Valentine’s Day statistics unequivocally show how people feel about this memorable holiday. We devote Cupid’s day to those who cause a unique feeling of butterflies in our stomachs. V-day is the celebration of love, and it’s the time when it’s perfectly okay to spoil our loved ones.
We express love and affection to our spouses, partners, family, and even pets. On Valentine’s Day, we take our loved ones to romantic dinners, buy them flowers, jewelry, and candy because love is so sweet. On this day, it’s all about feelings and nothing other than that. On the flip side, this holiday doesn’t just affect our hearts.
It affects many other industries and the economy. Couples in love traditionally spend more money on Valentine’s Day. Therefore, love is actually good for the economy. In other words, the more we love each other on Valentine’s Day, the stronger the retail industry. Simultaneously, retailers’ love towards buyers becomes stronger. In the end, it’s all a beautifully vicious circle of love.
So, in the following text, we’ll take a closer look at the butterfly effect (pun intended) of this magic love day – in numbers, that is.
Let’s begin.
Valentine’s Day Statistics: a Glimpse Through History
The following Valentine’s Day statistics will reveal all the smallest details about this special day – in numbers. Read below for more.
1. The first commercial Valentine’s card premiered in 1913.
(historyextra.com)
Hallmark Cards made an essential step towards the commercialization of this holiday. In 1913, the company produced its first Valentine’s card. Hallmark’s new product came in different shapes and colors, some of which were even considered too intimate and outright inappropriate.
2. People send around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards each year.
(parade.com)
One could say that each holiday has its own special ritual. Valentine’s Day is no different. Namely, on this day, people show affection to their loved ones in different ways. However, one, in particular, stands out. Every February 14, around 145 million cards change hands. This detail makes Valentine’s Day the second largest card-giving holiday, right after Christmas.
3. The first written mention of Valentine’s Day goes back to 1375.
(history.com)
Geoffrey Chaucer was one of England’s most famous poets. Indeed, The Canterbury Tales became his most significant legacy. However, according to History.com, Geoffrey left us more than that.
The earliest mention of Valentine’s Day comes from Jeffrey, as traces of the famous iconography related to this holiday of love were found in his “Parliament of Foules” manuscripts from 1375.
(britannica.com)
Several hypotheses exist about the first Valentine’s Day formal messages, suggesting they first appeared in the 16th century. Regardless, this detail continues to be under a veil of mystery.
Here’s what we know for sure, though: the first commercial cards related to February 14 in the U.S. date back to the mid-1800s.
5. £7,200 is the worth of the oldest official Valentine card in existence.
(gca.cards)
People’s obsession with this holiday borders on immeasurable. In 2019, the oldest known Valentine’s card was sold for a staggering £7,200. Many historians believe this card dates back to the 15th century.
6. Valentine’s Day could be one of the oldest known holidays, originating as early as 496 AD.
(bbc.co.uk)
The holiday of love is likely one of the oldest holidays around. According to the BBC, Valentine’s Day dates back to the year 496 and a Roman festival. Some speculations imply that this holiday bears the name of a priest from the Roman era – Valentine.
7. In 1861, the world saw its first heart-shaped box of chocolate.
(southfloridareporter.com)
Oh, that sweet love. There are countless ways to show affection towards your loved one. It was common to present flowers and send Valentine’s gift cards back in the day.
In 1861, this holiday got its sweetest and most iconic form. Around 160 yeast ago, Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped box to the world. The rest is history.
8. Valentine’s Day Statistics show over 36 million heart-shaped chocolate boxes exchange hands as gifts.
(problog.ftdi.com)
Almost two centuries after the first Valentine’s Day heart-shaped boxes premiered, people’s passion for this sweet gift is as strong as ever. Every year, lovers exchange more than 36 million boxes of this chocolate present.
9. Around 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold on Valentine’s day.
(berkeley.edu)
On Valentine’s Day, we all try to be creative while avoiding common stereotypes. However, sometimes the little things make life better.
Therefore, in addition to cards and flowers, lovers most often exchange chocolate. Estimates indicate that about 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold each year during this special day.
Valentine’s Day Demographic Stats
Cupid’s Day is one of the most popular holidays, and as such, is celebrated around the world. The day of love is popular among both the old and young, so let’s take a closer look at what the numbers say.
10. 55% of millennials live in families, according to Valentine’s Day statistics.
(pewresearch.org)
More than half of millennials live with a spouse and have at least one child. On the other hand, Generation X is slightly more successful in this field with 66%.
Most of the silent generation (1968) live in families, compared to 15% of peers who do not live with a spouse and child. Where there’s unison, there’s almost always affection, meaning Valentine’s Day is trendy among all people of all ages.
11. 51% of people aged 18-34 don’t have a romantic partner.
(washingtonpost.com)
According to The Washington Post, more and more young people don’t have romantic partners. More than half of young Americans fail to have a long-term emotional relationship.
When we compare this data with the same study from 2004, it is evident that this trend is significantly increasing. At the beginning of this millennium, 1 in 3 young Americans didn’t have a romantic partner.
Will this trend have an impact on Valentine’s Day in the future? The numbers seem to suggest so.
12. Men typically spend more on Valentine’s Day.
(alliantcreditunion.com)
On Valentine’s Day, men spend an average of about $ 231. On the other hand, women spend $ 101 to pamper their partners.
13. 88% of Americans marry for love.
(pewresearch.org)
Cupid has been celebrated for a long time, at least if we take into account the information provided by Pew Research. A survey conducted among American spouses shows that as many as 88% of them married out of pure love.
Consequently, one can conclude that as many as 9 out of 10 Americans listen to their heart when choosing a life partner.
14. Approximately 6 million people get engaged on Valentine’s Day every year.
(inquisitr.com)
This statistic typically makes people who believe in love by means of jewelry stores smile. Chocolate boxes aren’t the only sweet present you can receive on this global holiday. Apparently, the famous “Yes” gifts are pretty standard.
So much so that around 6 million people decide their romantic future on February 14 every year. But no pressure, guys.
15. 85% of children receive gifts on Valentine’s Day.
(today.com)
Who could have guessed that children profit the most on this day? Of the 1,500 online respondents, as many as 85% said they would buy a gift for their children on February 14. In contrast, “just” 59% said they would prepare a surprise for their spouse.
16. Only 51% of Americans plan to celebrate this holiday.
(marketwatch.com)
Trends are changing with new generations, Marketwatch research shows. Just over half of Americans plan to mark Valentine’s Day in the year.
This data shows that the popularity of February 14 is declining, given the fact that more than 60% of Americans celebrated Cupid’s Day only a decade ago.
Valentine’s Day Spending Trends
We love to spoil our loved ones on the most romantic day of the year. So, we take them to dinner, make breakfast in bed, buy flowers, and many other gifts.
Some of us gain a few extra pounds in the process. Simultaneously, most people decide not to be penny pinchers when celebrating love.
Thus, we’ll delve deeper into the numbers.
17. $23.9 million is the expected spending on V-Day in the United States.
(statista.com)
On Valentine’s day, bakeries, pastry shops, and jewelry stores rake in the dough. According to Statista, Americans plan to spend around $23.9 million on this day in 2022. However, this amount is a slight decline compared to 2020, when total sales reached a staggering $27.4 million.
18. Valentine’s Day is becoming more expensive (by 44% since last year).
(lendingtree.com)
While some are gaining weight, their wallets are getting thinner. In 2021, Americans spent $164.76 on February 14. As for 2022, projections indicate that Americans will spend $175.41 on romantic presents. However, if we single out those individuals in relationships, the average amount goes up to $208.
19. Total V-Day spending on jewelry will increase compared to 2021.
(instoremag.com)
Valentine’s Day is a genuinely unique day of the year. On this holiday, people try to be more creative than usual. However, tried-and-tested gifts usually result in the approval of our loved ones. Consequently, most people decide to buy jewelry.
On Valentine’s Day 2021, jewelry stores worldwide sold $4.1 billion worth of jewelry. However, 2022 threatens to break the record. Some estimates show that people who celebrate Valentine’s Day plan to spend $6.2 billion on jewelry.
20. In 2021, U.S. residents spent more than $886 million buying presents for their pets.
(dhl.com)
On Valentine’s Day, love and romance are a priority for all. However, the term “love” encompasses a wide range of emotions.
In other words, on February 14, people don’t only celebrate romantic love. On the contrary, they celebrate the purest feelings that come from the heart and use this special day to express their gratitude to those who love them unconditionally.
Consequently, Americans spent just under $1 billion in 2021 on their pets. Bearing in mind what the world went through in 2021, we should thank our pets for putting up with us in the first place.
21. On average, people spent $13 less on Valentine’s Day in 2021 than in 2020.
(NRF.com)
Compared to previous years, 2021 saw a significant reduction in average spending. But the reason for the drop in spending (as much as $13 per person) is not because people suddenly adopted more frugal lifestyles.
The reason lies in the understandable circumstances that befell the globe at the beginning of and during 2021. Quarantine and the inability to travel in many areas have caused a significant decline in average consumption. Popular V-day venues like restaurants and hotels bore the brunt of the lockdown.
22. Men and women from Hong Kong are more generous than romantic couples from other countries.
(statista.com)
Who spoils their spouses more? According to Statista’s research, Hong Kong men plan to spend an average of €126 on their loved ones. On the other hand, women plan to spend a total of €77 on romantic presents.
Men and women from the U.K. are in second place, with planned spending of €116 and €75, respectively. People from Ireland, the US, Germany, and Italy plan to spend a little less on their partners.
23. People spend $4.79 on their coworkers on Valentine’s Day.
(blog.bindy.com)
Colleagues at work are the people we typically spend most of the day with. Friendships often develop among such individuals who often share both the good and the bad.
The numbers confirm the strength of that bond, with people spending an average of $4.79 on gifts to their colleagues. We’re obviously not talking about huge presents, but indeed, happiness is usually in the little things.
24. A quarter (25%) of people plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day virtually.
(finder.com)
We’ve all had harmless laughs while watching people who didn’t quite manage with technology struggle to get it to work. We’ve witnessed people from space, various pets, and other goofy backgrounds on video conference calls.
Apparently, virtual communication is slowly but surely becoming stuck with our generation. Around 1 in 4 couples who aren’t living together will celebrate V-day via phone or alternative conference calls. On the other hand, about 19% plan to go for a romantic walk among those lucky enough to live with their partners.
Valentine’s Day Statistics in Retail
We’ve seen how the figures look from the angle of romance and well-wishing. However, this holiday has a massive impact on earnings in the retail industry. It’s not amiss to imagine countless shopkeepers’ eyes turning into “$” like Crusty Krabs from Spongebob.
Let’s see if that’s really the case.
25. In 2022, 18% of people will make their Valentine’s Day purchases at local shops and small businesses.
(thebalance.net)
What are the lovebirds’ potential shopping destinations? While most people prefer to buy online (41%), more and more consumers decide to spend their money at local stores and small businesses. This trend is also growing – in 2019, only 14% of people spent their money with local retailers.
26. Individuals plan to spend around $2.4 billion on flowers as a Valentine’s Day gift.
(talkbusiness.net)
Most florists see an opportunity to boost sales on Valentine’s Day. So, it’s no surprise that the price of flowers is usually two if not three times higher on this particular day.
One of the reasons has to do with the fact that the flower arrangements on this day feature particularly colorful designs. Consequently, people who celebrate Valentine’s Day spend about $2.4 billion on flowers on average.
27. 40% of people prefer gifts of experience, as per Valentine’s Day statistics.
(fox9.com)
Trends are changing. While flowers, dinners, and jewelry are always an excellent choice, creativity always has an additional value. Around 40% of respondents stated they prefer tickets for a concert or theater show. Sporting events are also on the list of the most desired presents. After all, it’s always lovely when your loved one shows you how much they care and listen.
28. 69% of all flowers sold on Valentine’s Day are red roses.
(gamingsection.com)
Red roses express love, affection, and admiration. So, every V-day, flower shops resemble a bull-fighting arena. Florists, like true matadors, try to hold back rivers of people looking for red.
Almost 69% of all flowers sold on this holiday are red roses, making them by far the most popular. The rest are other flowers, including tulips, carnations, and lilies. Roses are red, violets are blue, people spend more on red, and that’s surprisingly true.
29. 41% of people opt for romantic dinners on Valentine’s Day.
(WalletHub.com)
Think dim lights, candles on the table, and Barry White in the background. About 41% of people plan to turn their dining room into the most romantic restaurant in the world on this day of the year.
30. Valentine’s Day statistics show 74% don’t plan on shopping until the very last minute.
(channelreply.com)
Some people like to go shopping early because buying presents on time can save you lots of trouble.
First of all, you won’t have to worry about unexpected circumstances. Secondly, you’ll avoid the usual holiday crowds.
The only problem is hiding your present from the curious eyes of your loved ones. Apparently, only 28% of people think they’re skilled enough to hide their gifts successfully.
On the other hand, a vast majority (74%) prefer to do their V-day shopping in the month of. This tactic also makes sense since late buyers can typically find the best last-minute deals.
31. 32% of people plan to purchase their Valentine’s Day gifts from discount stores.
(NRF.com)
People celebrate Valentine’s day in many ways. Some like romantic dinners, others buy flowers. However, a handful of them plan on using holiday discounts. In other words, 1 out of 3 people will turn to discount stores when looking for presents. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re cheapskates.
On the contrary, discounts can be life-saving if you’re on a budget. When you think about it, rebates allow you the convenience of buying multiple presents at the cost of just one.
Valentine’s Day eCommerce Spending Statistics
As is common these days, more and more people choose to shop online. So, with further ado, here are some stats on e-shopping on Valentine’s Day.
32. eCommerce conversion rates can go up to a whopping 332% on Valentine’s Day.
(dynamicyield.com)
If you have your own online business, you’ll be pleased with the fact that on Valentine’s Day, you can increase the conversion rate by a staggering 332%. Making these unrealistic numbers actually happen means you’ll need to customize your catalog for the special day. However, you’ll also need to choose the right strategy.
33. Shoppers may save up to 30% by purchasing valentine’s day gifts online instead of in stores.
(Forbes.com)
Some people find online shopping more convenient than visiting their brick-and-mortar counterparts, knowing that online sellers usually prepare significant discounts. Consequently, on average, individuals can save up to 30% through online shopping.
34. 41 percent of people plan to buy Valentine’s Day gifts exclusively online.
(statista.com)
Searching for the right present can be daunting. We had to go from store to store looking to buy something for our loved ones back in the day. Today, perfect presents are just a few clicks away. New trends bring new habits.
As a result, 41% of people will only look for gifts online. On the other hand, around 20% plan to visit brick-and-mortar stores.
Conclusion
Every day is perfect for celebrating love. Many often show affection, tenderness, and endearment towards a loved one without looking at the calendar. Love is universal, and everyone sees it but also interprets it in their own way.
However, Valentine’s Day is something we all have in common. This is a holiday for all those who love someone, and, as previously mentioned, it doesn’t have to be romantic love. On this day of the year, we are grateful to those we love. Not to mention, February 14 is the perfect day to enjoy candy without a guilty conscience.
We’ve come to the end of our Valentine’s Day stats, and now I’m left wondering: What does it all MEAN?
In the end, I think it boils down to one thing: love. And also chocolate.
So if you’re looking for your special someone to treat with a heart-shaped box of chocolates or a bouquet of long-stemmed roses this Valentine’s Day, just make sure you don’t get too caught up in the statistics—because the only thing that really matters is what’s in your heart.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Sources:
- historyextra.com
- Parade.com
- History.com
- Britannica.com
- Gca.cards
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- Problog.ftdi.com
- berkeley.edu
- Pewresearch.org
- Washingtonpost.com
- Alliantcreditunion.com
- Pewresearch.org
- Inquisitr.com
- Today.com
- Marketwatch.com
- Statista.com
- Lendingtree.com
- Instoremag.com
- Dhl.com
- Nrf.com
- Statista.com
- blog.bindy.com
- finder.com
- Thebalance.com
- Talkbusiness.net
- Fox9.com
- Gamingsection.com
- wallethub.com
- channelreply.com
- nrf.com
- Dynamicyield.com
- Forbes.com
- statista.com