The cost-of-living crunch won’t deter Australians from spoiling mum as they are set to splurge half a billion dollars this Mother’s Day.
Food, clothing, personal beauty and jewellery are expected to top the list of gifts, with a spree of up to $569 million across the country, according to ANZ data.
The day continues to be one of the biggest on the retail calendar with every state experiencing a 20 per cent boost over the weekend last year.
Coupled with a 4.1-point increase in consumer confidence – seven points higher than the same point in 2024 – people are ready to spend up on gifts and experiences.
ANZ forecasts a 2.5 per cent increase in spending in 2025.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady rise in spending during the Mother’s Day weekend,” ANZ everyday banking managing director Yiken Yang said.
Victorians are expected to lead the way, spending $158 million, followed by NSW with $147 million.
Common gifts this year include airfares, duty-free and personal health items and photographic equipment, while the classics such as food, alcohol and winery tours will continue to dominate.
Despite their continued popularity, Mr Yang anticipates reduced spending in flower shops and department stores, jewellery and clothing stores, as people choose more experience-type gifts.
Florists saw a 5.22 per cent drop in spending in 2024, compared to a year earlier, although they recouped an additional $3.1 million compared to a normal weekend, he said.
But wholesale flower traders at the National Flower Centre in Epping, north of Melbourne, are seeing a bumper lead up to one of the industry’s busiest days, anticipating sales of more than three million chrysanthemums, roses and tulips this year.
Victoria Whitelaw Beautiful Flowers expects to sell more than 20,000 stems over the two weeks leading up to Mother’s Day, with bouquets and mixes of blooms in high demand.
And while cost-of-living pressures have weighed on families, Director Victoria Whitelaw said customers continue to turn to flowers to show their maternal figures their love and appreciation.
“This particular day is one day that you can really show them that care and that love, and it’s going to show in the business trading figures,” she said.
“It’s an emotional sale for the purchaser, and also an emotional gift for the recipient. It’s a win-win with flowers.”
Men continue to lead in total spend, with an average of $131.
Generation X splurged the most, spending $189 million, followed by millennials spending $184 million. Generation Z spent the least, but saw the biggest growth.
Saturdays experience an uptick in spending as final preparations and last-minute gift buying occur before Mother’s Day on Sunday.
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