The Business of Love: Global Valentine’s Day Spending Trends and Statistics

Valentine's Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is not just a day for exchanging love notes but also one of the most lucrative holidays worldwide. With businesses across the globe capitalizing on the occasion, the economic impact of Valentine’s Day is staggering. As we enter 2025, consumer spending on the holiday continues to rise, driving billions in global sales. Let’s explore the 2025 spending trends and statistics that are shaping the business of love.

1. Global Valentine’s Day Spending: A Booming Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry

Valentine's Day is projected to be a multi-billion-dollar industry in 2025. In the U.S. alone, spending is estimated to reach $31.8 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). This marks a significant increase from $27.4 billion in 2024, driven by both consumer enthusiasm and increased prices for traditional gifts.

• Average Consumer Spending: According to NRF's 2025 survey, the average consumer will spend approximately $230 on Valentine’s Day this year. This includes everything from gifts, cards, and flowers to dinners and experiences.
• Global Growth: International markets are expected to follow similar trends, with Europe, Latin America, and Asia all showing increases in spending. In China and India, where Western holidays have gained popularity, spending on Valentine’s Day is expected to rise by 12-15% in 2025. Meanwhile, in Latin America, particularly Brazil and Mexico, Valentine’s Day spending is expected to surpass $5 billion in total.

2. Top Categories of Spending: Flowers, Chocolates, Jewelry, and More

In 2025, traditional gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and jewelry continue to dominate Valentine’s Day purchases. However, there’s an increasing preference for unique, personalized gifts and experiences.

• Flowers: Valentine’s Day remains the busiest day for florists, with over 300 million roses expected to be sold globally. In the U.S., $2.5 billion is projected to be spent on flowers. Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands are among the major exporters, supplying the high demand for roses during this time.
• Chocolates and Sweets: Chocolate remains one of the largest categories for Valentine’s Day spending. In 2025, consumers in the U.S. will spend around $2.1 billion on chocolate gifts, contributing to a $5 billion global market for Valentine’s Day candy. This marks an uptick from previous years, as consumers increasingly opt for premium chocolates from luxury brands such as Lindt, Godiva, and artisan chocolates.
• Jewelry: Jewelry sales are projected to reach $7.6 billion in the U.S. for Valentine’s Day in 2025, as consumers splurge on engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other fine jewelry. This category continues to be one of the most lucrative aspects of the holiday, especially with high-ticket items like diamonds.

3. Experiences Take Center Stage: Dining Out and Getaways

Beyond physical gifts, experiences are becoming an increasingly significant part of the Valentine’s Day spending. Dining out and travel continue to be popular choices for couples looking to celebrate.

• Dining Out: U.S. consumers are expected to spend approximately $5.2 billion on dining out for Valentine’s Day in 2025, with many opting for a romantic dinner at restaurants offering special menus and events. Research from OpenTable indicates that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days for dining reservations, with many popular restaurants fully booked weeks in advance.
• Travel: The travel industry benefits from Valentine’s Day as couples seek romantic getaways. $4.3 billion will be spent on Valentine’s Day-related travel in the U.S. alone, as couples flock to both local and international destinations. Europe and Asia are also experiencing a surge in travel spending, with popular spots including Paris, the Maldives, and Bora Bora.

In total, global travel spending associated with Valentine’s Day is expected to exceed $8 billion in 2025, up by 15% compared to the previous year.

4. The Rise of Tech-Enabled Gifting: Personalized and Virtual Offerings

In 2025, there is an increasing trend toward personalized and virtual gifting, driven by advancements in technology and the growing demand for unique, meaningful presents.

• Personalized Gifts: Customized gifts such as engraved jewelry, personalized photo albums, and bespoke art are forecasted to generate over $1.8 billion in the U.S. in 2025. These gifts allow consumers to add a personal touch, making them more meaningful for their partners.
• Virtual Gifts: Virtual gifting is on the rise, especially as remote work and digital connections have become the norm for many. E-gift cards and virtual experiences (like online cooking classes, concerts, or digital art) are growing in popularity, contributing to a 20% year-over-year growth in the digital gift card market for Valentine’s Day in 2025.

For example, Etsy and Amazon report an increase in sales for personalized digital experiences such as virtual wine tastings and online fitness sessions, showing how virtual gifting is becoming an integral part of the holiday.

5. The Impact on Small Businesses and Local Markets

While large retailers dominate the Valentine’s Day market, small businesses are benefiting significantly from the holiday as well. According to a 2025 survey by the U.S. Small Business Administration, 35% of consumers in the U.S. plan to shop locally for Valentine’s Day. This provides a boost to small florists, boutiques, artisanal chocolatiers, and local shops offering unique or handcrafted products.

• Local Spending: Small businesses that offer personalized, local products have seen a significant rise in sales, with flower shops, local artisans, and independent chocolatiers reporting a 10-12% increase in revenue during the Valentine’s Day season.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Love and Commerce

As Valentine’s Day continues to grow in 2025, it’s clear that the business of love is thriving. Global spending is expected to reach a new high of $31.8 billion, with U.S. consumers leading the charge. Businesses across various industries, from florists to jewelers to travel companies, are capitalizing on this demand, offering both traditional and innovative gifts and experiences.

The growing popularity of personalized gifts, experiential offerings, and virtual gifts reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, where people are increasingly seeking meaningful, memorable ways to express their affection. With businesses large and small tapping into these trends, Valentine’s Day 2025 is poised to be another record-breaking celebration of love—and commerce.