The Most Fascinating Mother’s Day Fun Facts for 2026
With Mother's Day right around the corner, here are some interesting tidbits about the most popular and best Mother's Day gifts.
Apr 27, 2023
Whether they're buying jewelry and flowers or spa treatments and candlelit dinners, Americans aren't afraid to go (and spend) above and beyond on Mother's Day. After the winter holidays, Mother's Day has the highest spending total — even higher than Valentine's Day! But this year, Americans are taking Mother's Day shopping and pampering to new heights.
In 2026, Mother's Day spending is expected to reach near-record heights. So, let's take a look at some Mother's Day fun facts about how consumers will be spoiling their moms this year.
Mother's Day spending will approach last year's record high
This year, consumers are projected to spend the second most ever on Mother's Day gifts and festivities. According to the National Retail Federation's annual survey, Americans are expected to spend a total of $33.5 billion, just shy of last year's record total of $35.7 billion.
The NRF estimates that Americans will spend an average of $254.04 on their moms this year, almost $20 less than in 2025.
Dividing $33.5 billion
It's clear that, when it comes to Mom, the sky's the limit. Now that we know how much people will be spending, let's see what they're actually spending it on. Below are the most popular Mother's Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation.
Flowers
Tied for the most popular Mother's Day gift this year are, what else, flowers!
- This Mother's Day, 74% of people will give their mom flowers.
- That means that $3.2 billion will be spent on the sweet-smelling plants.
- No surprise here: Mother's Day is one of the largest flower holidays for 1-800-Flowers.com. More than 20 million stems are expected to sell this year.
Greeting cards
Putting just how much you love your mom into words can sometimes be tricky, so, thankfully, there are plenty (and we mean plenty) of Mother's Day cards ready and willing to do the job! And though we know mom will love anything you give her, sometimes a simple, homemade Mother's Day card is better than the fanciest card around.
This year, 74% of people who celebrate Mother's Day will get their mom a card. During this holiday alone, Americans will spend about $1.1 billion on greeting cards.
Special outings
After you've woken up mom with flowers, a card, and breakfast in bed, it's time to celebrate her!
- 59% of people said they plan on taking their mom on a special outing.
- No surprise here: Most people said they'll be treating mom to brunch!
Jewelry
Are diamonds (and other jewelry) mom's best friend? The NRF estimates consumers plan to spend $7 billion on jewelry this year, down slightly from the $7.8 billion they were expected to spend in 2023. It's a timeless gift that never goes out of style.
Mother's Day by the numbers
Here's a fun collection of facts on Mother's Day gifting from 1-800-Flowers.com.
How many stems does 1800Flowers expect to sell for Mother's Day 2026?
More than 20 million.
About 176,000
More than 9 million, or 45% of total flowers sold.
About 4 million, or 20% of total flowers sold.
About 3 million, or 15% of total flowers sold.
The most popular floral colors for Mother's Day are pink, purple, and mixed bouquets (hot pink, orange, and yellow).
The most popular Mother's Day plants are gardenias, roses, azaleas, hydrangeas, and orchids.
More Mother’s Day fun facts
- In Greek mythology, spring festivals were held to honor the maternal goddess Rhea.
- One quarter of all the flowers bought in a year are purchased during Mother’s Day.
- Carnations are the official Mother’s Day flower.
- Speaking of the official flower, Anna Jarvis was the woman who popularized them after her own mother passed.
- Pink and red carnations are commonly given to mothers who are still alive, while white carnations are for those who have passed away.
- In 1908, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the start of a national Mother’s Day.
- Though Mother’s Day was created in the early 1900s, many small towns already had a day dedicated to honoring mothers well before then.
- If you’re not sure what kind of flowers to get mom, we may be able to help! The most searched-for flowers the week leading up to Mother’s Day are roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and sunflowers.
What is the projected spending for Mother's Day in 2026?
How much will the average person spend on Mother's Day?
What are the most popular gifts for Mother's Day in 2026?
What is the significance of carnations on Mother's Day?
Carnations are the official flower of Mother's Day. Pink and red carnations are traditionally given to living mothers, while white carnations honor mothers who have passed away.
When was Mother's Day officially declared a national holiday?
President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring Mother's Day a national holiday in 1914.
What is the historical origin of Mother's Day celebrations?
Spring festivals honoring the maternal goddess Rhea in ancient Greek mythology are among the earliest cultural traditions associated with Mother's Day celebrations.
AUTHOR
Tara Carlson graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Public Relations and loves any and all things creative writing - which is why she is thrilled to be working with Berry Chatty. When she's not writing, you can probably find her swimming at the beach, catching up on the latest movies (she's a big fan of award season!) and playing soccer.
