Every Mother’s Day, Americans show their appreciation for the special woman in their lives by showering her with lavish gifts. This Sunday (May 14) is going to be no exception. A National Retail Foundation (NRF) study of 7,400 people conducted revealed that consumers plan to spend an average of $186 for the holiday, totaling to an astounding $23.6 billion. This is the highest amount since the survey began 14 years ago and easily topples 2016’s record spend of $21.4 billion.

According to the NRF, a bulk of the additional $2.2 billion will go towards purchasing jewelry and personal services. They estimate that Americans will spend a total of $5 billion, or 19 percent more, on buying mom some bling and $1.9 billion, or 15 percent more, on things like Spa and massage certificates. If you are contemplating a slightly less extravagant gift, you are in good company. Over 77 percent plan on purchasing a thoughtful card ($2.6 billion) and 69.5 percent will accompany that with a bouquet of flowers ($2.5 billion).

Of course, no Mother's Day is complete without a scrumptious brunch. Over 55 percent of consumers will spend $4.2 billion treating their mothers to a meal at her favorite restaurant. If you think your mom is impossible to shop for, you are not the only one. Over 45 percent will spend $2.5 billion on gift cards. Also popular are clothing ($2.1 billion) and consumer electronics ($2 billion).

Though appreciating the special women in our lives with gifts is a good idea, it was not what Anna Jarvis had in mind when she began campaigning for a special day to honor moms in 1905. The peaceful activist had envisioned a celebration that would entail visiting one’s mother or going to church. But after Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914, retailers began capitalizing on the holiday’s popularity and gift-giving became a tradition.

Jarvis was not a big fan of the commercialization of the holiday, believing that companies were misinterpreting and exploiting the real meaning of Mother’s Day. She thought a handwritten letter expressing one’s love and gratitude was all that was required. Hence, if that is what you have in mind for this Sunday, you are on the right track. Also, a survey conducted by Parenting.com revealed that what mothers would like more than expensive gifts is to sleep in and not worry about household chores. So this Mother’s Day, show your appreciation for mom by serving her breakfast in bed and taking care of the cleaning, laundry, and dishes! She will appreciate the thoughtful gestures more than any store-bought gift.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Resources:twcnews.com, nrf.com, parenting.com