Valentine's Day 2025: What to Expect in Gift Trends and Spending
Explore the record spending and emerging trends for Valentine's Day gifts in 2025.
As Valentine's Day approaches in 2025, consumers are gearing up for a record-breaking celebration of love and appreciation. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects that spending will reach an astonishing $27.5 billion, surpassing last year's total of $25.8 billion and edging past the previous record of $27.4 billion set in 2020. This increase reflects a growing trend of consumers valuing not just romantic relationships but also friendships and familial bonds, leading to a diverse array of gift-giving practices.
Spending Projections and Trends
Record Spending
The anticipated spending for Valentine's Day 2025 is notable for several reasons:
- Average Spending: Consumers plan to spend an average of $188.81, a slight increase from $185.81 in 2024.
- Gift Categories: The most popular gifts include:
- Candy: 56% of consumers plan to purchase candy.
- Flowers: 40% intend to buy flowers.
- Greeting Cards: 40% will spend on cards.
- Evening Out: 35% are planning a special outing.
Breakdown of Spending
The following table illustrates the projected spending across various categories:
| Gift Category | Projected Spending |
|---|---|
| Jewelry | $6.5 billion |
| Evening Out | $5.4 billion |
| Flowers | $2.9 billion |
| Candy | $2.5 billion |
| Greeting Cards | $1.4 billion |
Emerging Gift Trends
Online Shopping Dominance
A significant shift in consumer behavior is evident, with 38% of consumers planning to shop online for Valentine's Day gifts. This trend is expected to continue growing, as online shopping captured 40% of Valentine's sales in 2024. Retailers are advised to enhance their online presence to meet this demand.
Celebrating All Relationships
Phil Rist, Executive Vice President of Strategy at Prosper Insights & Analytics, notes a shift in how consumers celebrate Valentine's Day:
"Consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day through a variety of ways to show appreciation and love for the many different people around them. Purchasing gifts for those outside of significant others or family members continues to rise in popularity and reflects consumers’ growing interest in celebrating all the meaningful relationships in their lives."
This sentiment is echoed by the demographic trends, where 62% of 25-34-year-olds are the most likely to celebrate, while those aged 35-44 are the biggest spenders.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Florists and Retailers
Florists are poised for a strong season, with expectations that flower sales will match or exceed the $2.6 billion record set in 2024. Retailers are encouraged to focus on online shopping strategies to capture the growing market share.
Consumer Insights
Consumers are increasingly looking to express their affection beyond traditional romantic gestures. This year, gifts for friends and coworkers are gaining traction, reflecting a broader understanding of love and appreciation.
Conclusion
Valentine's Day 2025 promises to be a landmark occasion, characterized by record spending and evolving gift trends. As consumers embrace a more inclusive approach to celebrating love, the emphasis on online shopping and diverse gift-giving will shape the holiday's landscape. Retailers and florists alike should prepare for a bustling season as they cater to the changing preferences of consumers.