Mother's Day 2025: Americans Spend Less Amid Shifting Traditions and Political Divides

Key facts

• Americans are spending less on Mother's Day this year, according to a new report.
• A majority of Americans want pet moms celebrated on Mother's Day.
• Donald Trump's Mother's Day messages did not mention Melania Trump.
• Joe Biden released a Mother's Day ad attacking Donald Trump.
• Kourtney Kardashian's Mother's Day video sparked online debate.
• Octomom shared a rare photo of her children for Mother's Day.
• Newsweek published a Mother's Day Gift Guide for 2026.
• Restaurants across the US offered free food and discounts for Mother's Day 2025.

A Holiday of Contradictions: Spending Drops, Sentiment Rises

Mother's Day 2025 arrives with a paradox: Americans are tightening their wallets even as they expand the definition of motherhood. suggests that consumer spending on the holiday has declined this year, bucking a long-term trend of growth. Yet the same surveys show that a majority of Americans now believe pet moms deserve recognition alongside human mothers, signaling a cultural shift in how the day is observed. The spending pullback comes amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainty, analysts say. While Mother's Day has traditionally been a reliable boon for retailers, from florists to restaurants, this year's data points to more cautious household budgets. The average outlay per person is expected to fall, with many opting for smaller gestures or homemade gifts.

Political Mothers: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for Family Values

Mother's Day has become an unexpected battleground in American politics. Former President Donald Trump issued Mother's Day messages that conspicuously omitted any mention of his wife, Melania Trump, drawing scrutiny from commentators and social media users. The absence was seen as a continuation of the couple's notably distant public dynamic. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, seized the occasion to release a pointed Mother's Day advertisement attacking Trump directly. The ad, described as 'brutal' by observers, ties Trump's policies to harms affecting American families. It marks an escalation in the use of family-centric holidays for political messaging, a trend that has grown in recent election cycles.

Celebrity Moms and Viral Moments: From Kardashian to Octomom

Mother's Day also sparked its share of celebrity-driven conversation. Kourtney Kardashian posted a video that quickly ignited debate online, though the specific content of the video was not detailed in reports. The reaction underscores the intense public scrutiny faced by celebrity mothers, particularly those in the Kardashian-Jenner orbit. In a quieter but equally notable moment, 'Octomom' Nadya Suleman shared a rare photo of her children, offering a glimpse into her family life years after her 2009 multiple births made global headlines. The image was met with a mix of curiosity and support, reflecting the enduring public fascination with her story.

Gift Guides and Last-Minute Shopping: The Retail Landscape

For procrastinators, retailers rolled out a wave of last-minute gift guides promising affordable options that would arrive by Mother's Day brunch. Newsweek's 2026 Gift Guide, published ahead of schedule, highlighted top picks for the coming year. Other outlets focused on practical, non-dust-collecting items like personalized jewelry and stylish bags. Celebrity-endorsed products also featured prominently. Paige DeSorbo shared her annual Mother's Day gift guide, including the Chris Appleton conditioning hair mask she gives her mother every year. SKIMS launched a dedicated Mother's Day shop with cozy loungewear, nursing bras, and maternity essentials. Leighton Meester told E! that a wellness gift would be 'incredibly appreciated' by moms, while Charlize Theron described a rock-climbing adventure with her 'daredevil' daughter August, blending family bonding with promotion for her Netflix film Apex.

Opinions and Advocacy: Trans Kids, Birthright Citizenship, and Equal Access

Mother's Day also served as a platform for advocacy. An opinion piece argued that lawmakers should stop blocking care for transgender kids, framing the issue as a maternal concern. Another called for equal access to motherhood, highlighting barriers faced by women seeking fertility treatments or adoption. A separate opinion piece warned that birthright citizenship is under attack, linking the policy debate to the meaning of motherhood in America. These contributions reflect a broader trend of using the holiday to amplify political and social messages, moving beyond traditional expressions of gratitude.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mother's Day in a Changing Society

As Mother's Day evolves, the holiday appears to be fragmenting into multiple, sometimes conflicting, celebrations. The rise of pet moms, the politicization of family rhetoric, and the economic pressures on household spending all point to a day that is less uniform than in decades past. What remains constant is the desire to honor the maternal figures in one's life, however defined. Yet the ways in which that honor is expressed—through gifts, political statements, or social media posts—are multiplying. The coming years will likely see further diversification, as cultural norms and economic realities continue to reshape this annual observance.

The bottom line

• Consumer spending on Mother's Day declined in 2025, reflecting broader economic pressures.
• A majority of Americans now support celebrating pet moms, expanding the holiday's traditional scope.
• Donald Trump's Mother's Day messages omitted Melania Trump, while Joe Biden released an attack ad.
• Celebrity moments, from Kourtney Kardashian to Octomom, drove online conversation.
• Retailers emphasized last-minute, affordable gifts and celebrity-endorsed products.
• Opinion pieces used Mother's Day to advocate for trans kids' care, birthright citizenship, and equal access to motherhood.