Full Breakdown
Mother’s Day Spending Soars Amid Rising Gas, Food and Flower Costs
5/8/2026, 9:57:56 PM
Record-Breaking Holiday Spending
The National Retail Federation projects Mother’s Day spending to hit a record $38 billion, an 11 % increase over last year. The surge reflects the holiday’s status as the third-most popular way to celebrate, after flowers and cards, with 63 % of shoppers planning a special outing and an estimated $6.4 billion earmarked for meals.
Economic Pressures Shaping Choices
Consumers face a mixed price environment. Federal data show the cost of dining out rose 3.8 % in March, while grocery prices increased at roughly half that rate. By contrast, egg prices fell 45 % year-over-year, and beef prices rose >12 % as cattle inventories remain low. Gasoline, a hidden driver of both food-service and floral logistics, jumped $1.50 per gallon nationally since the Iran conflict, with California and Northern California stations reporting $6.33 per gallon in Nevada County and $6.08 per gallon in Placer County.
Price Data at a Glance
- Flowers & plants: +7.5 % YoY
- Jewelry: +9.9 % YoY
- Average bouquet: $58 (7 % higher than 2025) – CouponFollow
- Restaurant reservations: Resy bookings up ~30 % YoY; OpenTable “double-digit” growth
Consumer Adjustments
Facing higher out-of-home costs, shoppers are pivoting to value-focused options:
- Home-cooked brunches are promoted by Wells Fargo chief agricultural economist Michael Swanson, who notes that a buffet can be “a lot less money” than restaurant meals.
- Florists in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Sacramento, California, report a surge in in-store pickups as customers avoid delivery fees tied to gas prices.
- Bay-Area shops such as Floral Arts have added a 3 % surcharge and a $5 delivery fee, while competitors like Countrywood Florist absorb the extra cost.
Official Statements & Responses
- Michael Swanson (Wells Fargo) emphasizes the price gap between groceries and restaurant meals, urging “buffet at home” as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Ed Powers, director of operations at Broken Yolk Cafe, celebrates the egg price drop as “great recovery,” noting its impact on brunch menus.
- Jim Ellis (Midtown Sacramento florist) explains logistical changes: “We’re trying to make it affordable for everyone and we’re finding a lot more customers are picking up orders as opposed to having them delivered.”
- Neshe Ganche (Floral Arts, Lafayette) confirms the surcharge: “We do have a 3 % surcharge fees, unfortunately, that we are applying on all of our sales.”
- Allison (Ludema’s Floral & Garden, Grand Rapids) advises DIY bouquets to “control how much you want to spend.”
Criticism & Opposition
Consumer advocates and some florists criticize the added fees, arguing they strain already-tight household budgets. Dena Maldonado (Countrywood Florist) warns that “it’s crazy, obviously we have Mother’s Day going on and gas prices are sky high,” while pledging to absorb costs only temporarily.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you really want to show mom that love and TLC, you can whip up a pretty nice buffet at home for a lot less money” — Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo
- “It's like, oh my gosh, great recovery,” — Ed Powers, Broken Yolk Cafe
- “The economy is so tough on everybody. We’re trying to make it affordable for everyone and we’re finding a lot more customers are picking up orders as opposed to having them delivered,” — Jim Ellis, Midtown Sacramento Florist
- “We do have a 3% surcharge fees, unfortunately, that we are applying on all of our sales.” — Neshe Ganche, Floral Arts
- “By creating your own bouquet, you can control how much you want to spend,” — Allison, Ludema’s Floral & Garden
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the magnitude of gas price impacts: national figures cite a $1.50/gallon increase, while regional reports list prices above $6/gallon. Additionally, while egg prices are reported as down 45 % in March, overall food-service costs still rose, leaving a gap in understanding how lower egg costs translate to consumer savings.
What’s Next
Analysts expect Mother’s Day spending to remain robust, but continued gas volatility may prompt more retailers to offer pickup options and price-sensitive promotions. Florists and restaurants are monitoring consumer behavior to decide whether surcharges become permanent fixtures or are rolled back as fuel costs stabilize.
