How Much Money Is Spent on Mother’s Day vs. Father’s Day
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are among the busiest shopping events of the year in the United States, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. However, statistics comparing Mother’s Day versus Father’s Day spending data reveal significant differences in expenditure, both in total and per person.
As a small business owner, understanding how both affairs are celebrated and their corresponding spending trends provides vital insights into consumers’ purchasing behavior. In this post, we delve into the main differences between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day expenditure.
Mother’s Day vs. Father’s Day expenditure: table
|
Year |
Mother’s Day (total) |
Father’s Day (total) |
Difference (total) |
Mother’s Day (per person) |
Father’s Day (per person) |
Difference (per person) |
|
2013 |
$20.7 billion |
$13.3 billion |
$7.4 billion |
$168.94 |
$119.84 |
$49.10 |
|
2014 |
$19.9 billion |
$12.5 billion |
$7.4 billion |
$162.94 |
$113.80 |
$49.14 |
|
2015 |
$21.2 billion |
$12.7 billion |
$8.5 billion |
$172.63 |
$115.57 |
$57.06 |
|
2016 |
$21.4 billion |
$14.3 billion |
$7.1 billion |
$172.22 |
$125.92 |
$46.30 |
|
2017 |
$23.6 billion |
$15.5 billion |
$8.1 billion |
$186.39 |
$134.75 |
$51.64 |
|
2018 |
$23.1 billion |
$15.3 billion |
$7.8 billion |
$179.77 |
$132.82 |
$46.95 |
|
2019 |
$25.0 billion |
$16.0 billion |
$9.0 billion |
$196.47 |
$138.97 |
$57.50 |
|
2020 |
$26.7 billion |
$17.0 billion |
$9.7 billion |
$204.74 |
$148.58 |
$56.16 |
|
2021 |
$28.1 billion |
$20.1 billion |
$8.0 billion |
$220.48 |
$174.10 |
$46.38 |
|
2022 |
$31.7 billion |
$20.0 billion |
$11.7 billion |
$245.76 |
$171.79 |
$73.97 |
|
2023 |
$35.7 billion |
$22.9 billion |
$12.8 billion |
$274.02 |
$196.23 |
$77.79 |
|
2024 |
$33.5 billion |
$22.4 billion |
$11.1 billion |
$254.04 |
$189.81 |
$64.23 |
How much money is spent on Mother’s Day vs. Father’s Day: total
Analyzing the data on total expenditure from 2013 to 2024, it’s clear that Mother’s Day spending has been consistently higher than Father’s Day. This trend has been evident over the past decade, with the gap ranging from $7.1 billion in 2016 to a peak difference of $12.8 billion in 2023.
From 2013 to 2024, Mother’s Day spending increased from $20.7 billion to $33.5 billion, reflecting an overall increase of 61.8% and an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. In contrast, Father’s Day spending grew from $13.3 billion to $22.4 billion over the same period, which is a rise of 68.4% and an average annual increase rate of 5.1%.
The average annual difference in total spending between the two holidays is approximately $9 billion, underscoring the greater economic impact of Mother’s Day on the retail sector.
How much money is spent on Mother’s Day vs. Father’s Day: per-person
The per-person spending data further highlights the disparity between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Historical data from 2013 to 2024 shows a consistent pattern similar to that of total spending. In 2013, per-person spending was $168.94 for Mother’s Day and $119.84 for Father’s Day, a difference of $49.10. By 2023, this gap widened to $77.79, with per-person spending at $274.02 for Mother’s Day and $196.23 for Father’s Day.
On average, individuals spend $56.35 more on Mother’s Day than on Father’s Day annually, reflecting the higher perceived value and importance of gifts purchased for mothers.
Mother’s and Father’s Day: 2024
In 2024, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day continued to show distinct spending patterns. Expenditure on Mother’s Day reached $33.5 billion, while Father’s Day spending was $22.4 billion. The average amount spent per person on Mother’s Day hit $254.04, while for Father’s Day, it is $189.81. This translates to an average difference of $64.23 more spent on Mother’s Day per person.
Meanwhile, the top expenses for Mother’s Day are:
- Jewelry: $7 billion
- Special outings: $5.9 billion
- Electronics: $3.5 billion
- Gift cards: $3.2 billion
- Clothing/accessories: $3 billion
- Special outings: $4.5 billion
- Clothing: $3.5 billion
- Gift cards: $2.9 billion
- Electronics: $2.4 billion
- Personal care products: $1.6 billion
These differences highlight the types of gifts that are popular for each holiday. Mother’s Day tends to involve more sentimental and higher-value gifts, while Father’s Day focuses on practical and experience-based gifts.