A survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) finds that 84% of American consumers will recognize Mother’s Day, which falls on May 11, by purchasing jewelry, meals, books, CD’s, gift certificates, house wares, gardening tools, cards and flowers.  While Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $15.8 billion, consumers feeling pinched by higher gas prices and the downturn in the housing market may spend a little less on average, around $138.63, than they did last year when they spent $139.14 per person.

“Consumers will be cutting back on larger items for Mom and investing in smaller more meaningful items or one large gift,” says Kathy Grannis, spokeswoman for NRF.  Mother’s Day ranks third behind the winter holidays and Valentine’s Day, according to the NRF, in terms of total dollars spent by consumers.