Brits 'heart' Valentine's Day! UK set to spend a record £2.38bn

Feb. 5, 2026 - PRLog -- 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.

To compare prices for sending gifts to sweethearts in the UK and abroad, see https://www.parcelhero.com/