Over the past year, several traditional Valentine’s Day gifts have become markedly more expensive for shoppers. According to Germany’s statistical office (Destatis), the price of chocolate had risen by 17.8 % in 2025 compared with 2024, while fresh-cut flowers saw a 5.3 % increase.
Those who prefer to spend an evening out rather than give sweets or flowers also faced higher costs. In 2025, meals and drinks in restaurants, cafés, bars and similar venues were 3.6 % more expensive than in the previous year. This escalation was still above the overall rise in consumer prices, which climbed just 2.2 % over the same period.
Looking further back, the mid‑term trend shows even steeper increases. From 2020 to 2025, chocolates have cost 41.7 % more, cut flowers 38.2 % more, and restaurant‑type dining 31.8 % more. In contrast, the general consumer price index only rose by 21.9 % over the five‑year span.