ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DaySurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRF
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The “Mom Tattoo” pendant by Established in 14-karat yellow gold with rubies ($9,240). Shoppers are expected to spend $7 billion on jewelry gifts for Mother’s Day, down from last year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics.
Washington—Shoppers plan to spend a little less this Mother’s Day compared with the record-breaking high of last year.
Consumers are expected to spend $33.5 billion, down from last year’s $35.7 billion, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics.
The forecast would mark the second-highest spend in the history of the survey.
“Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who play a meaningful role in our lives,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
“Retailers know the significant importance of this day and are ready to help their customers with a wide selection of meaningful gifts for loved ones to show their appreciation.”
A majority of U.S. adults (84 percent) plan to celebrate the holiday, spending an average of $254.04 on gifts and celebrations.
That’s the second-highest per-person spend, following last year’s record $274.02 per person.
The biggest spenders are expected to be shoppers between the ages of 35 and 44, who plan to spend $345.75 on average.
Of those surveyed, 59 percent of those celebrating are shopping for a mother or stepmother, followed by a wife (22 percent) then a daughter (12 percent).
Flowers and greeting cards are tied for the top gift (74 percent) followed by special outings, like dinner or brunch (59 percent).
Jewelry gifts take the No.1 spot in terms of spending dollars, with shoppers expected to spend a total of $7 billion on jewelry, down from $7.8 billion last year.
That’s followed by special outings ($5.9 billion), electronics ($3.5 billion), flowers ($3.2 billion), and greeting cards ($1.1 billion).
Related stories will be right here …
Consumers are expected to spend $33.5 billion, down from last year’s $35.7 billion, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics.
The forecast would mark the second-highest spend in the history of the survey.
“Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who play a meaningful role in our lives,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
“Retailers know the significant importance of this day and are ready to help their customers with a wide selection of meaningful gifts for loved ones to show their appreciation.”
A majority of U.S. adults (84 percent) plan to celebrate the holiday, spending an average of $254.04 on gifts and celebrations.
That’s the second-highest per-person spend, following last year’s record $274.02 per person.
The biggest spenders are expected to be shoppers between the ages of 35 and 44, who plan to spend $345.75 on average.
Of those surveyed, 59 percent of those celebrating are shopping for a mother or stepmother, followed by a wife (22 percent) then a daughter (12 percent).
Flowers and greeting cards are tied for the top gift (74 percent) followed by special outings, like dinner or brunch (59 percent).
Jewelry gifts take the No.1 spot in terms of spending dollars, with shoppers expected to spend a total of $7 billion on jewelry, down from $7.8 billion last year.
That’s followed by special outings ($5.9 billion), electronics ($3.5 billion), flowers ($3.2 billion), and greeting cards ($1.1 billion).
“Gifts that are thoughtful in nature remain a priority for Mother’s Day shoppers,” said NRF.
More shoppers than last year said they want to find gifts that are unique or different (48 percent) or that create a special memory (43 percent).
“Even though consumers continue to gravitate toward classic Mother’s Day gifts like flowers and greeting cards, almost one-third plan to give a gift of experience this year,” said Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist.
“Consumers also plan to spend more on special outings than they have in the past.”
The most popular shopping destination for the holiday is online (35 percent), followed by department stores (32 percent), specialty stores (29 percent) and local or small businesses (25 percent).
The NRF surveyed 8,213 U.S. adult consumers from April 1 to 8.
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
