Americans Will Spend a Ton of Money to Spoil Their Moms on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is literally right around the corner.

Have you purchased a gift for your mom yet?

From flowers and perfume to manicures and meals, Americans plan to spend a bunch to spoil the special ladies in their lives on May 14.

The National Retail Federation reports consumers will spend a record $23.6 billion this holiday — up from last year’s record of $21.4 billion.

To break it down, that’s an average of $186.39 per shopper. I’m sure your mom is worth much more than that, but it’s really the thought that counts.

Mother’s Day Spending by the Numbers

Here’s the breakdown of where those dollars will end up going:

• Jewelry: $5 billion
• Special outings like brunch or dinner: $4.2 billion
• Flowers: $2.6 billion
• Gift cards: $2.5 billion
• Clothing: $2.1 billion
• Electronics: $2 billion
• Personal services like spa treatments: $1.9 billion

Spending on bouquets and brunch are most popular among consumers. Sixty-nine percent surveyed said they’ll purchase flowers, and 56% replied they’d splurge on special outings, like going to a restaurant.

It’s not all about giving “stuff.” Over a quarter (28%) of people surveyed said they’d be giving their mother an experience, like concert tickets or a hot air balloon ride. The survey found presents that create a special memory are most popular among young consumers under age 35.

Where Will Americans Shop for Mother’s Day?

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds so you don’t spend forever in the checkout line, here’s the scoop on where folks plan to do their Mother’s Day shopping:

• 35% will go to department stores
• 31% will shop from specialty stores (florists, jewelers, electronic stores, etc.)
• 24% will patronize local small businesses
• 30% will shop online
• 19% of smartphone users will buy directly from their phones

Show Your Love Without Breaking the Bank

Now, just because the average consumer may be dropping close to $200 on the moms in their lives, doesn’t mean you have to. We’re Penny Hoarders, after all!

Here are few sweet — and affordable — gift options:

• Forget the store-bought cards and give a homemade one. These DIY card ideas scream “sophisticated” not “second grade.”

• For the mom who loves to be pampered, make one of these seven DIY beauty products to give as a gift.

• Ditch the pricy restaurants and eat in instead. Here are 10 low-budget meals that only taste expensive.

• For more ideas to shower your mom with love, check out this article on 10 creative and affordable ways to treat your mom like royalty on her special day.

Your Turn: What are you getting your mom for Mother’s Day?

Nicole Dow is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She has yet to shop for Mother’s Day.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites. We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. In 2016, Inc. 500 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the No. 1 fastest-growing private media company in the U.S.

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