The average spending on gifts for Valentine's Day in the USA in 2026 will reach $199.78 per person. This is the highest ever recorded and a new record for this holiday. This is reported by Delo.ua.
Compared to last year, when Americans spent an average of $188.81, festive budgets have increased by more than $10. The previous record of $196.31 was recorded in 2020. Analysts note that the increase in the average expenditure occurs despite economic uncertainty.
The average expenditure on Valentine's Day gifts is breaking records
According to a study by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, total spending by Americans for Valentine's Day will be $29.1 billion compared to $27.5 billion last year. This year, 55% of residents in the USA plan to celebrate, and gifts will not only be bought for partners.
The main spending categories will look like this:
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83% will buy a gift for their significant other totalling $14.5 billion;
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58% will purchase gifts for family members amounting to $4.5 billion;
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33% will spend money on friends totalling $2.4 billion;
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27% will prepare gifts for classmates and teachers of children totalling $2.2 billion;
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21% will make presents for colleagues totalling $1.7 billion.
Spending on Valentine's Day gifts: what and where do they buy
A distinct trend has emerged for gifts for pets. 35% of Americans plan to purchase them, and total spending in this category will rise to $2.1 billion.
The most popular gifts remain sweets, flowers, and cards, as well as festive dinners and decorations. At the same time, the most money is traditionally spent on jewelry, and online stores remain the main channel of purchases.
Analysts emphasize that the record average expenditure indicates a rise in demand for emotional and symbolic purchases, which provides a strong seasonal boost to retail at the beginning of the year.
Recall that it became known how many Ukrainians will not celebrate Valentine's Day.