What Americans Really Want for Valentine's Day

What Gifts Do Americans Want Most?

Across the U.S. 37% of Americans would prefer to get something useful. Sentimental gifts come in second at 24%, while about 10% prefer luxury goods, and 9% would rather receive an experience. However, not everyone cares about gifts; 12% say they don’t have a strong preference, and 5% would rather not receive gifts at all.

Gift Preferences by Gender

Men and women have distinct preferences when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts:

• 41% of men prefer useful gifts, making it the clear top choice, while men are not so interested in sentimental gifts, at only 19%. Luxury goods follow at 11%, and 9% prefer experiences.
• Women value sentimentality more than men, although still express a preference for practical gifts. With 34% preferring practical gifts and 29% preferring sentimentality. Women are also less likely than men to want luxury gifts or experiences, at 8% and 7% respectively.

Where Practicality Wins: The Cities and States That Prefer Useful Gifts

Across some parts of the country, people prefer something useful and functional over all else.

• Appropriately for this time of year, Arizona, also known as the Valentine State, leads the way in preferring practicality.
• Washington comes in just behind, with a majority also preferring useful gifts.

• If you live in Phoenix or Seattle, you can’t go wrong by picking something that will make your loved one’s day-to-day life easier and more convenient.
• Practicality also reigns supreme in Las Vegas, sometimes called “The Marriage Capital of the World”.

Practical Gift Ideas

We looked at what’s practical and trending online, to help you find the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day.

• Air Fryer: Nearly every recipe on TikTok and Instagram involves one of these. Your partner can finally whip up one of those delicious meals they saw online with one of these.

• Couple’s Hoodies: With spring approaching, it’s a good time to look for gifts to keep the last of the winter chills off. What’s better than something that keeps your body and your heart feeling warm?

@easternxapparel #relationships #couplestikok #matchingoutfits #Love #couplesmatchingoutfits #couplegoals #anniversary #gift #custominitials #embroiderymachine #embroidery #bfgiftideas #gfgiftideas #boyfriendgiftideas #girlfriendgiftideas #matchingcouplesoutfits #matchingcouples #matchingcouplehoodies ? ???????????? ???? - dina | influencer

• Sunrise Alarm Clock: Guaranteed, most people hate their alarm in the morning. With this, you can replace being woken up by a loud noise with a gentle experience gradually lighting up the bedroom.

Matters of the Heart: Where Sentimental Gifts Reign Supreme

In some parts of the country, a heartfelt, personal touch matters most. These are the places where sentimental gifts take priority over practicality, luxury, or experiences.

• Colorado leads the nation in sentimentality, with nearly half of residents preferring gifts that carry personal meaning.
• The Carolinas also show a strong preference for heartfelt gifts, with nearly one in three people choosing sentiment over function.

• If you’re shopping for someone in Denver, a deeply personal or emotional gift is your best bet—over 42% of residents say they prefer sentimental gifts the most.
• The busy cities of Houston and Washington DC also have a strong preference for sentimental gifts.

Sentimental Gift Ideas

Many TikTok and Instagram influencers love to share their practical Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Here are some that we thought were particularly heartfelt or creative:

• Digital Picture Frame: You can upload, and change the images in the frame to rotate through some of your favorite and most memorable moments together.

@heymemos.mini The most beautiful Valentine’s Day gift?? #heymemos #videocard #valentinesday #giftforher #couplegoals #fyp #giftsforhim ? he gave me the moon and the stars - graceandlay

• Custom Jewelry: You can get jewelry with a personal engraved message to your loved one, or even one that shows the night sky on a day that is special to both of you.

• Something Homemade: What could be more heartfelt than a gift box, a card, or some decorations that you made by hand? The personal touch adds value to any gift.

@ky_diy make this paper rose with me???? #valentinesday #rose #valentinesdaygift #giftidea #giftsforhim #handmade #handmadegift #paperrose #papercraft ? original sound - Music Lyrics??

The Finer Things: Where Luxury Gifts Are in High Demand

While some Americans prefer sentimental or practical gifts, others want something more indulgent. This could include things such as more expensive jewelry, or designer items.

• Maryland leads the way in luxury gifting, with over 20% of residents saying they prefer high-end presents.
• North Carolina and Georgia also show a strong appreciation for premium gifts, while California and New York round out the top five, which is unsurprising given their association with fashion, tech, and everything upscale.

• Nearly one in five in Los Angeles favor high-end gifts, making it America’s luxury capital.
• Miami and Atlanta follow closely behind, with Miami in particular being a city known for its upscale options and feel.

Luxury Gift Ideas

• Cartier Bracelet: A gift for her specially designed for Valentine’s Day, it comes in a heart-shaped box with paper roses.

@luxury_aesthetic_

The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift ??? #luxury #luxurylifestyle #lifestyle #rose #cartier #valentine #love

? origineel geluid - Luxury Aesthetics Official

• Custom Fragrances: A custom perfume or scented candle, suited to his or her personality, makes a unique, luxurious gift with a personal touch.

• Accessorize: You can never go far wrong with your partner’s favorite brand when it comes to accessories, such as a new pair of sunglasses, a purse, or some nice new designer shoes.

Unforgettable Moments: Where Experience Gifts Are Most Desired

For nearly 1 in 10 Americans, some experiences are better remembered than any physical gift. Experiences can be wide-ranging, from classes, tours, and unique day experiences.

• The Badger State leads when it comes to experiences, with 14% saying that they would rather have memories to cherish.
• New York and Massachusetts are two northern states that prefer a day to remember. With a number of big cities and plenty to do, this is well within reach.

• In Dallas, experience gifts are the most popular, with over 15% of residents preferring an unforgettable activity over a physical present.
• Denver, Detroit, Boston, and unsurprisingly, Las Vegas, a city famed for its unique experiences, round off the top 5.

Experience Gift Ideas

• Fine Dining: Combine luxury with an unforgettable experience at one of the US’s 235 Michelin Star Restaurants. Or how about your own private chef for the evening?

• A Getaway with an Adventure: Perhaps a weekend away could be in store, this could be combined with an experience. How about a romantic hot air balloon ride? Or a couple’s spa day?

@ravendere_retreats Bookings for 2025 are filling up! Plan ahead and get booked in with your favourite person ?? Private dining & massage’s available on request! Who are you coming with?! ?? North Devon, Lee Bay #privatespa #2025 #break #minimoon #spafortwo #ukretreat #spadays #perfect #retreat #luxurytravel #staycation #luxuryspa #wildwoodspa #bestfriends #foryou #fyp #honeymoondestination ? Natural Beauty - Spiritual Gardens

• Workshop Experience: Combine you and your partner’s experience for cocktails by taking a class together. Or a cooking workshop if that is more your thing.

Methodology and Sources

We conducted a survey of over 3,000 Americans in December 2024 to determine their gift preferences and habits. This information was broken down by states and cities across the U.S. Gift ideas were sourced from a combination of TikTok, Instagram, and sites recommending gifts.

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