SurveysJan 29, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips for Second Consecutive Month SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRF
Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.
The “Sweet Life” ring by Mined + Found is made of 14-karat yellow gold with enamel and diamonds ($6,450). Consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Washington—The National Retail Federation is forecasting a lovely Valentine’s Day for retailers, with jewelry once again a top gift for the holiday.
Consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics, up from $25.8 billion last year and surpassing the previous record of $27.4 billion in 2020.
Shoppers plan to spend $188.81 on average, up from $185.81 last year.
“Whether they are celebrating a significant other or someone else in their lives, Valentine’s Day is meaningful for many people,” said NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen.
“Consumers are looking for special ways to treat their loved ones and can expect retailers to provide the best gift options and deals.”
Jewelry is the fifth-most popular gift option but No.1 in terms of dollars spent, with 22 percent of shoppers expected to buy jewelry, spending a record $6.5 billion.
In the No. 1 spot for most popular gift is candy (56 percent, $2.5 billion), followed by flowers (40 percent, $2.9 billion), greeting cards (40 percent, $1.4 billion), and an evening out (35 percent, $5.4 billion).
More than half of consumers (56 percent) plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, up from 53 percent in 2024.
Men are more likely to celebrate the holiday than women this year, with 55 percent saying they plan to participate, up from 51 percent in 2024.
Related stories will be right here …
Consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics, up from $25.8 billion last year and surpassing the previous record of $27.4 billion in 2020.
Shoppers plan to spend $188.81 on average, up from $185.81 last year.
“Whether they are celebrating a significant other or someone else in their lives, Valentine’s Day is meaningful for many people,” said NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen.
“Consumers are looking for special ways to treat their loved ones and can expect retailers to provide the best gift options and deals.”
Jewelry is the fifth-most popular gift option but No.1 in terms of dollars spent, with 22 percent of shoppers expected to buy jewelry, spending a record $6.5 billion.
In the No. 1 spot for most popular gift is candy (56 percent, $2.5 billion), followed by flowers (40 percent, $2.9 billion), greeting cards (40 percent, $1.4 billion), and an evening out (35 percent, $5.4 billion).
More than half of consumers (56 percent) plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, up from 53 percent in 2024.
Men are more likely to celebrate the holiday than women this year, with 55 percent saying they plan to participate, up from 51 percent in 2024.
Similar to last year, respondents are prioritizing giving gifts to loved ones, whether they have a romantic or friendly relationship.
“Consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day through a variety of ways to show appreciation and love for the many different people around them,” said Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist.
“Purchasing gifts for those outside of significant others or family members continues to rise in popularity and reflects consumers’ growing interest in celebrating all the meaningful relationships in their lives.”
Total spending on significant others is expected to reach a new record of $14.6 billion, up from last year’s record of $14.2 billion.
There are two more spending records forecast this year.
A record percentage of people (32 percent) are buying gifts for friends this year, up from 28 percent last year.
A record 19 percent of respondents are expected to buy a gift for coworkers, up from 16 percent in 2024.
Spending on gifts for family members is forecast to reach $4.3 billion, up from $4 billion last year and in line with the previous record of $4.2 billion in 2020.
Pets will feel the love too, with 32 percent planning to buy a gift for their pets, in line with last year.
The most popular shopping destination is online (38 percent), followed by department stores (34 percent), discount stores (29 percent), and florists and specialty stores (tied at 18 percent).
Though not everyone will celebrate the holiday in the traditional sense, 28 percent of respondents said they still plan to mark the occasion.
The most popular ways to do that include treating oneself to something nice and planning a get-together with other single friends and family.
The survey included 8,020 adult consumers and was conducted Jan. 2-7.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
