Americans Set To Spend Record $38 Billion On Mother's Day
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Mother’s Day is observed each year in the United States on the second Sunday in May. In 2026, it falls on May 10. On this day, Americans celebrate the important women in their lives with lavish gifts and treats.
The tradition is credited to Anna Jarvis, a teacher from Philadelphia. She wanted to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their families. The first celebration took place in 1908 at a church in Grafton, West Virginia. This was where Jarvis's mother had taught Sunday school for many years before her death in 1905. It was such a success that Jarvis began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a national holiday. Her efforts paid off.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Jarvis imagined a simple celebration. It would include wearing a white carnation and visiting one's mother or attending church.
However, as soon as the holiday became official, retailers began promoting Mother's Day gifts and products. Jarvis spent years fighting this trend. She even filed lawsuits against what she called "profiteers." By the time she died in 1948, Jarvis had disowned the holiday she helped create.
Mother’s Day has since become increasingly commercial. It is now the third-largest retail holiday in the United States, after the winter holidays and back-to-school season. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that about 84 percent of Americans will celebrate Mother's Day in 2026. They are expected to spend about $284 each for a total of $38 billion! This would exceed the previous record of $35.7 billion set in 2023.
Greeting cards and flowers top the list of popular gifts. But they are just a small portion of the total amount spent. A large chunk — $7.5 billion — will be spent on jewelry. About $6 billion will go toward special outings like dinner or brunch. Other favorites include gift cards, electronics, clothing, and personal services like spa treatments or massages.
While gifts are appreciated, most mothers value time with family even more. This May 10, do something thoughtful, such as serving her breakfast in bed. Most importantly, set aside your phone and give your mom the full attention she deserves.
Happy Mother's Day!
Resources: Wikipedia.org, NRF.org, History.com
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46 Comments
iloveaxolotls13 daysI love my mom so much. I think I will make her a card. I am so excited.😁- mivozecajira14 daysGuys I have a idea how about we have a day called kids day so it will be like mom day, dad day, kids day!!!
freerangekid14 daysThe interview about "how old is your mom"? Is soooooooo funny!!!!
slayqueenpookie14 daysThe kid interview is so sweet! " I think my mom's 61!"
hiyabslay14 daysi love my mom
bianca9814 daysHow much do you love your mom? I love her so much
esmeraldapeach14 daysmy mom is the best mother I have ever have- bianca9814 daysL love my mom so much.😊
- mivozecajira15 daysyay, I am excited but I wish we had kids day.
- bald-bally14 dayskid days are everyday diddy blud
pypifuvorata15 daysI love my mom so much!!
