Australians are expected to splash $1 billion on Mother’s Day this year, virtually unchanged from a year ago despite household budget pressures.

A survey by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan has revealed 30 per cent of Australians are set to celebrate Mother’s Day, which equates to seven million people. While that’s 2.7 million fewer people than 2024, the projected average spend is up from $102 last year to $141 this year.

Among the respondents, 20 per cent will spoil mothers with food and beverages and just over 10 per cent plan on wining and dining their mum or gifting her an experience such as a trip away.

ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said: “The past few years of high interest rates and sky-high business costs have hit discretionary retailers hardest, and it’s special spending events like Mother’s Day that help keep the sector resilient."

Spending rises among ANZ shoppers

ANZ shoppers could spend up to $569 million during the 2025 Mother’s Day weekend, a projected growth of 2.5 per cent on the previous year, according to ANZ customer data.

ANZ NSW customers are expected to spend up to $147 million, with the highest year-on-year growth expected to be seen across airlines, duty-free stores, personal health and photographic equipment.

ANZ Managing Director Everyday Banking Yiken Yang said: “Australians are set to spend generously and spoil their mums this Mother’s Day, with data showing a trend in wining and dining experiences.

"We expect food, takeaway, wineries and bottle shops will continue to dominate customer spending this year – a promising sign for businesses and traders across the country."

For a second year in the row, men spent more in total on Mother’s Day, with an average spend of $131. Gen X spent the most ($189 million), followed by Millennials ($184 million). While Gen Z spent the least ($78 million), however they had the highest yearly increase of 15 per cent.

2024 data also showed that customers spent the most between 9am and 6pm, with 28 per cent of spend coming from the hours between 12pm and 2pm.

Maitland restaurant The Whistler Publican John Elsey said Mother's Day is one of the biggest days of the year for the venue.

"Mother's Day is always one of our busiest days," he said.

"Everyone wants to treat their mum to a special outing, and what better way to do it than with a pub meal and a glass of champagne?

"Every year, we offer a Mother's Day special, and we usually get fully booked a week in advance. We’re expecting this year to be no different.”

Mum ranks high as preferred travel companion

Research released by the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has found that mums are the favourite travel partner for almost one in 10 Australians.

Young people (aged 18-24) are the biggest fans of travelling with mum, with 14 per cent ranking her as number one.

Mums were also ranked as the most enjoyable travel partner by 11 per cent of 25-34 years.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said, “Mother’s Day is a time to recognise the important women in our lives, and for a number of us, the best way to make memories with them, is by travelling.

"Whether it’s a planned holiday or a spontaneous getaway, travel gives families and loved ones the time and space to truly connect, and it’s clear young Aussies are embracing that.”

Meanwhile, mothers are also fans of travelling with their children. Twelve per cent of women ranked children first when asked who they would most enjoy travelling with, compared to six per cent of dads.