Brits are expected to spend a record £2.38 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts, flowers, and cards this year, according to Parcelhero. This represents a 7% increase over last year.
With the big day fast approaching, Parcelhero’s data shows that British shoppers are set to send 25 million cards, 22 million gifts and 4 million floral bouquets. They’re also expected to spend around £85m on chocolates and confectionery.
Parcelhero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., said: “This year, those people who give their Valentine a gift are set to spend an average of £107.52 on jewellery, clothing and the like, which is 5% more than in 2025. With Valentine’s Day handily falling on a Saturday this year, even more candlelit meals for two, trips to the cinema, etc are on the cards.”
Jinks referenced a recent Statistica survey showing that the UK ranks second only to Hong Kong in average Valentine’s Day spending. Interestingly, men typically spend more on cards and gifts than women. “Men in Hong Kong spent the equivalent of £91 on average, while women spent £66,” Jinks said. “In the UK, men spent an average of £100 and women £65. This surpasses the US, where men spent £85 and women £65, and Italy, where men spent £86 and women £59 on gifts.”
Ecommerce mini-peak
As Jinks notes, Valentine’s Day creates a mini-peak for ecommerce businesses and carriers. “According to the Government’s logistics awareness campaign Generation Logistics, around 75% of people in the UK will buy their Valentine’s gifts online. While flowers and chocolates are the most common items, there is also a high demand for courier services to deliver personalised items, clothing, and lingerie,” he said.
He added: “Of course, Valentine’s creates a mini seasonal peak for delivery companies and there is always a surge in demand for last-minute, next-day deliveries before 14 February.”
With Brits spending big and 75% of Valentine’s purchases happening online, the real winners this year will be retailers and carriers who can deliver speed, certainty and stress-free last-mile experiences. In ecommerce terms, Valentine’s Day is less about romance – and more about fulfilment performance.
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