Priceless Gifts Are Big Sellers On Mother’s Day

By: Elyse Miller News Channel 3 Reporter emiller@kesq.com

PALM DESERT – It’s a day to pay tribute to mom, but in this weak economy some are paying less. Nationwide Mother’s Day spending is down about 11 percent, but most sons and daughters won’t let mom go empty handed.

“Kids should give back to their mom cause moms have given a lot,” says Tan Ha.

“It’s your mother and the economy shouldn’t effect your decision,” says Glen Hale.

More conservative spenders stick to the basics.

“Every year I try to get a card or something thoughtful,” says Caitlin Walker.

This year more than 8 million moms will get the gift of kind words, put into a card. While card sales thrive, sales at retail stores and spas are down, but one other business is blooming.

“I’ve been working from 5 in the morning until 12 midnight,” says Gary Kort, Milan’s Flowers and Gifts.

This week, Kort took more than 400 Mother’s Day orders, that’s more than Valentine’s Day.

“Everyone has a mother, but not everyone has a lover,” says Kort.

Mother’s Day is typically one of the busiest times of the year for most florists, and this year is even busier. Flowers are the most popular gift, about 67 percent of Mother’s Day sales this year went to flowers.

“Mother’s Day has been terrific, it’s always great for Mother’s Day,” says Kort.

When it comes to flowers, there’s something for every budget.

“You want to spend a dollar, I can get you something for a dollar,” says Kort.

Still, most moms say it’s not about the money spent, it’s about spending time.

“It’s definitely the little things,” says mother, Shannon Walker. ” Spending time together is the best gift.”