Brits set to spend a record £2.38bn on Valentine’s Day.

New research from the home delivery expert Parcelhero reveals that Brits are set to spend a record £2.38bn on Valentine’s Day gifts, flowers and cards to mark the big day. That’s a 7% increase on last year.

The UK has taken Valentine’s Day to its heart more than any other European country. This year UK Valentine lovers are set to send:

25m cards
22m gifts
4m floral bouquets
Brits will also be splashing out on sweets for their sweethearts, spending around £85m on chocolates and confectionery. Add in a romantic meal for two and it’s no wonder Brits will be breaking records.

Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘It seems the UK is a nation of incurable romantics. 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.

‘A recent Statista survey of selected countries worldwide found the UK was second only to Hong Kong in terms of average spending on Valentine’s Day gifts. Men in Hong Kong splashed out the equivalent of £91 on average and women £66. Here in the UK, men spent an average of £100 and women £65. That beat the big-spending US, where men spent the equivalent of £85 and women £65 on average. It even beat the Italians, where men spent an average £86 and women £59 on gifts for their amores.

‘Valentine’s Day is significant for e-commerce 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.

‘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. That’s why we strongly advise even the most lovestruck to come to their senses and buy their gifts in plenty of time. Telling the one you love that their gift is still with the courier may dampen that romantic moment.

‘Of course, Valentine’s Day can bring other potential problems. Recent surveys have revealed that around 20% of people have broken up with a partner on or around the 14th. There’s a lot of emotional pressure surrounding the big day. If your relationship has floundered or your loved one just doesn’t like the gift you bought them, remember that you can still return most items purchased online, providing you notify the seller within 14 days. However, there is a Valentine’s Day catch.

‘It’s important to remember that many popular Valentine’s Day gifts can’t be returned unless they are faulty. Personalised items such as a ring with an engraved message or personalised glassware or teddy bears are not returnable. Nor are products that it would be unhygienic to return, such as pierced earrings. And, forgive me if I get a little flustered here, but if you purchased romantic underwear and the packaging has been unsealed or the lingerie has been worn, that’s also exempt from the no-fault returns law.

‘Even those of us who don’t have a significant other to lavish money on at Valentine’s may still have a good reason to splash out. Around 25% of UK pet owners plan to get their pampered pooches and marvellous moggies something special for the 14th.

‘While it’s men who spend more on buying and sending Valentine’s Day gifts throughout most of the world, German women spend an average £64 compared to men’s £55 and South African women spend £35 on average and men £31.

‘So here’s a hint to any South African gents currently in the UK who have partners back in South Africa. Parcelhero has great rates on shipping gifts there. There’s also a handy guide to shipping to South Africa, so there really is no excuse. Furthermore, gifts valued at R1 400 (currently around £63) or less don’t incur any Customs fees, providing they are clearly labelled. Find out more at: https://www.parcelhero.com/research/parceltips-shipping-to-south-africa