A bespoke card is created for a mum every single second during ‘Mother’s Day fortnight’.
New data from the online card retailer, Moonpig, has revealed that Mother’s Day generates 85% more card orders than Valentine’s Day, reflecting the huge popularity of the occasion.
And when it comes to flowers, mums come out on top again, with two-and-a-half times more delivered to them compared to romantic partners.
Rachael Halliday, spokesperson for Moonpig, said: "It’s clear mums are the biggest drivers of the UK’s gift economy, meaning that beyond all they do for their own loved ones, they’re also the leading force for connecting families and friends, keeping occasions from birthdays to anniversaries, exam results to engagement days marked in a special way.
"And this ‘love burden’ thankfully doesn’t go unrewarded, as we are more inclined to show our appreciation back to them than any other person in our lives."
How often are cards sent to UK mums throughout the year?
Moonpig’s data shows that one in every four cards posted in the UK each year through its platform is sent to a mum – a figure twice as high as those sent to dads.
This enduring affection isn’t limited to Mother’s Day alone.
Mums often play a central role in helping others stay connected.
A survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Moonpig, found that UK mums send an average of 13 cards and 15 gifts to loved ones each year.
This amounts to 346 million cards and 395 million gifts nationally.
Interestingly, more than a quarter of these cards (27%) and gifts (29%) are sent by mums on behalf of other people, further underscoring their role in keeping families emotionally connected.
Halliday said: "Our data shows the evolving nature of motherhood in the UK and so we work hard to ensure the nation can express their love to every – and any kind – of mum."
When it comes to the gifts themselves, chocolate reigns supreme.
Moonpig reports that 41 tonnes of chocolate are sent through its service each year, equivalent to the weight of a blue whale.
Half of that total is destined for mums on Mother’s Day.
Not all card recipients on Mother’s Day fit the traditional description of ‘mum.’
Step-mums, godmothers, and ‘pet mums’ are among the most popular alternative recipient titles according to Moonpig orders.
The same survey revealed that the notion of ‘mum’ is broadening, with 22% of people turning to a wider support network of maternal figures.
These include mothers-in-law (16%), grandmothers (10%), honorary ‘aunties’ (6%), workplace mentors (5%), and even the ‘mum’ of a friendship group (4%).
When are cards sent ahead of Mother's Day?
Moonpig’s data shows that one in four cards is purchased in the final 48 hours before Mother’s Day.
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And for those who forget entirely, March sees 11 times more ‘sorry’ cards sent to mums than any other month.
Halliday said: "Our data shows the evolving nature of motherhood in the UK and so we work hard to ensure the nation can express their love to every – and any kind – of mum.
“A personalised card with curated photos of memories, a thoughtful gift or a glorious bunch of flowers arriving on a doorstep this Sunday is more than a token – we believe it’s about keeping love and connections alive even when we can’t be there in person.”
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