Valentine's Day is an annual celebration of love and affection that has been around for centuries. In recent years, the holiday has taken on a new form as more and more people are celebrating "Digital Valentine's Day". This version of the holiday is all about celebrating love online and has become increasingly popular in the age of digital technology. Let's take a closer look at this trend and what it means for consumers and digital marketers.

Online Shopping Behavior on Digital Valentine's Day

Digital Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love online, and that includes shopping. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans spent over $21 billion on Valentine's Day gifts in 2021, $23.9 billion in 2022 and an outstanding of $25.9 billion expected in 2023, 2 billion dollars more than last year, according to Statista (see stats in this link). This includes traditional gifts like chocolates and flowers, as well as digital gifts like e-cards and virtual experiences.

In recent years, online shopping has become increasingly popular on Valentine's Day. In 2020, 32% of consumers purchased Valentine's Day gifts online, up from 27% in 2019. With the ongoing pandemic and social distancing measures, it's likely that even more people will turn to online shopping for their Valentine's Day gifts this year.

Past Sales on Digital Valentine's Day

Digital Valentine's Day has become a major sales event for retailers and digital marketers. In 2020, Valentine's Day spending in the United States reached a record $27.4 billion, up from $20.7 billion in 2019. This includes both traditional and digital gifts, but digital gifts are becoming increasingly popular. It's interesting that even in 2023 we haven't paired 2020 sales. Was it because the nostalgic need for touch and connection during the pandemic worst part? What do you think?

Some of the most popular digital gifts on Valentine's Day include e-cards, social media shoutouts, and virtual experiences like online cooking classes or virtual wine tastings. These gifts offer a unique way to celebrate love and connect with loved ones in the digital age.

Total expected Valentine's Day spending in the United States from 2009 to 2023

What to Expect from Digital Marketers in this "love week"

Digital marketers are always looking for new ways to connect with consumers, and Valentine's Day is no exception. This year, we can expect digital marketers to ramp up their campaigns and focus on online shopping and digital gifts.

Expect to see a lot of social media advertising and influencer partnerships promoting Valentine's Day gift ideas. You may also see more personalized advertising, based on browsing and purchasing history, as retailers try to make shopping online feel more like shopping in-person.

Final Thoughts

Digital Valentine's Day is a unique and increasingly popular way to celebrate love in the digital age. With more and more people turning to online shopping for their Valentine's Day gifts, digital marketers are sure to step up their campaigns and focus on digital gifts and experiences. Whether you're celebrating with a traditional gift or a digital one, there are plenty of ways to show your love and connect with loved ones on this special day.