Montanans Happy to Spend More to Celebrate Mom This Year

If you’ve noticed Mother’s Day feeling a little more special (and maybe a little more expensive) here in Montana, you’re not alone. The truth is, Mother’s Day spending has jumped nearly 70 percent over the past decade, climbing from about $20 billion in 2013 to an expected $34.1 billion in 2026.

That breaks down to more than $250 per person on average. From wildflower bouquets picked on the prairie to brunches in bustling towns, families across Big Sky Country are finding creative ways to celebrate the moms, grandmas, and mother figures who keep everything running.

Planning Begins as Soon as Spring Arrives

Montana families don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about Mother’s Day. As soon as the snow starts to melt and the first hints of green appear, online searches for gift ideas begin to climb. By the time May arrives, local flower shops are buzzing, and reservation lists at favorite breakfast spots are filling up fast.

Most Families Celebrate in Their Own Way

Mother’s Day in Montana is as varied as the landscape itself. In fact, studies show that roughly 77 to 84 percent of U.S. adults celebrate Mother’s Day every year. Around eighty percent of Montana families mark the occasion: some with backyard cookouts in the country, others with a homemade breakfast or a quiet day spent together. Whether you’re in Billings or a small town along the Hi-Line, the day is about making Mom feel seen and appreciated.

Adults in Their Thirties and Forties Spend the Most

The study found adults between the ages of 35 and 44 are among the biggest spenders for Mother’s Day. That makes sense when you think about it: Many people in that age group are buying gifts for their own mothers while also celebrating as parents themselves. That can mean shopping for multiple generations all at once, sometimes for grandma, mom, and even a spouse. Online shopping makes it easier. However, it also means it’s easy to spend more than you planned.

Meaningful Gestures Matter Most

Here in Montana, budgets can be tight with rising costs for groceries, fuel, and everyday needs. The good news? The best Mother’s Day memories don’t have to come with a big price tag. Moms across the state say what matters most is a meal made with love, a handwritten card, time outdoors, or simply getting the night off from dinner duty.

Get our free mobile app

Gratitude Is What Counts

Mother’s Day spending may be on the rise, but the heart of the holiday remains the same. If you’re feeling pressure to keep up, remember this: what Montana moms value most isn’t the size of the bouquet or the price of the gift, but the genuine appreciation that comes with it.