Mother’s day spending to be down slightly this year

U.S. consumers will spend an average of $172.22 on their moms — and children’s moms — this Mother’s Day, down slightly from last year’s record-high of $172.63.

Total Mother’s Day spending is expected to be $21.4 billion, with 84.4 percent of those surveyed planning to spend, according to the National Retail Federation.

Top on the list? Jewelry with expected sales of $4.2 billion by 35 percent of those surveyed.

Other spending plans include:

▪ $4.1 billion on special outings such as dinner or brunch, given by 55.2 percent

▪ $2.4 billion on flowers, 66.5 percent

▪ $2.2 billion on gift cards, 43.2 percent

▪ $1.9 billion on clothing and consumer electronics, given by 35.4 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively

▪ $1.6 billion on personal services, like a day at the spa, 22.5 percent

The most common gift? A card.

Almost eight in 10 — 78.4 percent — said they planned to buy a card, spending $792 million in total.

This story was originally published May 5, 2016 at 3:11 PM with the headline "Mother’s day spending to be down slightly this year."