Valentine's Day spending trends reveal growing financial pressures

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Valentine’s Day spending trends reveal growing financial pressures. In 2025, it’s estimated that over half of the UK population (53%) plan to spend money this Valentine’s Day[1].

It’s expected that over £1.5bn will be spent in total, with the average person predicted to spend £52[2].

Gifts and credit can go hand in hand

Research from Experian reveals that, in 2024, spending on dating and relationships had a significant financial impact, with the average person aged 18-35 building up £2,250 of debt[3]. This statistic highlights that younger generations are more likely to spend more on gifts. For instance, Gen Z (aged 18-27) spends an average of £70, which is significantly above the nationwide average of £52[4].

Additionally, 19% of people used credit cards to help pay for their gifts[5].

Using credit cards can seem like a good idea when buying gifts for a loved one, but if you don’t use credit cards sensibly and make sure you can make the repayments on time, it can lead to longer-term problems.

What happens when you miss repayments

Missing repayments on credit cards and loans can affect you financially and emotionally, leading to added stress as you try to pay back what you owe.

Check out our page on default notices to better understand what these are.

Think about the way you pay

Even if you use your debit card, it’s important to make sure you have enough money in your account first.

For example, if you’re using an overdraft, although it may seem like an invisible safety cushion, you’re paying for things with money you don’t have.

Be careful with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes and understand the agreement you’re committing to before going ahead with this type of payment. While paying this way allows people the flexibility to spread the cost of a purchase over time, using BNPL can open people up to financial risks that might not be worth the convenience in the longer term.

Budget-friendly ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day

We’ve put together some budget-friendly ideas if you’re choosing to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year:

Look at your budget – review your expenses and see where you might be able to adjust non-essential spending to accommodate the occasion
Consider setting a spending limit
Choose to celebrate on a different day, when prices may be cheaper
Spend time, not money
See how your providers can help, for example EDF is offering free electricity on Valentine’s evening from 7pm to 11pm[6]

If you want more ways to maximise your budget, check out BudgetSmart.

Valentine’s Day spending trends reveal growing financial pressures

Gifts and credit can go hand in hand

What happens when you miss repayments

Think about the way you pay

Budget-friendly ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day

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