ColumnistsJan 24, 2023
On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022 SurveysJan 30, 2023
Consumers Embracing Non-Traditional Ways to Mark Valentine’s Day
The NRF’s annual survey shows that consumer attitudes about how, or even whether, to celebrate Feb. 14 continue to evolve.
For its annual Valentine’s Day survey, the National Retail Federation polled more than 7,000 consumers, asking them how much they plan to spend and where they will shop for gifts and other Valentine’s Day-related items.
Washington, D.C.—The National Retail Federation has released its annual Valentine’s Day survey, which gives insight into what U.S. consumers plan to do and give this Feb. 14, and how much they plan to spend.
NRF conducted the survey between Jan. 3-11, polling 7,616 U.S. adult consumers.
Jewelry was the sixth most popular gift to give mentioned by survey-takers, behind the Valentine’s Day standards of candy (57 percent), greeting cards (40 percent), flowers (37 percent), an evening out (32 percent), and a gift of experience, meaning concert tickets, a spa day, skydiving, etc. (32 percent).
Twenty-one percent of consumers polled said they plan to give jewelry as a gift, with total spending potentially topping $5.5 billion.
Jewelry topped both gift cards (20 percent) and clothing (19 percent) as Valentine’s Day gifts this year.
The NRF’s survey also showed consumer attitudes about whether to celebrate Valentine’s Day, as well as how and with whom, continue to evolve in lockstep with attitudes about traditional romantic relationships.
The percentage of survey-takers who said they plan to celebrate Feb. 14 continues to hover around 50 percent (52 percent this year, down slightly from 53 percent last year), as it has for the past decade.
The last time the percentage of Valentine’s Day devotees topped 50 percent was 2013, when it stood at 60 percent.
However, a not-insignificant percentage of respondents said they plan to observe the day in a less traditional manner.
Related stories will be right here …
NRF conducted the survey between Jan. 3-11, polling 7,616 U.S. adult consumers.
Jewelry was the sixth most popular gift to give mentioned by survey-takers, behind the Valentine’s Day standards of candy (57 percent), greeting cards (40 percent), flowers (37 percent), an evening out (32 percent), and a gift of experience, meaning concert tickets, a spa day, skydiving, etc. (32 percent).
Twenty-one percent of consumers polled said they plan to give jewelry as a gift, with total spending potentially topping $5.5 billion.
Jewelry topped both gift cards (20 percent) and clothing (19 percent) as Valentine’s Day gifts this year.
The NRF’s survey also showed consumer attitudes about whether to celebrate Valentine’s Day, as well as how and with whom, continue to evolve in lockstep with attitudes about traditional romantic relationships.
The percentage of survey-takers who said they plan to celebrate Feb. 14 continues to hover around 50 percent (52 percent this year, down slightly from 53 percent last year), as it has for the past decade.
The last time the percentage of Valentine’s Day devotees topped 50 percent was 2013, when it stood at 60 percent.
However, a not-insignificant percentage of respondents said they plan to observe the day in a less traditional manner.
According to the NRF, 28 percent of the survey-takers who said they don’t plan to officially celebrate Valentine’s Day will still mark the day in some way, by seeking out non-Valentine’s Day gifts, treating themselves to something special, or planning a get-together or evening out with single friends and/or family members.
Meanwhile, those formally celebrating Feb. 14 plan to spend more money on people (or animals) who aren’t their significant others this year.
The average amount consumers plan to spend this Valentine’s Day is $192.80, up about $17 when compared with last year ($175.41).
While the average planned spending on gifts for significant others and family members held steady around $130, the amount people plan to spend on pets, friends, coworkers and their children’s teachers and/or classmates rose to $52.65 from $38.36 last year.
Some other points of note from the NRF’s Valentine’s Day survey:
-- Consumers ages 35 to 44 plan to spend the most of any age group, an average of $335.71 for gifts and other Valentine’s Day items;
-- The top shopping destination for Valentine’s Day gifts is online (35 percent), followed by department stores (34 percent), discount stores (31 percent) and specialty stores (18 percent);
-- More than half of consumers surveyed this year said they plan to take advantage of any sales or promotions; and
-- The percentage of consumers planning to give a gift of experience (32 percent) is up from 26 percent last year and 24 percent in 2021—when the pandemic hampered people’s ability to get out—and the highest since the NRF started asking about experiences-as-gifts in 2017.
More on Surveys
The Latest
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
