Survey Finds Americans Are Scaling Back Valentine’s Day Spending, Favoring Simple Gestures

[ad_1] by Mary Spiller February 14, 2026

Romantic dinners high the reward listing as common deliberate spending drops sharply from final 12 months.

Individuals are leaning towards conventional, lower-cost gestures this Valentine’s Day, with most preferring a romantic dinner over costly presents, in keeping with a brand new nationwide survey.

A latest CouponFollow ballot of 1,005 adults in relationships discovered that 61% think about a dinner date the best approach to have a good time the vacation. Experiences equivalent to journey or live performance tickets ranked carefully behind at 57%, whereas 46% stated a handwritten card or letter can be their best choice.

Regardless of continued enthusiasm for the event, {couples} look like tightening their budgets in keeping with the survey. On common, respondents stated they plan to spend $87 on their companion this 12 months — a notable lower from 2025, when Individuals reported budgeting $155 for Valentine’s presents total.

As reported by CNBC, Clay Cary, senior tendencies analyst at CouponFollow, stated the shift displays a broader recalibration somewhat than a lack of curiosity within the vacation. “There was a big change in how Individuals are approaching this vacation,” Cary stated. “They don't seem to be pulling away from Valentine’s Day, however they're being extra selective on how a lot they're prepared to, or can, spend on this vacation.”

Rising prices could also be taking part in a task. Since early 2020, cumulative inflation as measured by the Client Value Index has elevated roughly 26%, in keeping with information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI tracks worth adjustments throughout a variety of products and companies, together with necessities equivalent to groceries and gasoline.

The monetary pressure is prompting some {couples} to skip the celebration fully. One in 5 respondents stated they plan to forgo Valentine’s Day this 12 months.

Douglas Boneparth, president of wealth administration agency Bone Fide Wealth, stated perceptions about whether or not $87 is loads or slightly rely largely on particular person monetary circumstances. For some households, that quantity could really feel substantial; for others, modest. Finally, he famous, spending ought to align with revenue and out there assets.

Boneparth means that {couples} take time to mirror on their monetary values earlier than deciding how one can have a good time. People ought to think about what cash represents to them and the way these beliefs form their priorities. Discussing expectations collectively can even make clear what every companion values most.

“I believe by answering these questions on your self and one another, you in all probability come to a way more significant Valentine’s Day,” Boneparth stated.

As inflation continues to affect client conduct, this 12 months’s information suggests many Individuals are choosing heartfelt gestures over excessive worth tags — protecting romance intact whereas protecting spending in examine.