Valentine's Day is not only a day filled with love and romance, but it is also one of the most important days in the retail industry. Every year, consumers around the world spend billions of dollars on gifts and experiences for their loved ones.

How much money American spend on Valentine's Day

According to a survey held by the US National Retail Federation, in the United States, the average person spent $175.41 on Valentine's Day in 2022. Overall spending on the holiday reached a staggering $23.9 billion, making it one of the most lucrative shopping days of the year. It is comparable to other important shopping days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. On these days, retailers can expect to see a surge in sales as consumers take advantage of deals and discounts. As Valentine's Day continues to be an important shopping holiday, let's take a closer look at the most popular gifts on this special day.

Valentine's Day most Popular Gifts

Regarding the types of presents bought by Americans on Valentine's day, it comes as no surprise that candy, greeting cards and flowers were the most sought-after gifts, followed by jewelry and clothing.

Source: US National Retail Federation

Specifically, candy was the top pick among shoppers, with 56% buying it and spending an average of $15.9. Popular candies are chocolates, especially heart-shaped boxes of chocolates.

Greeting cards were the next popular choice, with 40% of shoppers choosing them and spending an average of $7.47. Popular greeting cards are sentimental cards, handmade ones, and ones with heartfelt messages.

Flowers also proved to be a popular choice, with 37% of shoppers spending an average of $16.71 on gifting them to their loved ones. Among the flowers, roses are the most popular and they are often gifted in the traditional romantic red.

Jewelry were also widely purchased, with 20% of shoppers spending an average of $45.95 on them. Necklaces, specially with sentimental inscriptions like the "you are my sunshine" necklace are the top choice among jewelry gifts.

Valentine's Day also represents a time when couples take the opportunity to go out for a special evening. 31% of shoppers took their significant other on an evening out and spent an average of $31.35 on it.

Clothing also made the list of popular gifts, with 20% of shoppers spending an average of $21.46. on dressing their Valentines.

Finally, 19% of Valentine's Day shoppers chose to spend an average of $17.22 on gift cards.

Source: US National Retail Federation

These findings from the US National Retail Federation survey demonstrate the significance of Valentine's Day as a shopping holiday and how it continues to be an important day for retailers in the US. As consumers continue to show their love and affection through gift-giving on this special day, retailers can expect to see a boost in sales, particularly in categories such as candy, greeting cards, flowers and jewlery.