Experts Reveal How Much You Should Really Spend on Mother's Day Gifts
Often times when we're shopping for the right Mother's Day gift, we're stuck with the question: how much should I spend this Mother's Day? Am I spending too little on the woman who gave me life, or am I spending too much money on a gift that she might not even use?
To give you the short answer, experts say there's nothing set in stone on how much money should be spent on a gift. "What might be a good budget for myself might be a lot of money for someone else," says Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert from the Protocol School of Texas. "Money should have nothing to do with the value of a gift," adds Lisa Grotts, etiquette expert known to many as Golden Rules Gal. "The adage still rings true: it’s the thought that counts."
If you still yearn to find out the dollar amount you should spend on a Mother's Day gift, a recent Offers.com poll surveyed over 1,000 U.S. consumers about their Mother's Day spending habits, and these were the results:
The average consumer spent $60.16 on their own mothers (a 43% increase from 2018)
$65.95 was spent on wives or partners (down by 14% from 2018)
$55.72 as spent on mothers-in-law (down by 28% from 2018)
That means most consumers spend well under $100 on Mother's Day gifts. To help you even further with your shopping this year, experts weigh in on other commonly asked questions.
What's the best Mother's Day gift?
Short answer: Always tailor the gift to your mother's personality. Be observant, notes Gottsman. "Listen for clues or observe things she makes comments on. Her Pinterest page, and other social media account where she posts things she likes is a great place to start."
If you're still not sure, other great ideas include shoes and accessories - but never clothes, experts suggest. "Unless you know she has been eyeing a particular dress and she has openly shared her clothing size, it’s best to skip out on gifts that are clothing size related, as you may quickly offend someone," says Myka Meier, etiquette expert at Beaumont Etiquette.
Anything mom can pamper herself with is a safe bet, too, like a gift certificate to a salon or spa, suggests Jacqueline Whitmore, founder and CEO of the Protocol School of Palm Beach.
When in doubt, opt for something customized. Here at Good Housekeeping, we're finding that personalized gifts with any sort of monogram detail or customization are flying off the shelves. "Customized gifts tend to make people feel special and show that you went above and beyond to choose something just for them," says Meier. "And always wrap your gift beautifully to show that you put in effort."
How much should I spend on Mother’s Day flowers?
No minimum, but be mindful that prices go up on this holiday. Expect to spend at least $75 on a dozen roses, estimates Grotts, but online flower delivery services are more competitively priced.
If you're already getting mom another gift, no need to break the bank for flowers. "Your mom wouldn't want you spending outside of your budget," says Gottsman.
Is money an appropriate Mother’s Day gift?
It depends, but Meier recommends against it. "If you are not sure what she would like, instead try giving her a gift card to a large store or website where she will have lots of options," she says.
Whitmore has another stance:"Cash is king, especially when it comes to younger moms," she says. First-time and new moms might appreciate a little green to pamper herself. And if you do end up giving her some cash, just make sure to gift it right. "Get a special card and put the cash or a bank debit card she can use anywhere," says Grotts.
Do I need to buy a gift for my mother-in-law or wife?
Yes. "If you are moved to give someone a gift because you want them to know how special they are, don't hesitate to do so," says Gottsman.
Jennifer Porter, etiquette expert and founder of Satsuma Designs, agrees. "Gift giving during Mother’s Day is about showing care for the special mothers and mother-like mentors in our lives," she says."A gift for mom, step-mom and mother-in-law should always top the list and other special Moms should receive a card and/or a call on Mother’s day."
Whitmore recommends getting your mother-in-law a similar gift to what you're getting your own mother, especially if the two are friends. "If you're getting your mom roses, gift your mother-in-law some nice orchids."
For your wife, try gifts that say something about your relationship or the family. "I would recommend a locket with the kids' pictures, a spa package for the both of you to enjoy together, or a handwritten love letter," suggests Gottman, "which is probably the best gift of all!"
What shouldn't you buy for Mother's Day? "Cleaning supplies," says Meier. "Gift giving should be about spoiling her, not giving her work!" Instead, opt for a home cleaning service so she could catch a break.
Do I buy a Mother's Day gift, even if she says she doesn't want anything?
All experts agreed that for the mom that has everything, time is the best thing you can give. "I have never met a mother who didn't love the gift of time," says Grotts. "Think day spa or a weekend getaway."
Porter recommends gifting her an experience she can share with you and the family. "Get her the best tickets you can afford to her favorite sporting or artistic event. These experiences often end up being the best gifts!"
I forgot about Mother’s Day, should I still get a gift?
Absolutely, and luckily, you don't have to ever let on that you forgot thanks to super thoughtful last-minute gifts that can be ordered and delivered on Mother's Day. You can disguise a lack of planning by thinking up a very thoughtful gift that mom will love: The key is to make sure the gift doesn't look or feel like it was rushed. Look for retailers that offer fast shipping options (hello, Amazon Prime), flower services with same-day delivery, a thoughtful DIY Mother's Day gift, or whip up a nice homemade brunch just for her. And for the love or all things holy, do not forget a Mother's Day card!
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