Can money buy love? Czechs spending more and more on Valentine’s Day

The season of love is upon us, and more and more people in Czechia have found themselves getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit by reaching further into their pockets to show admiration for their partner.

According to Chief Economist of Trinity Bank Lukáš Kovanda, Czechs have increased their Valentine’s Day spending by about 550 percent in the past 10 years. In 2023, Czechs are estimated to spend around CZK 2.5 billion in total on the Feb. 14 celebration.

This number is higher than ever, and Kovanda notes that this year people are most likely to spend more while actually purchasing fewer items.

Estimates show slightly more than 1 in 4 people in Czechia celebrate Valentine’s Day, with men spending CZK 980 on average and women about CZK 800 on gifts. Inflation has played a strong role in recent years – these sums are almost 20 percent higher than 2021 levels.

Sales portal Slevomat.cz says that the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts for Czechs in general are vouchers for stays, massages, flowers, chocolates, and souvenirs. The sales of flowers in Czechia on Feb. 14 usually increase about tenfold, and – amid the current inflationary environment – their price has also sprouted up.

A 2021 survey showed that men most often give their partners flowers as a gift for Valentine’s Day, followed by a dinner date and jewelry. Women, on the other hand, most often give their partners a form of food (such as chocolate).

Czechs also appear to have a more raunchy side. České Noviny writes that certain retailers around the country report an “increased interest” in erotica-related items around mid-February. Within this category, men most often buy “seductive underwear,” whereas women are more likely to purchase adult toys for their partners.

Current inflation means Czechs will spend more than ever to give gifts for Valentine’s Day this year. Despite this, the vast majority of people will agree with the adage that “money can’t buy love.”