Valentine’s Day spending is expected to hit over $25 billion

Feb 14, 2024, 9:00 AM | Updated: 9:23 am

FILE: A florist makes a Valentine’s Day floral arrangement at Flower Imagination in Salt Lake City, on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

BY DON BRINKERHOFF

Reporter/Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — According to the National Retail Federation, the average American will spend about $185 celebrating Valentine’s Day this year. The nation as a whole spends an estimated $25.8 billion.

Popular Valentine gifts

Of those questioned, 57% said they’re planning to give candy to someone special. That’s followed by greeting cards at 40% and flowers at 39%.

However, the study showed the least popular gift item is gift cards at just 19%. Online shopping seems to be our favorite way to find something for those special people and pets, followed by department stores, discount shops, and florists.

The study asked more than 8,300 consumers about their Valentine’s shopping plans.

Follow @KSLdbrinkerhoff

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Business & Economy

A South Salt Lake resident contacted KSL with concern about wrong-way drivers in front of his house...

Sarah Martin, KSL

South Salt Lake project causing head-on close-calls, residents plead for help

A South Salt Lake resident said the major construction project outside his home is causing regular close calls with wrong-way drivers.

51 minutes ago

Asay Martinis and Ben Floyd walk at the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 4, 2026...

Adam Small

Great Salt Lake hits lowest level in more than 3 years, but managers say conservation is paying off

At the time of publication, the south arm of Great Salt Lake sat at 4,190.9 feet above sea level. That's less than a foot above the lake's low point in 2021.

22 hours ago

Damage from the Cottonwood Fire can be seen from Highway 153 in Beaver County on Thursday, July 9, ...

Heather Peterson

Beaver County suffers from loss of tourism due to Cottonwood Fire

The Cottonwood Fire is ruining summer tourism in Beaver County, as businesses and county leaders grapple with the lost income.

5 days ago

FILE - This photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows polymetallic nodules in a sample fro...

Dánica Coto, Associated Press

The US plans to auction off sections of water around American Samoa in a push for deep-sea mining

The U.S. government plans to auction off massive sections of water surrounding American Samoa for potential deep-sea mining in an unprecedented move expected to draw criticism from many countries.

5 days ago

The Capitol and downtown Salt Lake City are pictured on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (Isaac Hale, Deseret...

Eric Cabrera

Downtown Salt Lake report highlights booming events, more residents and billions in future investment

A new economic report paints an increasingly busy picture of downtown Salt Lake City, with much more to come in the coming years.

5 days ago

Gas prices at a Speedway station in Salt Lake City on March 31. As Utah settles into the dog days o...

Logan Stefanich, KSL

Iran war fueling economic uncertainty, pressures for Utah consumers

As Utah settles into the dog days of summer, the state's economic picture — like the rest of the nation's — remains uneven and rapidly changing.

6 days ago

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Valentine’s Day spending is expected to hit over $25 billion

Popular Valentine gifts

We want to hear from you.

Business & Economy

Sponsored Articles