In the United States, Valentine’s Day generates over $25 billion in consumer spending, and approximately 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged every year.
Those two figures alone place Valentine’s Day among the top three commercial holidays in the U.S., alongside Mother’s Day and Christmas.
What follows is a statistics-first breakdown of Valentine’s Day, focused on measurable behaviors, repeatable trends, and concrete numbers—no vague claims.
When and How Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated
- Valentine’s Day is observed every year on February 14
- In 2026, it falls on a Saturday
- The holiday is celebrated in over 100 countries, though spending levels vary dramatically
The modern commercial version of Valentine’s Day expanded rapidly in the mid-20th century, driven by greeting card companies, florists, and later the restaurant industry.
Valentine’s Day Spending Statistics (United States)
Valentine’s Day spending has remained consistently high for over a decade.
Key Numbers
- Total annual spending: $25–27 billion
- Average spend per consumer: $185–$195
- Adults who celebrate: ~52%
- Shoppers who buy at least one gift: ~70% of celebrants
Spending peaks when February 14 falls on a Friday or Saturday, increasing total revenue by an estimated 8–12%.
Most Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts (By Category Share)
Gift preferences are highly concentrated around a few categories.
- Candy & chocolate – ~55% of shoppers
- Greeting cards – ~40%
- Flowers – ~37%
- Dinner or experience gifts – ~35%
- Jewelry – ~21%
Chocolate sales during the first two weeks of February account for nearly 10% of annual U.S. chocolate revenue.
Valentine’s Day and the Flower Industry
Valentine’s Day is the single largest floral sales event of the year.
- Roses sold in the U.S. for Valentine’s Day: ~250 million stems
- Share of annual florist revenue generated in February: 25–30%
- Imported roses originate primarily from:
- Colombia (~70%)
- Ecuador (~20%)
The price of red roses typically increases by 30–50% between February 10 and February 14.
Valentine’s Day and Restaurants
Valentine’s Day is consistently ranked as one of the top five busiest restaurant days.
- Increase in restaurant traffic vs. average day: +40–50%
- Couples who prefer dining out vs. cooking at home: ~55%
- Prix-fixe menus priced between $60–$120 per person are most common
Unlike Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day dining skews heavily toward evening reservations, with peak demand between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
E-Commerce and Last-Minute Buying Behavior
Valentine’s Day is strongly influenced by procrastination.
- Shoppers who buy gifts within 7 days of Feb 14: ~45%
- Purchases made within 48 hours: ~20%
- Online purchases via mobile devices: ~42%
Search interest for “Valentine’s Day gifts” typically spikes 12–14 days before the holiday, then drops sharply on February 15.
Valentine’s Day Cards and Messaging
Despite digital alternatives, physical cards remain dominant.
- Valentine’s cards exchanged annually (U.S.): ~145 million
- Rank among card-sending holidays: #2, after Christmas
- Digital messages or e-cards: ~30% of participants
Unlike Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day cards are most commonly exchanged between romantic partners, not family members.
Demographic Spending Patterns
Valentine’s Day spending varies sharply by age and relationship status.
- Highest average spend: Adults aged 25–44
- Married couples spend ~20% more than singles
- Men spend nearly 2× more per person than women
- LGBTQ+ consumers report higher participation rates than the national average
Jewelry purchases are disproportionately driven by men aged 30–49, accounting for over 60% of category sales.
Why These Statistics Matter
Valentine’s Day is unusual because it combines:
- Emotional motivation
- Hard deadlines
- Predictable consumer behavior
That makes it one of the most statistically reliable holidays for forecasting demand in retail, hospitality, logistics, and advertising.
Summary
Valentine’s Day is not defined by romance alone—it is defined by scale:
- $25+ billion in spending
- 145 million cards
- Hundreds of millions of roses
- Tens of millions of restaurant reservations
These patterns repeat every year with minor variation, making Valentine’s Day one of the most data-stable events in the global consumer calendar.
Sources
- National Retail Federation —Valentine’s Day Spending Statistics
- Hallmark / Greeting Card Association — Greeting Card Facts and Statistics: Valentine’s Day
- Society of American Florists —Valentine’s Day Floral Sales and Rose Import Data
- OpenTable —Valentine’s Day Dining Trends in the U.S.
- U.S. Census Bureau — Seasonal Retail Sales and Consumer Spending Data
Last Updated on 01/03/2026