Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day 2025 will still be a global celebration of romance, friendship, and—let’s be honest—shopping. While opinions on this “holiday” may be divided (some cringe at the heart-infested décor, while others bake pink cupcakes weeks in advance), one thing is certain: the spending trend remains strong. Although the 2020 record of $27.4 billion hasn’t been surpassed yet, 2024 still saw a hefty $25.8 billion in holiday spend—only slightly down from the previous year and significantly increased from 2021 and 2022.
So, is Valentine’s Day worth the investment in 2025? Absolutely. Whether folks buy candy hearts for their sweethearts or plan elaborate proposals, they’re still consistently swiping those bank cards. Here’s how to ensure your products get the visibility and consideration they deserve.
Identifying Exactly What Is Most in Demand This Valentine’s Day
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the numbers don’t lie—and according to the NRF’s 2024 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey (conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics), jewelry continues to top wish lists at a whopping $6.4 billion. The classic “let’s dine out and be fancy” approach is not far behind, with an evening out forecasted at $4.9 billion. Meanwhile, flowers hold steady at $3 billion, proving roses still have a special place in our hearts (and on our tables). Rounding out the lineup is clothing, at $2.6 billion, for those who prefer to show love via stylish new threads.
Does this mean that if you don’t offer any of these products, there is no hope that you will increase revenue this V-Day? Not at all. It’ll just require some out-of-the-box thinking!
Here is some inspiration on how to approach your product and marketing planning:
- Check the Buzz
Influencers and publications—like Chrissy Teigen and Glamour—often shape consumer cravings, tapping into current trends and doing the gift-buying research on your behalf. - Analyze Your Own Data
Look at your previous Valentine’s Day sales. Which items sold best? Double down. Which items flopped? Rethink your approach or create special bundles that add real (or perceived) value. - What do you do if you don’t ofer a top category product? If you’re a smaller business, consider partnering with a local restaurant looking for more visibility this Valentine’s Day. You could bundle your products with a voucher for their restaurant, creating an all-in-one gift option. Customers who might not have considered your product before may now be tempted by the extra value of a dining experience.
Gift Guides: The Key to Maximizing Your Valentine’s Day Marketing
Gift guides aren’t just a handy checklist; whether in printed or digital catalog format, they’re a powerful way to steer customers to your top products and spark excitement.
- Spotlight Your Bestsellers
Put the items most likely to fly off the shelves front and center. If shoppers have to search for your star products, there’s a higher chance they’ll get distracted or lose interest. - Showcase Promotions Clearly
Use bold text or graphics to highlight deals. If you’re offering, say, 15% off a popular item, make sure that’s impossible to miss. - Link Directly
Every featured product should have a direct “Buy Now” button or link. The fewer clicks to purchase, the better. - Add a Dash of Humor
Even if you’re hawking the practical stuff, like socks, clever copywriting can make the journey more enjoyable. Think of your gift guide as a mini conversation with your customers.
Source: Gump’s Catalogs
Find Your Valentine’s Day Niche to Ensure You Stand Out
If you sell flowers or candy, you’re pretty much sorted when it comes to Valentine’s Day 2025 sales success, however, any product outside of that needs to do a little bit of extra work and create a clever niche that makes consumers notice them. Here are a few examples of how a store that sells non-traditional Valentine’s Day products can still find success:
- Camping Gear
Why not market a “Lovers’ Stargazing Bundle”? Throw in ideas for a romantic campsite or instructions on setting up an inflatable pool-cinema under the stars. It’s unique, Instagrammable, and memorable. - Bookstores
Curate a “Reading Is Romantic” bundle featuring love-themed novels, quirky bookmarks, and a handwritten list of cozy reading nook ideas. Throw in a small scented candle for that extra snuggle factor. - Local Bakeries
Promote a “Bake ‘n’ Love” kit with cupcake mixes, icing, and fun decorations. Show how couples or families can bond in the kitchen by creating sweet treats together—ideal for Valentine’s or Galentine’s gatherings.
A bit of research on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest can spark plenty of fresh angles.
Jewellery and Proposal-Related Opportunities
Jewelry might be a straightforward Valentine’s Day sale, but maybe you offer something that pairs perfectly with proposals.
According to Evolution Money, jewelry sales peak on February 8th, and 10% of all marriage proposals happen on Valentine’s Day. Even more telling, Google Trends data shows big leaps in searches like “how to propose” throughout February. These are crucial opportunities for retailers beyond jewelers—think balloons, décor services, sign printing, photography, videography, and more.
Even supermarkets can capitalize on the proposal demand by selling picnic basket bundles or road-trip snack packs and marketing them as proposal kits. Add a free curated playlist to turn a simple grocery purchase into a love-themed solution.
Whether you’re selling engagement ring boxes or “Will You Marry Me?” banners, jump on the trending proposal Google searches to boost your visibility.
Don’t Miss Out on the Galentine’s Day Trend
Because let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day is more for the girl anyway, isn’t it? Enter Galentine’s Day—coined by the ever-enthusiastic Leslie Knope (from Parks and Recreation)—which is all about celebrating female friendships. It has its own vibe, distinct from the usual hearts-and-flowers romantic focus.
- Meal Deals & Décor
If you’re a supermarket, bundle up starter-to-dessert meal deals and include decorations that scream “girl power.” Think pastel balloons, cute pink plates, or confetti-filled crackers. - Self-Care & Pamper Kits
If your specialty is skincare, bath bombs, or candles, create pre-packaged spa-night kits for besties to enjoy together. Add a witty card like, “You’re my better half—minus the whole ‘dating’ thing.” - Virtual or In-Person Events
Host a fun cocktail/mocktail class in-store or online. Encourage friends to celebrate together—everyone loves an excuse to gather, giggle, and snap Instagram-worthy photos. - Customized Merch
Sell “Galentine’s Squad” T-shirts or totes. Think matching pajamas, slippers, or robes. People adore that sense of belonging—especially when it’s on-trend and shareable on social media.
Galentine’s Day continues to gain momentum, so don’t skip out. When you gear your products or services toward groups of gal pals, you’ll likely see those sales (and social shares) jump.
Source: People Magazine
Have Fun With Inspiration for Gifts For Men
So, we’ve all faced that yearly dilemma: “Should I just get him socks and underwear again?” Maybe not—unless they’re a particularly hilarious design or truly needed. Here are a few ways to level up:
- Personalized Gifts
Is he a grill master or a craft beer enthusiast? Think custom steak-branding irons, etched beer glasses, or a spice rub set with his name on it. - Experiences Over Stuff
Tickets to a local sports event, a weekend hiking adventure, or a car racing experience can pack more punch than another “World’s Best Husband” mug. - Upgraded Essentials
Sure, gadgets are cliché, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t welcome. Wireless earbuds, a top-notch travel coffee mug, or a fancy shaving kit can be big wins.
At the end of the day, guys like practical gifts—but add a thoughtful spin so it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Events and How to Use Them to Boost Purchases
Events don’t have to be huge galas; even small get-togethers can generate buzz and drive sales.
- Fashion Retailers
Host a mini-runway or styling event that is Valentine’s themed. Live-stream it for those who can’t attend in person, and then drop a discount code during the show. - Workshops
If you sell crafts or stationery, offer a Valentine’s-themed card-making workshop. It’s a hands-on way to showcase your products and engage with customers. - Pop-Up Partnerships
Collaborate with a local café or restaurant for a pop-up booth. Pair that cappuccino aroma with your scented candles or heart-themed mugs to create a mini “romance market.”
Start Early And Tap Into Valentine’s Day 2025 Potential
Clearly, Valentine’s Day isn’t going anywhere—people love celebrating love (or celebrating themselves and their friends) and are happy to open their wallets to make it extra special. Whether it’s classic candy and flowers, creative proposal support, Galentine’s events, or niche gift ideas for men, there’s room for every business to shine.
The key is discovering how your product or service fits into the Valentine’s Day 2025 puzzle—and then getting creative about showing it off. With the right gift guide, clever promotions, and a bit of holiday spirit, you can make 2025 your best Valentine’s Day season yet. After all, who doesn’t want a little more love (and sales) in their life?
