Mother’s Day is approaching, and many consumers will again prepare to celebrate the moms in their lives with gratitude and love. While many say “the sentiment is priceless,” thoughtful gifts are a massive part of what makes the day special. Consumers are ready to spend on flowers, cards, and memorable experiences.
However, while consumers’ inboxes get packed with generic gift ideas, retailers can make their brands stand out by offering personalized and convenient shopping options. This approach will help consumers find the perfect gift and build stronger connections with them. Here are nine Mother’s Day marketing ideas to make this special occasion count.
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How much did consumers spend on Mother’s Day 2024?
9 Mother’s Day marketing ideas to inspire strategies for 2025
Prepare for Mother’s Day 2025
How much did consumers spend on Mother’s Day 2024?
2024 saw Mother’s Day spending drop by 6.2% to US$ 33.5 billion—the first dip in six years and the biggest since 2009. This decline follows two years of over 12% spending growth. The average household spent US$ 254.04, down 7.3% from US$ 274.02 in 2023, even though 84% of people still celebrated.
Jewelry remained the top gift choice, with US$ 7 billion spent, followed by special outings (US$ 5.9 billion) and electronics (US$ 3.5 billion). Gift cards and flowers accounted for US$ 3.2 billion each, making them the fourth most profitable category.
9 Mother’s Day marketing ideas to inspire strategies for 2025
1. Be inclusive by offering an opt-out option
Mother’s Day is a joyful time for many, but it can be bittersweet or difficult for others, so businesses must be sensitive in their marketing. They should consider offering customers the option to opt out of Mother’s Day content before sending any promotional emails or texts.
This simple strategy shows retailers respect their personal feelings and preferences. Remember to let them know they will still receive other updates and sales info, ensuring they feel valued and understood.
2. Craft a curated gift-shopping experience
Businesses can make it easy for customers to find and buy gifts by setting up a special online gift shop. Then, they can promote it through SMS, email, and social media and organize items into attractive categories like “Most Gifted” or “Favorites under US$ 300.” Launch the shop a few weeks before Mother’s Day to ensure customers get their special offer early (hopefully without delays).
Alternatively, retailers could create an interactive gift-finder quiz (or gift guide) through SMS. Here, customers can answer a few questions about who they are shopping for and their budget, helping them find the perfect gift just like in a physical store.
3. Make product promotions feel more sentimental
Another approach businesses can take to tackle Mother’s Day is shifting their marketing focus from sales to inspiration. Instead of promoting specific products, they can share ideas for celebrating the day, like DIY gifts, fun activities, and meal recipes. This is an excellent opportunity for retailers to position their brand as a “genuinely caring one,” equating to more customers in the long run.
4. Create a bundle of popular items
Nothing beats finding a well-curated bundle of someone’s favorite things when it comes to gift-giving, especially when consumers can snag it at a discount. So, businesses should create thoughtful gift sets for different types of moms, combining items that have fantastic synergy.
For example, retailers can pair skincare products with a soothing candle and a personal note for a perfect “self-care” package. They may also add exclusive or limited-edition items to make their bundles more enticing.
However, these bundles should come at attractive prices, lower than if consumers bought each item separately. This way, customers feel like they are getting a great deal, which they actually are.
5. Incentivize last-minute purchases
Last-minute shoppers still looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift should also be part of the strategy, so businesses must remember to cater to them. They can send out reminders about shipping deadlines so customers know the final dates to order, helping them avoid the stress of late deliveries.
Alternatively, offering free two-day shipping can also be a great motivator. It might encourage people to buy sooner and even spend a bit more, knowing their gift will arrive ASAP. Retailers can still promote gift cards as a flexible and convenient alternative even when shipping deadlines pass.
6. Remind consumers to shop for their perfect gifts early
Mother’s Day can feel exceptional when moms get to unwrap their gifts on the big day. Hence, retailers can encourage customers to get ahead by offering early-bird pre-order discounts.
This strategy helps brands boost sales through early purchases and spares customers the stress of last-minute shopping or the risk of not having a gift. It’s a win-win that makes everyone’s day a little brighter.
7. Use in-store offers to encourage special outings
Many also see Mother’s Day as a chance to enjoy time with loved ones and celebrate uniquely. The best part? Businesses with physical stores can make the most of this occasion and draw customers in by blending fun experiences with attractive deals.
They should use geo-targeting to reach local customers and invite them to the store for an exclusive offer. This could be a gift with a purchase or a buy-one-get-one deal. It’s a great opportunity for retailers to show appreciation for customer loyalty and make their Mother’s Day celebrations even more special.
8. Support moms with resources
Are busy moms the majority of customers? Businesses can show them some love and appreciation around Mother’s Day by hosting virtual or in-person events where they can unwind and recharge, like meditation or yoga classes. Remember to make it easy for them to sign up via email or SMS.
Another great idea is to start a donation campaign supporting a cause that benefits moms. If businesses offer resources for parents, like a community group or support network, they can promote them around Mother’s Day, too. It’s handy for retailers hoping to connect with customers genuinely and meaningfully beyond just selling products.
9. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a limited-time sale
Want to make the most of that Mother’s Day campaign? Consider creating a sense of urgency with limited-time sales or offers. Businesses should start promoting early and send reminders via email and SMS throughout the sale period.
Additionally, the message should highlight that the offer is ending soon to encourage quick action. Retailers must also ensure they only target customers who haven’t made a purchase yet with follow-up messages.
Prepare for Mother’s Day 2025
Mother’s Day presents an opportunity for businesses to achieve more than just sales. With a well-designed Mother’s Day marketing campaign, they can also boost their brand’s visibility, attract new customers, and strengthen loyalty. However, achieving these goals requires creating strategies that resonate with what matters to people in 2025 and align with the target audience. Always keep things engaging and relevant to maximize impact.
