Americans Spent $38 Billion On Mother’s Day
Annually, on the second Sunday of May, Americans celebrate Mother’s Day. On May 10, Americans spent a record-breaking amount of $38 billion on Mother’s Day. This broke the previous 2023 record of $35.8 billion.
This holiday started in 1914, when Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May Mother’s Day. The idea was created by a teacher from Philadelphia named Anna Jarvis.
Originally, Anna had wanted the holiday to be simple. People would spend time with their moms or go to church. They would wear white carnations. The purpose of the holiday was to acknowledge how difficult a mother’s job is in society.
To her disappointment, many retailers and commercial stores only saw the holiday as a way to make money. They began marketing gifts, even though Jarvis was completely against it. She even took it to court, calling the company owners “profiteers.” By the time she died 1948, Anna had disowned the holiday she created.
Now in 2026, Mother’s Day has become an enormous celebration. In fact, it is the third-largest retail event annually, right next to winter season festivities and back-to-school. Billions of dollars were spent on gifts, including cards, gift cards, flowers, clothes, electronics, personal services, and most of all: jewelry. Of the 38 billion, 7.5 was spent on jewelry, making it the largest category in 2026.
Surprisingly, about 84% of Americans celebrated this year. compared to other holidays, it tops the rest. Recognizing what mothers sacrifice for their families is more of a universal gesture rather than a religious celebration.
Though presents are much appreciated, most moms agree that time with family is more heartfelt. Instead of an expensive gift, the best gift they can receive.