact and its importance in consumer culture.
Popular Gift Choices
The array of gifts chosen for Mother’s Day has diversified, reflecting both traditional preferences and modern inclinations:
- Jewelry: Consumers allocated approximately $7 billion towards jewelry, making it a top choice for those seeking lasting and meaningful gifts.
- Special Outings: Experiential gifts, such as dining out or family activities, accounted for $5.9 billion, highlighting a desire to create memorable moments.
- Electronics: With technological integration into daily life, spending on electronics reached $3.5 billion, indicating a shift towards practical yet appreciated gifts.
- Flowers and Greeting Cards: Traditional tokens of appreciation remained popular, with $3.2 billion spent on flowers and $1.1 billion on greeting cards.
Consumer Participation and Demographics
The NRF survey revealed that 84% of U.S. adults celebrated Mother’s Day in 2023, with an average expenditure of $274.02 per person. Notably, individuals aged 35 to 44 emerged as the highest spenders, averaging $382. This demographic’s increased spending may be attributed to higher disposable incomes and a focus on family-centric celebrations.
Changing Celebration Patterns
What makes 2023 especially noteworthy is how celebration patterns are shifting. While traditional elements remain, there is a marked increase in personalization, experiences, and social consciousness:
- 60% of people planned to treat their mother to a special outing.
- 47% sought unique, one-of-a-kind gifts such as handmade or customized items.
- 42% aimed to create an emotional experience rather than focusing solely on the gift’s monetary value.
Moreover, with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok driving gift ideas and experiences, Mother’s Day has become not only a family celebration but also a digital moment for storytelling, sharing, and branding.
Regional Variations in Flower Costs
The cost of popular Mother’s Day gifts, such as flowers, varied significantly across states. For instance, a dozen roses could cost $68 in California, while in Hawaii, the price soared to $143. These disparities highlight the influence of regional factors on consumer expenses.
In Miami, the cost of a dozen roses for Mother’s Day varies depending on the florist and arrangement. For example, The Flower Studio offers a standard bouquet of one dozen red roses starting at $74.99, with premium arrangements priced higher. More Than Flowers provides a two-dozen red rose handheld bouquet for $135.00. These variations highlight how local market factors influence the pricing of popular Mother’s Day gifts like roses.
A Mother’s Perspective: To understand what’s truly special about Mother’s Day, I asked the most important mother in my life - my own mother.
Q: “Mom, what’s the best gift you’ve ever received on Mother’s Day?”
A: “The best gift? Always something simple and heartfelt. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it’s the love behind it that counts. Being able to spend this day with you is the best gift I could ask for.”
Her words are a powerful reminder that what matters most to a mother isn’t luxury - it’s love, effort and time. In a world of rising consumerism, sometimes the most meaningful gesture is simply being there.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day 2023 was not just about buying more — it was about celebrating better, which still holds true in 2025. From experiential gifts to eco-conscious purchases and thoughtful customization, Americans redefined what it means to show appreciation. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, future Mother’s Days may see even more innovative ways to express love — blending tradition with technology, and sentiment with sustainability.
Source of Data: