Valentine’s Day and the Love Tax

Roses are red, violets are blue,

The love tax exists, but here’s a sweet clue:

You don’t need to spend hundreds or impress to be true

Valentine’s Day has long been associated with the traditional gifts: roses, chocolates wrapped in pink and red, and those stuffed teddy bears that inevitably end up in the back of your closet (or, let’s be real, the trash by Memorial Day). It’s the peak season for florists, and year after year, billions of dollars pour into the consumer market. But hidden beneath the romantic gestures is something many of us don’t realize: a little extra charge on those items—what’s often called the “Love Tax.” Suddenly, the same box of chocolates you picked up in January is 10% more expensive, and you start to wonder…why? In this post, we’ll dive into the why behind the Love Tax, whether it’s something you really need to pay, and—most importantly—how to keep your wallet happy this Valentine’s season without sacrificing the love.

What is the love tax? 

Every year, right around the 14th of February, a sneaky little thing happens: the Love Tax takes over our shelves and store aisles. Think pink roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and anything draped in red—the prices suddenly skyrocket. Why? It’s all about demand. As everyone scrambles to buy the perfect romantic gifts, retailers know they’ve got us right where they want us. They increase prices, capitalizing on the opportunity to price gouge, often due to scarcity, demand, and plain old timing. The Love Tax doesn’t just refer to the financial costs of being in a relationship; it includes the hidden markup on goods surrounding holidays like Valentine’s Day.

Thanks to inflation, you’ll notice an increase in many common Valentine’s Day items: flowers (up 18.6%), candy (12.2%), certain foods and drinks, material goods, hotels (8.5%), and even dining out (6.9%). The pressure to meet expectations—deciding between $30 flowers or $15 chocolates, when you can’t afford both—can take both an emotional and financial toll. We’ve all been there, caught up in the panic of whether one gesture alone will be enough.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to fall for it. You don’t need to spend a small fortune to show you care. With a little understanding of why these price hikes happen—and how to avoid them—you can still create a memorable and meaningful experience without breaking the bank.

Lets first understand why prices increase: 

In 2023, the cost of roses saw a significant spike, rising from $8 in August to $23 around Valentine’s Day. This price hike can be attributed to the Law of Supply and Demand. As Valentine’s Day approaches, demand for roses soars, while the supply remains relatively limited. To keep the supply chain moving, flower prices inevitably increase. For example, while roses may cost just 25 cents per stem at the port when demand is low, the price jumps to 40 cents as Valentine’s Day nears. 

These price increases have a bigger impact than just the flowers. For many of us, these price increases mean there’s less left in the budget for other gifts. 

But it doesn’t stop there with the price hike. Due to high demand, many of these flowers travel long distances before arriving at your local stores. To ensure freshness, they need to be kept at optimal temperatures, which often means  they’re refrigerated during their journey. Unfortunately, this can lead to a decrease in the quality of the flowers by the time they reach you. 

In 2022, Americans were expected to spend a whopping $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day. That figure climbed to $25.9 billion in 2023, and while it saw a slight dip to $25.8 billion in 2024, it still averages out to $185.81 per person. 

But here’s the thing: it’s time to start thinking about long-term solutions for those short-term moments.

We’re not saying you skip Valentine’s Day all together or use capitalism as an excuse to avoid giving your partner anything. Instead, why not check out a few of our low-cost hacks to help you enjoy the holiday and give your wallet a much needed break! 

Cheap Valentine’s Day hacks

1. Chocolate-covered strawberries (under $15)

This classic is both simple and sweet!

The average cost for a dozen is $45. But you can create the same treat for a fraction of the cost by simply purchasing a container of fresh strawberries ($2.50 – $7 depending on your location) and your preferred chocolate ($3 – $9 depending on the variety). All you need is a pot of water and a heat-safe bowl, and you’ve got yourself a perfect, budget-friendly Valentine’s Day treat. 

• What you’ll need:
  • 1 lb of fresh strawberries
  • 1 bag of your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
  • 1 small pot with water
  • 1 heat-safe bowl (or microwave-safe bowl if you prefer quicker results)
  • Parchment paper for cooling
• Instructions: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave method, dip each strawberry, and place them on the parchment paper to cool.
• Bonus tip: Want to get fancy? Add food dye to the chocolate and hand-decorate your strawberries with swirls, sprinkles, or even messages. A personalized touch that’ll make them extra special!

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2. DIY paint night (under $15)

You don’t need to be Picasso to have fun with this one.

• What you’ll need: A couple of blank canvases ($5.99 at Michaels)  or thick paper, acrylic paints (you can get inexpensive sets), and paintbrushes.
• Instructions: Set up a cozy painting station at home and paint something for each other, or paint a picture that represents your relationship (like where you first met or your favorite memory together). You can even turn it into a friendly competition for some laughs.
• Bonus: This is a great way to have fun without the pressure of perfection—just let your creativity flow!

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3. Movie and dinner in (under $50)

No need to fight for a table reservation at a crowded restaurant.

• What you’ll need: A movie you both love (or one you’ve been wanting to see), cozy blankets, and your favorite takeout or homemade dinner.
• Instructions: Make it extra special by creating a “movie ticket” or “restaurant menu” to make it feel like a legit date. Light some candles and set the mood for a relaxing night in.
• Bonus: If you’re in the mood for a theme night, you could pick a genre (rom-coms, action, etc.) and match your food to it.

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4. Spa-tacular night in (under $50)

Pamper each other without the expensive spa price tag.

• What you’ll need: Face masks, essential oils or candles, bath salts, and soothing music.
• Instructions: Light some candles, put on a playlist, and take turns giving each other massages or doing facials. You can also run a bath with bath salts or make homemade scrubs. If you don’t have a bathtub, a foot soak works just as well!
• Bonus: Make it a full “spa experience” by doing a DIY mani-pedi session. You could even exchange a relaxing “spa treatment” coupon to use later!

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5. Rooted in love : Plants over flowers (under $25)

Flowers are lovely, but they die after a week—plants last a lot longer and make great long-term gifts.

• What you’ll need: A small, easy-to-care-for plant like a succulent or cactus (these are super affordable).
• Instructions: Pick out a plant, find a cute pot, and maybe even write a little note with plant care instructions. It’s a gift that will keep on growing—literally!
• Bonus: Name the plant together and make it a little “home project” to care for it. A year later, it’ll be a sweet reminder of your love.

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6. Taco ‘bout us

Food is a love language, right? So why not make something together!

• What you’ll need: Tortillas, rice, beans, veggies, salsa, guacamole—anything you’d like to add to your burrito.
• Instructions: Lay out all the ingredients and assemble your burritos (or tacos) together. You can even have a little competition to see who makes the best one.
• Bonus: Try giving your burrito a cute name like “Burrito de Amor” or “Taco-Tuesday-Togetherness.” It adds some fun to your date!

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7. Love wrapped

Music speaks volumes, and a custom playlist is a heartfelt way to express love.

• What you’ll need: A music streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
• Instructions: Curate a playlist for each other with songs that remind you of your relationship, or pick songs that match certain memories or feelings. You could also create a “Feel-Good Vibes” playlist for a relaxed night or a “Throwback Tunes” list for a nostalgic vibe.
• Bonus: Surprise them with the playlist on Valentine’s Day and play it together while you enjoy your homemade dinner or just hang out.

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8. History in the making – museum date (fixed cost)

If you’re lucky enough to live near a museum or art gallery, this is a super affordable and fun option.

• What you’ll need: Museum tickets (many museums have free or discounted days).
• Instructions: Spend the day exploring art, history, or whatever interests you both. Share your thoughts on different exhibits and find a favorite piece together.
• Bonus: Take silly photos in front of your favorite works to make the day even more memorable!

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9. Memory treasure chest – time capsule 

This is a cute and sentimental way to remember the moment.

• What you’ll need: A box, a couple of mementos (photos, letters, small souvenirs), and a note to your future selves.
• Instructions: Fill the box with items that represent your love right now, and write a letter to each other about where you are in life and what you want for the future. Seal it up with a date to open it, maybe in a year or five years.
• Bonus: You could even bury it in your backyard or hide it somewhere special, making it a fun activity for years to come!

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10. Memories in motion – capture it on film

Instead of buying an expensive gift for one day, think about giving something that will last longer.

• What you’ll need: A cheap disposable camera or a cheap video camera.
• Instructions: Capture moments with your camera, and later, you can go back and relive your memories together—creating new memories as you go. Or with the disposable camera, the anticipation of waiting to get the film developed adds an element of surprise!
• Bonus: Buy a cute, inexpensive stuffed animal (like a bear), and a fabric pen, and write one new thing you love about the person each Valentine’s Day. It’ll become a sweet tradition that you can come back to year after year.

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11. You had me at picnic

This is a timeless and low-cost date idea that never gets old.

• What you’ll need: A blanket, some simple snacks (sandwiches, fruits, cheese), and a drink of your choice.
• Instructions: Pack a simple lunch and head to a local park. Enjoy the fresh air, have some light conversation, and just enjoy each other’s company.
• Bonus: If it’s warm enough, you can add a small game, like frisbee or cards, to make it even more fun.

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12. Knead you in the kitchen – at home cooking classes

Take your cooking to the next level together.

• What you’ll Need: A new recipe to try (maybe a dish neither of you have made before), ingredients, and a cooking tutorial (YouTube or a cookbook).
• Instructions: Choose a dish neither of you has ever made and cook it together. You can challenge each other with new techniques or even create a “competition” to see who makes the best dish.
• Bonus: If you’re really in the mood for a laugh, attempt a cuisine neither of you is familiar with!

TL:DR

To wrap it up, you don’t need to drain your wallet to make Valentine’s Day special—trust me, your partner will appreciate the thought, not the price tag! Whether it’s whipping up a homemade meal, crafting a personalized gift, or skipping the overpriced roses for something with more heart, there’s no shortage of creative ways to show you care without the guilt of overspending. After all, you’re sticking to those budget goals for the year, and what’s more romantic than that? So, ditch the stress and make the most of what you’ve got—love isn’t about what you can buy, but the memories you create. Plus, your future self (and your bank account) will thank you!