UK Mother’s Day 2026 spend to rise as more consumers intend to shop despite flat budgets

Ahead of UK Mother’s Day on 15 March 2026, more consumers plan to celebrate, but most intend to stick to what they spent last year around £50.

The proportion of UK consumers intending to buy, or who have already purchased, at least one item has edged up slightly to 57%, yet shoppers will be largely focused on making their money go further, rather than splashing out.

This will raise the bar for retailers, who will need to justify any products that encourage shoppers to trade-up with clear benefits, says GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Retail Occasions Series: UK Mother's Day Intentions 2026,” reveals fewer Mother’s Day shoppers have purchased earlier this year. The percentage of who have already bought clothing, health & beauty, and vouchers is down versus 2025, implying fewer shoppers used January and Valentine’s Day promotions to buy early.

At the same time, initial purchasing is growing among niche, lifestyle-led gifts such as homewares, sports-related items and drink gifts, indicating a greater willingness to move beyond default categories in favour of items that feel more personal and tailored to the recipient.

For non-food retailers, this signals an opportunity to win spend with more considered, personality-matched presents, especially those that feel a little more premium or distinctive without being expensive.

Eleanor Simpson-Gould, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Mother’s Day budgets are expected to be in line with last year, but the mood is more cautious in 2026. That doesn’t mean shoppers won’t spend, it means they’ll want purchases to feel rationalised. Clear signals of longevity, premium quality, and trusted brands will be essential to unlock spending.”

Service-led celebrations are also diminishing in appeal, with fewer people planning to go out for a meal for the second consecutive year. Compared with 2025, planned spending on leisure has weakened, with consumers increasingly favouring simpler plans over big-ticket treats.

That is likely to steer more of the occasion spending into supermarkets and grocers must respond by promoting premium meal solutions, carefully curated accompaniments and finishing touches.

Simpson-Gould continues: “Dining out is losing momentum once again this Mother’s Day, with planned spending on leisure softening versus 2025 as shoppers rein in costly, experience-led treats.

"That restraint will shift Mother’s Day back into the home, giving grocers a clear opportunity to trade shoppers up with premium own label ranges, wine pairings and luxury deserts that feel special without the price tag.”

Simpson-Gould concludes: “Growth this Mother’s Day will come from making shoppers feel they’re upgrading smartly, whether through showcasing plants over bouquets, premium meals at home or a more considered, non-traditional gift. Retailers that showcase value for money, rather than extravagance, will be best placed to win.”