How Valentine's Day Gift Buying Has Changed Over the Years
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love, whether with a new partner or a lifelong spouse. Typically, gifts like chocolates, jewellery, and roses are the go-to choices. However, these buying trends and how we celebrate this day have changed over the years due to a shift in cultural, societal, and environmental values. In this blog, we’ll explore the evolving trends in Valentine’s Day gifting and share fresh, thoughtful ideas to inspire you this year.
Living plants beautifully gift wrapped and delivered make the perfect alternative to traditional Valentine's Gifts this year
The Origin of Valentine's Day Gifts
Every February 14th, people exchange gifts with their loved ones, traditionally in the form of chocolates, jewellery, or red roses.
The tradition of giving chocolates dates back to the 19th century when Richard Cadbury (yes, that Cadbury) introduced beautifully designed heart-shaped boxes, making chocolate a popular Valentine’s gift. Chocolate’s association with love goes back even further too, as both the Mayans and Aztecs considered chocolate a gift from the gods.
Red roses, on the other hand, have symbolised love for centuries. In ancient Greece, red roses were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, while in the Victorian era, they became a discreet way to express feelings when the expression of emotions was taboo.
Since then, roses have remained a symbol of love and are the most common gift to give on Valentine's Day.
The Peak of Valentine's Day Gift Economy
In the mid-to-late 20th century, Valentine's Day reached its peak. This is when companies began to heavily market the holiday through grand gestures, and the gift economy skyrocketed. Red roses, jewellery, and fancy dinners became staples of the day.
During this time, red roses became the symbol of Valentine's Day, with billions of cut roses being imported from places like Kenya, Colombia, Ecuador, and India to meet the growing demand. Valentine’s Day peaked in the late 90s and early 2000s, and retailers capitalised on the tradition, and by 2024, spending had reached over £2 billion.
A Shift in Consumer Behaviour
Although spending overall has increased, there have been fluctuations in how much is spent on Valentine’s Day in recent years. In 2019 the UK spent over £1 billion, in 2020 this increased to £1.45 billion; and in 2021 it decreased to £926 million before increasing again to £1.37 billion in 2022. This fluctuating behaviour may be due to an overall change in behaviour when it comes to lifestyle, environmental awareness, and social norms.
Environmental Awareness
There has been a rise in eco-conscious consumers, with many avoiding imported flowers because of the environmental cost. Imported red roses are frequently criticised for their carbon footprint, so more people are looking towards similar gifts with lower environmental impact, such as potted red roses.
Changing Demographics
More people in the UK remain single, meaning the focus of Valentine’s Day has shifted. According to ONS, there is an 8% increase in people living alone. This change means more people are choosing to celebrate self-love and friendships (such as the trending Galentine’s Day celebrations) rather than romantic gifts.
Personalised Gifts
Consumers in the UK also seem to be leaning into more personal or sentimental gifts for Valentine’s Day, such as experiences, getaways, or homemade gifts, or gifts that last rather than material gifts like cut flowers or chocolates.
The Decline of Red Roses
Due to the shift we’re seeing in consumer behaviour, many people are shifting away from cut, imported red roses. Importing involves high carbon emissions, water use, and pesticide application – not to mention the carbon footprint of imported red roses can be 10 times greater than locally grown flowers and plants. This means eco-conscious consumers are moving towards more sustainable alternatives.
There is also a shift away from traditional gifts. Potted plants like orchids, succulents, and lemon trees are becoming more appealing as they symbolise care and longevity.
How Valentine's Day is Being Celebrated Today
Today, many consumers are choosing more eco-friendly gifts such as locally grown flowers, dried floral arrangements, and potted plants. Valentine’s Day is also no longer just for couples; it’s a day to celebrate friendships and self-love.
The combination of shifting societal values, economic pressures, and environmental awareness suggests that Valentine’s Day is becoming less traditional and more personal.
Choose Plants4Presents for Valentine's Day This Year
At Plants4Presents, we nurture our plants in our Sussex-based nursery and deliver them all over the UK in recycled and recyclable packing. Each plant is carefully gift wrapped and boxed with a choice of stylish containers. We even handwrite all our greeting cards, and each plant is delivered with care instructions to ensure they stand the test of time. Our plants are the perfect alternative to traditional Valentine's gifts this year!
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas by Plants4Presents
With the changing tastes and a focus on sustainability and personalisation, why not go beyond traditional cut flowers and chocolates for something a little more special, like a Valentine’s plant?
Pot of Red Roses
Living pots of red roses with a cute heart pick will bloom for Valentine's Day and beyond
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Peace Lilies
Elegant Peace Lilies will arrive with an attractive pot and a handwritten greetings card
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Giant Red Amaryllis
Your loved ones will be over the moon with these truly giant Amaryllis bulbs!
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Pot of Roses
A great alternative to cut red roses is our beautiful miniature pot of red roses. This is the perfect way to keep the tradition of red roses but make it more sustainable. This is a wonderful gift that will last and last and can even be planted out in the garden after flowering for a repeat display next year.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies symbolise peace, calmness, and hope, making them a perfect alternative to roses on Valentine's Day. They are beautiful in any surroundings and thrive even in little light conditions. Lilies are a wonderful gift for long-term partners and friends.
Giant Red Amaryllis
This beautiful plant produces impressive giant bulbs that bloom into stunning red flowers, a wonderful alternative to the traditional red rose. Giant Red Amaryllis are classic winter flowers, making them perfect for gifting in February.
Vine and Wine Gift Set
Go beyond the traditional bottle of wine this Valentine’s Day and surprise your partner with a unique vine and wine gift set. Not only does this include a bottle of wine, but it also comes with a vine that will produce delicious grapes for years to come. This is a thoughtful and lasting gift perfect for wine lovers.
Find More Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
Browse the full range of gorgeous flowering, fruiting, and foliage plants and romantic gifts for delivery on Valentine's Day here.
