Valentine’s Day gifts have seen a significant price surge for consumers in the past year, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The agency reported on Tuesday that the prices of chocolates increased by 5.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Food and beverages in restaurants, cafes, bars and similar establishments saw a 7.4% price hike. Even those who prefer to give flowers as a gift had to pay more, with a 2.7% increase in the prices of cut flowers. For comparison, the overall consumer prices rose by 2.2% in the same period.
In a longer-term comparison, classic Valentine’s Day gifts have also seen a significant price increase. Consumers had to pay 31.3% more for cut flowers in 2024 than in 2020. Food and beverages in restaurants, cafes, bars and similar establishments cost 27.2% more and the prices of chocolates rose by 20.3%. The overall consumer prices, on the other hand, increased by 19.3% in the same period, according to the agency.