From time to time the RedBalloon marketing team put a survey out to our customers… We wanted to know more about what people do for their Mums on Mother’s Day.

Well apparently people are defying economic uncertainty and pressures to tighten spending, Respondents have vowed not to forget Mum this Mother’s Day – but our Valentines aren’t so lucky! (Perhaps we should rename the Rudd initiative the Mums stimulus package?)

We had more than 2,400 responses to the survey, 60 percent admit their other half would be the first to draw the short straw in tough times – whereas 75 percent intend on showering Mum with the attention she deserves this Mother’s Day, despite the current economic climate.

We have been bombarded with recession gloom and doom lately, but it’s comforting to see these challenging economic times have not lessened our resolve to celebrate Mum. (Mums have worked just as hard this year as every other year… so important to show how much we care.

Whilst 70 percent admit to spending cutbacks due to the global financial crisis, half of those surveyed have budgeted a generous $51-$100 for this year’s Mother’s Day gift. However, the 1,200 Mum respondents warn buyers to beware – no more chocolates and flowers!

An overwhelming 43 percent of Mums surveyed would prefer quality time with their loved ones this Mother’s Day, as opposed to only six percent who would be happy with flowers or chocolates. And Mum is trying to tell us the best gift we can give her is our time – spending special, quality moments with her that mean something more.

That’s the reason I started RedBalloon eight years ago. We recognise people talk about their experiences much more than their possessions and live and relive these experiences with friends and family. Mum does not want to add to the clutter on the planet (because like as not she will be the one who has to dust it….)