Valentine’s Day 2025: Consumers Expected to Spend $27.5 Billion

Valentine’s Day continues to be a major economic driver, with the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimating that 56% of consumers plan to celebrate the holiday in 2025. Spending is projected to reach $27.5 billion, averaging $188.81 per household.

Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts

Several classic gifts remain favorites for the holiday:

• Flowers: The Society of American Florists reports that U.S. florists prepare 250 million roses specifically for Valentine’s Day.
• Chocolate and Candy: Sweets are the most popular choice, with 56% of Americans planning to purchase candy.
• Proposals: According to WalletHub’s 2025 Valentine’s Day Survey, approximately six million marriage proposals are made on February 14 each year, and 36% of Americans consider a Valentine’s Day proposal romantic.

Valentine’s Day is has also become a holiday for pets. Capital One Shopping reported that pet owners spent $1.5 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts for their animals last year, with $31.24 spent on dogs and $27.42 on cats.

Dining Out: A Major Valentine’s Day Trend

Restaurants see a significant boost in business on Valentine’s Day, benefiting both workers and establishments through increased tips and higher overall dining bills.

According to Toast survey data, Valentine’s Day 2024 generated a substantial increase in restaurant transactions, even though the holiday fell on a weekday. Compared to a typical Wednesday:

• Overall transactions at full-service restaurants increased by 41%.
• Takeout sales rose by 46%.
• Diners stayed out later, with 7 p.m. being the busiest time of the evening.

Steak, seafood, sushi, and pasta were listed as the most popular menu choices for Valentine’s Day 2024, compared to a typical Wednesday at full-service restaurants.

Recognizing the holiday’s economic potential, the National Restaurant Association encourages establishments to maximize sales by offering special promotions, such as gift card incentives and cross-business collaborations.

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