Mother’s Day

Content Guide

• What Is Mother's Day
• When Is Mother's Day
• When Do Mother's Day Sales Start
• What to Get for Mother's Day
• Mother's Day Gift Ideas
• FAQ

What Is Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures, dating back to Anna Jarvis's original memorial in 1908. President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914, setting it on the second Sunday of May: a tradition that continues today across the United States and Canada.

When Is Mother's Day 2027

Mother's Day 2027 falls on Sunday, May 9. As always, the date lands on the second Sunday of May, so it moves slightly each year: in 2026 it was May 10, and in 2027 it shifts one day earlier.

What day is Mother’s Day this year?

Because Mother's Day always falls on the second Sunday of May, the exact date shifts a little from year to year. Here's a quick reference for the next few editions.

Year	Mother's Day Date
2026	May 10
2027	May 9
2028	May 14
2029	May 13
2030	May 12

 

When Do Mother's Day Sales Start

Retailers typically launch their official Mother's Day discounts a couple of weeks before the holiday, with the promotional push building through the final week.

If you're ordering online, keep an eye on shipping cutoffs: standard delivery windows usually close a few days before the holiday weekend, while expedited and same-day options stay open closer to May 9. Personalized or engraved gifts need more lead time, so it's smart to order those early rather than wait for last-minute Mother's Day deals.

What to Get for Mother's Day

Shoppers tend to spend the most on a handful of categories each year, and retailers typically build their promotions around exactly these areas.

• Jewelry remains the top gift category by spending. Retailers like Macy’s, Kay Jewelers and Zales typically run a Mother’s Day jewelry sale, and it's worth comparing a promo code against in-store markdowns before buying.
• Electronics have grown into one of the fastest-rising categories. Carriers and retailers often roll out Mother’s Day phone deals and other tech-related promotions, so shoppers hunting for a new device or accessory can expect notable coupon codes in the days leading up to the holiday.
• Beauty and fragrance shine here too: Sephora and Ulta events are a recurring pattern, usually paired with a Mother's Day perfume sale and gift-set bundles.
• Department stores pull it all together under one roof. The Macy's Mother's Day sale typically covers women's clothing, handbags, and fragrance, often stacked with store credit bonuses, while Kohl's tends to combine card discounts with seasonal cash-back promos.
• Home and kitchen gifts round things out, with Lowe’s and Home Depot Mother’s Day sale known for markdowns on plants, patio furniture, and small appliances, which are practical picks for moms who love to host.
• Dining and brunch shouldn't be overlooked either. Many Mother’s Day restaurant deals include gift-card bonuses or discounted prix-fixe menus for brunch, making it an easy way to celebrate without a big price tag.
• Flowers remain the classic go-to, and they're often the easiest category to catch on sale. Look out for Mother's Day flowers deals from florists and grocery chains alike, especially in the days right before the holiday when bouquets and same-day delivery options tend to get discounted.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Finding the right gift often has less to do with the item itself and more with who it's for and what feels personal in that relationship.

• Mother's Day gifts for mom tend to center on comfort and connection, like a photo book, a favorite scent, or a subscription she'd never treat herself to.
• Mother's Day gifts for wife carry a bit more romance behind them, and often it falls to dad to pick something out on behalf of the kids too. Think fine jewelry, a spa afternoon, or a short getaway that gives her a real break.
• Mother's Day gifts for grandma lean sentimental and lasting, such as framed family photos, a soft throw blanket, or something handmade by the grandkids.

Across all of these, personalized Mother's Day gifts, such as engraved jewelry or a custom print, add a layer of meaning a generic pick can't match. And if you're shopping close to the date, last minute Mother's Day gifts like a gift card, fresh flowers, or a same-day delivery item still make a genuine impression without much planning.

FAQ

• Is Mother's Day a holiday?

It's a widely celebrated occasion, but not a federal holiday in the US, so banks, schools, and most offices follow a regular Sunday schedule.

• Is Mother's Day international?

Yes, dozens of countries celebrate it, though not always on the same date. The US, Canada, and Australia mark it on the second Sunday of May, while the UK celebrates Mothering Sunday in March and several other countries follow their own calendars.

• What to do on Mother's Day?

Popular ways to celebrate include a brunch or dinner out, a handwritten card, a small gift, or simply spending the day together. There's no fixed tradition, so it's really about what feels right for her.

• What flowers are best for Mother's Day?

Carnations are the traditional Mother's Day flower, but roses, tulips, and mixed spring bouquets are just as popular. Pink and red tones tend to be the classic choice, though many florists offer seasonal options in whatever colors she loves.

• Do pregnant women celebrate Mother's Day?

Many do, especially as a first Mother's Day ahead of the baby's arrival. A thoughtful Mother's Day gift for expecting mom, like a cozy robe or a keepsake for the nursery, has become a common way to include her in the celebration even before the baby is born.

• Is Costco open on Mother's Day? And Walmart?

Most major retailers, including Walmart and Costco, keep regular Sunday hours on Mother's Day, though it's worth checking your local store in advance.