Surveys

Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF Says

SurveysApr 24, 2026

Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF Says

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

Fourteen August Irene mom ring
The “Irene” ring in 14-karat yellow gold set with 0.50 carats of lab-grown diamonds ($2,450) by Fourteen August, named after brand founder Diana Bufalini’s mother. The National Retail Federation is expecting Mother’s Day spending to reach a record $7.5 billion this year.
Washington, D.C.—Jewelry is expected to lead the charge when it comes to dollars spent on gifts this Mother’s Day.  

Consumers will spend an estimated $38 billion for Mother’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, released this week.

The forecast surpasses last year’s total spending of $34.1 billion and exceeds the previous record of $35.7 billion set in 2023, though it is worth noting that the NRF’s surveys are not adjusted for inflation.

“Mother’s Day remains a priority for many Americans, and they plan to lean into the holiday despite current economic uncertainty,” NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said.

“Consumers are gifting from the heart, seeking unique gifts that create lasting memories for the mothers in their lives. It’s an opportunity to recognize what this person has means to you, and retailers are ready to make Mother’s Day extra special for shoppers.”

This year, 84 percent of U.S. adults plan to celebrate the holiday, in line with recent years.

Of those celebrating, 54 percent plan to buy a gift for their mother or stepmother, followed by for a wife (22 percent) or a daughter (13 percent).

Consumers plan to spend a record average of $284.25 on gifts, up from $259.04 last year and surpassing the previous record of $274.02 in 2023.

Flowers are still the most popular gift category, with 75 percent of shoppers planning to purchase floral arrangements. 

Greeting cards came in second (74 percent) followed by special outings, such as dinner or brunch (63 percent), gift cards (55 percent), and clothing or clothing accessories (51 percent).

Jewelry was in the No. 6 slot with 45 percent planning to purchase jewels for their loved ones, up from 42 percent last year. 

In terms of the dollar amount consumers plan to spend, jewelry tops the list at $7.5 billion, up from $7 billion last year but down from $7.8 billion in 2024. Jewelry’s top position in terms of dollars spent is not surprising, given its higher average price tag. 

Special outings ($6.4 billion) are in the No. 2 spot by dollars spent, followed by electronics ($4.4 billion), flowers ($3.2 billion), and greeting cards ($1.3 billion).

“Consumers are budgeting more and planning on shopping more across all gift categories this Mother’s Day,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. 

“Electronics, in particular, are a popular gift category this year, with expected spending surpassing $4 billion for the first time in the survey’s history.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Experience-based gifts also are still expected to be popular, with a record one-third of respondents planning to gift experiences, like a concert or sporting event.

Nearly half (46 percent) of survey-takers said when they purchase a gift, finding something unique is most important, followed by creating a special memory (39 percent).

The top shopping destination for gifts is a tie between online retailers and department stores (33 percent), followed by specialty stores (29 percent), and discount stores (26 percent).

The survey was conducted April 1-8 and included 7,877 U.S. adult consumers.

Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

TwentyFour Vault Locket
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual Vault

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Photos from Day’s Jewelers 2025 Mother’s Day campaign
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s Jewelers

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

National Jeweler - Supplier Bulletin - April 2026 - JMSS Graphic.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value Goods

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Woman wearing Charles & Colvard lab grown diamond jewelry
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5M

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic pocket watch and a gold pencil case
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1M

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Adam Neeley Dali Garden Collection Eyris Ring
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s Garden

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying Director

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American Jewelry

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Roberta Flack: Style, Art, & Music Auction Bulgari Collar
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for Auction

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King and The Tudor Heart book cover
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Henry Kessler, Vance Kessler, Alex Kessler, and Daniel Kessler of Sy Kessler Sales Inc.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Chanel Coco Game Haute Horlogerie Chessboard
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch Collection

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 winners collage
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Fake Fendi bangle
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYC

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Stock image of a judge’s gavel
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop Owner

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems Book Cover
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

Savannah Convention Center
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the Road

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

Mike McMullen and Adrienne Gernand
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business Officer

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Oscar Heyman Multi-Colored Tourmaline and Diamond Flower Necklace
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Edina Kiss Devil Drop Earrings
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your Shoulder

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

Stock image of gold bars
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Cartier Roadster
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy