Mother's Day is big electronics gift day

WASHINGTON, May 7 (UPI) -- Mother's Day gift giving in the United States is involving more electronic gadgets, from cell phones to iPods.

The National Retail Federation said it expects $11.43 billion to be spent this year on Mother's Day, a 9.5 percent increase from last year, with $700 million being spent on "electronic gizmos," the Washington Times reported Saturday.

"It's a big industry, there are more spending categories this year, and people aren't just buying for mom; they're buying for grandmothers, sisters, friends," said a spokesman.

Half of consumers plan to stick with flowers and greeting cards, but 25.5 percent of this year's Mother Day sales are expected to be on electronic gifts, he said.