From the heartwarming embrace of a mother's hug to the gentle guidance of her wisdom, there's truly no one like our moms. They are the unsung heroes of our lives.
Being a mother is a busy, sometimes chaotic, and occasionally thankless job, yet they tackle it with the utmost love and grace.
As we approach Mother’s Day 2024, it’s time to reflect on their impact in our lives and give them the recognition they deserve.
Mother’s day is a universal celebration marked by expressions of love, gratitude, and admiration for the women who have shaped our lives in profound ways. While the dates of celebration may vary from country to country, the sentiment remains the same – to recognize the selfless dedication and unwavering support of mothers everywhere.
In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day, known as Mothering Sunday, traces its origins to the fourth Sunday of Lent, when Christians would return to their "mother church" for a special service. Over time, however, Mothering Sunday evolved into a more secular holiday in the US, with children presenting their mothers with flowers and tokens of appreciation.
What this means is that Mother's Day does not fall on the same day each year. In the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Conversely, in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, the date varies annually, following the fourth Sunday in Lent tradition.
In 2024, the United Kingdom will observe Mother's Day on March 10, while many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and numerous others, will celebrate it on May 12. With that said, let’s take a look at top statistics of this special day.
Top 20 Mother’s Day Statistics
As we prepare to celebrate this special day, it's essential to reflect on the trends, behaviors, and sentiments that define Mother's Day in the modern era. From gift-giving habits to spending patterns, these statistics offer valuable insights into how we express our love and gratitude for our mothers.
Here are our 20 top Mother’s Day Statistics:
1: Mother’s Day is Celebrated in More Than 100 Countries
Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide, with variations in dates and traditions.
While many countries, such as the United States, observe the holiday on the second Sunday of May, others, particularly in Eastern Europe, honor their mothers on International Women’s Day, March 8.
Additionally, several Arab nations commemorate Mother’s Day on the day of the Spring Equinox, March 21.
2: Most Adults in the US Celebrate Mother’s Day
Findings from a 2023 National Retail Federation survey revealed that an impressive 84% of respondents intended to observe the holiday in some way. Furthermore, consumers were expected to spend an average of $245.76, which is $25 more than the previous year.
This statistic shows the significance of Mother's Day as a cherished occasion for honoring and expressing gratitude towards mothers.
3: Mother’s Day is the Fifth Most Popular Holiday in the UK
According to YouGov, Mother’s Day holds the position of the fifth most popular holiday in the UK, following Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day.
This shows the significance and widespread observance of Mother’s Day in the UK as well.
4: People in the US Spent $35.7 Billion on Mother’s Day 2023
In 2023, Mother’s Day spending in the United States soared to $35.7 billion, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. This represented a significant 12.6% increase from the previous year, making it the second-largest annual increase in over a decade.
Additionally, the average spend per household rose to $274.01, reflecting an 11.5% increase from the previous year's $245.76.
5: Top Mother’s Day Purchases in 2023: Greeting Cards, Flowers, and Special Outings
Based on research by the National Retail Federation, the most popular gifts for moms in 2023 were expected to be greeting cards, flowers, and special outings.
Greeting cards (74%) were the top choice for expressing feelings, while the timeless tradition of gifting flowers (74%) also survived.
What’s more, about 60% of respondents intended to take their moms out, showing the growing trend of spending quality time together on Mother's Day.
6: Jewelry Was the Top Gift Category in the US in 2023
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers splurged $7.8 billion on jewelry for Mother’s day in 2023, making it the top expenditure category since 2015. This underscores the significance of jewelry as a timeless and cherished gift choice for honoring mothers on their special day.
Following closely behind were special outings, with $5.6 billion spent, and electronics, which saw $4 billion in expenditures.
7: Around 122 Million Phone Calls Are Made on Mother’s Day Every Year
On each mother’s day, an astonishing 122 million phone calls are made worldwide. This is more phone calls than any other day. It shows the effort people make to connect with their mothers on their special day.
This was even more pronounced during the 2020 pandemic when 1.75 billion minutes of calls and 6 billion texts were exchanged.
Verizon, a leading telecommunications provider, noted a significant uptick in voice calls on Mother’s Day in 2020, with a 13 percent increase compared to a typical Sunday.
8: Around 23 Million Flowers Are Sold on Mother’s Day Each Year
With Mother’s Day being one of the biggest occasions for floral gifting, it's no surprise that approximately 23 million flowers are sold annually to celebrate this special day.
The popularity of flowers as Mother's Day gifts speaks to the timeless tradition of expressing love and appreciation through the beauty and symbolism of blooms.
Whether it's a vibrant bouquet of roses, a delicate arrangement of lilies, or a cheerful mix of assorted blooms, flowers continue to be a cherished and meaningful gift choice for honoring mothers.
9: Mother’s Day is the Busiest Day of the Year for the US Restaurants
According to a 2022 survey by the National Restaurant Association, 48 percent of the respondents had plans to take their mothers out to eat.
Consumer spending at restaurants also experienced a significant surge on Mother’s Day weekend in 2020. On Mother’s Day Sunday, spending skyrocketed by 103 percent compared to average daily revenue throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Similarly, Saturday saw a substantial increase of 63 percent in consumer spending at restaurants, further highlighting the exceptional demand for dining out during the Mother’s Day weekend.
10: 47 Percent of Gift Purchasers Are Looking for Something Unique
More and more gift givers now realize the importance of thoughtful gifts. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 47% of the respondents are on the hunt for that special, one-of-a-kind gift that truly stands out, while 42% are looking for gifts that “create a special memory”.
The idea is to make the mother feel special. From personalized jewelry engraved with meaningful dates or messages to custom-made artwork capturing cherished memories, the possibilities are endless.
11: Experiential Gifts Are Gaining a Lot of Popularity
Speaking of unique gifts, a survey by Klaviyo highlights the growing preference for experiential gifts.The survey revealed that 84 percent of respondents would prefer experiences over tangible gifts, with 1 out of 5 mothers also expressing a desire for gift certificates.
Younger consumers are leading this trend as they planned to give a gift of experience for Mother's Day in 2023. They show a strong preference for giving their mothers experiences rather than physical items.
12: Mother’s Day Celebration Plans Include Parties, Dining Out, and Cooking at Home
Apart from gift-giving, a survey by Numerator showed that the top ways to celebrate Mother’s Day include attending or hosting parties (31%), going out for food or drinks (30%), and cooking or baking (23%). These activities reflect the diverse ways people honor and cherish their moms, whether through social gatherings, culinary delights, or shared meals at restaurants.
13: Spending Quality Time with Family is a Top Preference for Moms
On Mother's Day, a significant 74% of moms and those identifying as mother figures expressed a desire to celebrate by spending quality time with their families.
This heartfelt preference reflects the profound value placed on nurturing connections and creating lasting memories together.
14: The Trend Towards Online Shopping Stays Strong
Since the beginning of the pandemic, online Mother’s Day purchases have become increasingly popular. According to Research And Markets, Mother’s Day eCommerce grew by 3.6% in 2020.
What’s more, in 2022, 68% of British shoppers under the age of 35 planned to buy Mother’s Day gifts online, as reported by Savvy.
The trend towards online gift purchasing will continue as more and more people prioritize convenience, value, and the ease of browsing and buying from the comfort of their own homes.
15: 34% of UK’s Female Consumers Embrace ‘Trendy’ Confectionery Preferences
According to a Mother’s Day research by GlobalData, over one-third of the UK’s female consumers are adventurous with their confectionery choices.
Female consumers express preference for unusual or trendy varieties in chocolate, confectionery, and desserts. This inclination towards novelty suggests a growing openness to innovative offerings within the confectionery, snacking, and alcoholic drinks categories
16: There’s a Growing Interest in Sustainable Mother’s Day Gifts
According to Forbes, 36% of respondents plan to prioritize purchasing ethically sourced or sustainable products for Mother’s Day, with an additional 17% expressing interest in these products despite concerns about their cost.
Sustainability has become increasingly important to Mother’s Day shoppers, with 65% of consumers expressing a desire for more opportunities to purchase eco-friendly gifts, as reported by Savvy.
17: Handwritten Greeting Cards Are Still A Popular Choice for Mother’s Day
According to YouGov, a significant 77% of women anticipate either sending or receiving handwritten greeting cards on Mother’s Day.
This tradition underscores the enduring sentimentality and personal touch associated with handwritten cards as a cherished form of expression on this special occasion.
18: 78% of Mothers Have Never Been Disappointed by a Mother’s Day Gift
Mothers generally value any gesture made in their honor, as evidenced by a survey where 78% of mothers reported never being disappointed by a Mother's Day gift.
While lavish gifts are appreciated, there's no need to incur debt to show appreciation. This statistic emphasizes that the sentiment behind the gesture matters more than the material value.
19: Mother’s Day Trumps Father’s Day in Popularity
Mother’s Day takes the lead in popularity compared to Father’s Day.
Almost 9 out of 10 individuals (88%) intend to celebrate Mother’s Day, while 79% plan to observe Father’s Day.
20. Over One-Third of Mothers Desire a “Break from the Mama Routine” for Mother’s Day
For many mothers, the ultimate wish for Mother's Day is a much-needed break from the daily grind, with over one-third (35%) expressing a desire to step away from the mama routine.
Additionally, 26% are simply hoping for a good night's sleep. Despite the tendency to prioritize others on this special day, it's essential to remember that Mother's Day is meant to be a time for mothers to unwind and recharge. After all the juggling and multitasking, it's no surprise that mothers seek some well-deserved downtime to rejuvenate and replenish their energy.
Conclusion
These statistics illuminate the enduring significance of Mother’s Day, showcasing the heartfelt gestures and traditions that honor mothers worldwide. From the popularity of handwritten cards to the growing interest in sustainable gifts, they signify the evolving trends and insights surrounding Mother's Day.
As we celebrate this special day in 2024 and beyond, let us continue to reflect on the invaluable role mothers play in our lives and express our gratitude in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a simple gesture or a grand celebration, every expression of love and appreciation counts in making Mother’s Day truly special for the incredible mothers around the world.
