Flowers, spa treatments or dinner and a movie. What wouldn’t make a girl happy?

Mother’s Day is a big day for moms and a busy day for businesses. Consumers are expected to spend an average of $139 on gifts this year, about $17 more than last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

“Orders are already coming in,” said Pamela Sonnenmoser, a freelance florist with Designs by Gordon.

It’s the second largest single day (for sales) next to Valentine’s Day, said Ms. Sonnenmoser.

The local floral shop expects to sell up to 150 arrangements for Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Baskets are popular and a dozen assorted roses are always a winner, but Ms. Sonnenmoser said that tulips, hydrangeas and star gazer lilies are a practical option for gift givers.

Gift cards are another safe and practical gift for moms.

“We have a lot of men coming in and buying gift certificates,” said Sherri Jackson, owner of Images of You.

The salon is closed on Mother’s Day, but like many salons and spas in the area, there are several specials to choose from.

Taking Mom out for dinner is always a popular choice.

“It’s definitely one of the busiest days,” said Sue Groumoutis, owner of A & G Restaurant in Maryville, Mo.

Ms. Groumoutis said that the restaurant already has started getting reservations for Sunday and plans on being busy throughout the day.

But in recent years, Ms. Sonnenmoser said she’s noticed a lull in the important day.

“I think it’s the economy and people don’t realize how much women like flowers,” Ms. Sonnenmoser said. “Women don’t want to be practical. We want to be spoiled no matter what we say.”

Monica Cress agrees. The Faucett, Mo., woman said that of course roses would make her happy, but she doesn’t necessarily tell her husband that.

“I think it’s just something we do nowadays,” she said. “We don’t want to seem cheesy or high maintenance.”

But women want more than Crock Pots and toasters, said Ms. Sonnenmoser.

Several moms said that a nice dinner and a movie would make the days special. Ms. Cress said she even enjoys the handmade cards her children still make her.

“I think the ol’ saying ‘it’s the thought that counts’ can be true sometimes,” she said.

Business reporter Jennifer Hall can be reached at jennhall@npgco.com.

Correction: A business in a story on Page C6 of Friday’s edition was misidentified due to a reporter’s error. The floral shop photographed and mentioned in the story is Designs by Gordon. The News-Press apologizes for this error.