That National Retail Federation says shoppers will spend about $138.63 this year, compared with $139.14 last year. Dinners, jewelry and flowers will top the list of gifts, and many families will buy one big gift instead of several small ones.

The economy and gas prices affect just about everything, and unfortunately for local businesses and shoppers, Mother's Day is no exception.

"The traffic flow in the mall is down a little as compared to last year," said Joe Tuttobene, store manager at Daniel's Jewelry.

That is the reality for many retailers this Mother's Day, as shoppers go easy on something shiny and cling tight to their cash.

"I probably won't be able to get her anything because everything is going up, and I'm spending all my money on gas," said Stephanie Escamilla, who lives in Santa Maria.

"You work out the money you're going to spend on dinner and like that, in addition to gas - it's just ridiculous," said Steven Kawano.

Always the popular gift, business is blooming at local flower shops - but that doesn't keep profits from wilting.

"About a 20 percent increase in cost, I would guess," said Connie Clancy, who owns Lompoc Valley Florist.

Much of that cost comes from trans-global shipping, and with skyrocketing fuel prices, what's a store to do?

Find creative ways to cut costs:

"Choose designs that are less time consuming for the designers, so that helps keep the cost down," Clancy said. "The delivery is also increasing. We haven't actually increased our prices yet, but we may end up having to before the week is over."

Still, economy crunch aside, some savvy shoppers insist nothing is too expensive for mom.

"Mother's Day is only once a year, so it's worth it to go out and spend," said Amanda Manning, who lives in Santa Maria.

Mother's Day ranks third on the list of holidays where people spend the most, right behind Christmas and Valentine's Day.

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