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Why Valentine's Day Gifts Now Cost Far More Than Ever Before

A box of chocolates or a bouquet used to be simple gestures. Now, they're luxury splurges—thanks to global crises and skyrocketing production costs.

The image shows a store with a sign that reads "Luck and Love 2021" surrounded by flowers,...
The image shows a store with a sign that reads "Luck and Love 2021" surrounded by flowers, balloons, and other decorative items. In the background, there are stores, lights, and a wall, creating a festive atmosphere for the SM Valentine's Day celebration.

Classic Valentine's Day Gifts Significantly More Expensive Than in 2025 - Why Valentine's Day Gifts Now Cost Far More Than Ever Before

Valentine's Day gifts have seen significant price increases in recent years. Chocolates, flowers, and restaurant meals all experienced sharp price hikes in 2025 compared to previous years. These increases outpaced those of other everyday goods, putting pressure on shoppers. Between 2024 and 2025, the cost of chocolates jumped by 17.8%. Over the longer term, prices surged by 42% since 2020. The steep rise stems from higher cocoa bean costs, driven by poor harvests in West Africa and the ongoing energy crisis. Cut flowers also became pricier, climbing 5.3% from 2024 to 2025. Compared to 2020, their cost has soared by 38%. The increases reflect higher energy and transport expenses, as well as rising fertiliser prices linked to the Ukraine conflict. Eating out has not escaped the trend either. Food and drink in restaurants, cafés, and bars rose by 3.6% in 2025 alone. Over five years, prices have gone up by nearly 32%, pushed by inflation, staffing costs, and energy bills. Overall, classic Valentine's Day gifts have seen much steeper price hikes than general consumer goods. While most items rose by around 15-20% since 2020, chocolates, flowers, and dining out all increased by 25-35%. The trend follows years of supply chain disruptions, energy crises, and global inflation. The data shows that Valentine's Day shoppers now face much higher costs than in previous years. Chocolates, flowers, and meals out have all become notably more expensive, with long-term rises far above the average. The trend reflects broader economic pressures, from energy shortages to global supply issues.

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