Men to spend over £22 more than women on Mother’s Day gifts in 2026

Men planning on buying a card and gift for their mums this Mother’s Day are set to spend more than £20 extra compared to women, according to new research from discount voucher website MyVoucherCodes.

The study found that men expect to spend an average of £54.08 on a card and gift for their mum or step-mum this Mother’s Day, while women plan to spend significantly less at £31.82 - a difference of over £22.

Despite the spending gap, enthusiasm for celebrating Mother’s Day is equal. The research revealed that two-thirds (66%) of people plan to buy a Mother’s Day gift in 2026, with the figure identical for both men and women (66%).

Across all shoppers, the average combined spend on a Mother’s Day card and gift in 2026 is £39.75.

When it comes to the most popular presents, traditional choices continue to dominate. Nearly half (47%) of shoppers say they will buy flowers, followed by chocolates (31%) and a meal out (16%).

However, not everyone remembers the occasion every year. As part of the research, 17% of people admitted that they have forgotten to buy a Mother’s Day present in the past.

The study also explored how mums who are in contact with their mum would ideally like to spend the day itself. When asked what they would most like to avoid doing on Mother’s Day 14% said cooking, 12% said cleaning, and 10% said rushing around doing errands.

Commenting on the findings, Sarah-Jane Outten, money-saving expert at MyVoucherCodes, said:

“Mother’s Day remains an important occasion for many families, but our research shows that spending doesn’t have to spiral to show appreciation. While men spend more than women on average, there are plenty of ways to give a thoughtful, meaningful gift without breaking your budget, especially given that rising household costs remain at the forefront in 2026.

“Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive. With a little planning and the right discounts, shoppers can celebrate Mother’s Day in a meaningful way while still keeping costs under control. Here are my top 7 money-saving tips for Mother’s Day 2026:

• Plan ahead and avoid last-minute purchases. Leaving it late often means paying full price or expensive delivery fees.
• Use discount codes and cashback. Voucher code sites such as MyVoucherCodes, student discounts and cashback sites can significantly cut the cost of flowers, chocolates and experiences.
• Compare flower delivery prices. Prices vary widely between florists - comparing deals can save more than you think.
• Consider experiences over items. Meal deals, afternoon teas or spa offers often come with discounts and feel more special than physical gifts.
• Buy bundled gifts. Gift sets usually work out cheaper than buying individual items separately.
• Make it personal. A handwritten card or homemade touch can mean more than an expensive present.
• Split costs with siblings. Group gifting allows you to give something bigger without blowing one person’s budget.