Valentine's Day Sales for 2023 Are Live! Here's What to Expect

Target certain retailers to save on traditional gifts, and consider thinking outside the box if you're going to be dining out.

Updated February 7, 2023

BY:
JULIE RAMHOLD

Senior Staff Writer/Consumer Analyst

Happy couple holds heart-shaped balloon.

Are you hunting now for gifts for Valentine's Day? The good news is that Valentine's Day sales are in full swing, giving you chances to save on presents for the person holding your affection. But the holiday is coming up soon, and traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates can jump in price the closer we get to February 14, so don't wait long to shop.

Check out our guide below on what to expect from Valentine's Day sales in 2023, including what kinds of savings to count on, the best time to shop, and more.

When Do Valentine's Day Sales Start?

Valentine's Day sales can start in early January, so it's worth beginning your Valentine's Day shopping each year weeks before the holiday itself. Last year, the first Valentine's sale we saw kicked off by January 6, when Zulily knocked up to 60% off men's fragrances. Even more sales showed up on January 10 and 11.

The very first Valentine's-related deal we saw, meanwhile, popped up even earlier, on January 5. That's over a month before the holiday! It was for a mixed bag of milk and dark chocolate Dove Promises candy hearts that cost $7 on Amazon.

Last year, more sales popped up the closer February 14 drew, so the opportunities for savings should increase as time goes on. But shopping early can still be the best way to go. You'll usually have better selection and can potentially save on shipping for traditional gifts like fresh flowers. February is already here now, but if you eye red roses each year, know that it's good to lock in the price and shipping in January, even if you want them delivered on Valentine's Day itself; the cost can spike sharply on or around February 1.

Many sales are already well underway for 2023. For example, Target has a ton of discounted Valentine's options you can shop right now. They include candy and other treats, decor, and clothing for the whole family.

Young man gives Valentine's Day gift to partner.

What Valentine's Day Sales Can You Expect in 2023?

Valentine's Day Jewelry Sales

Jewelry is a classic Valentine's Day gift, so it's one of the most popular items in holiday sales this time of year. In 2022, Valentine's Day jewelry sales started early, with the first one we noted falling on January 10. That's when Zales cut up to 50% off more than 2,000 items and had prices as low as $23. While historically, we've only seen Valentine's Day sales take 20% to 30% off, last year we actually saw a fair amount of great discounts.

Want the best deals on sparkly items? Shop stores like Macy's and JCPenney, where you can expect to save 50% or more on fine jewelry and watches.

For example, Macy's took 50% to 70% off select watches and jewelry in a flash sale, while JCPenney cut up to 70% off and an extra 25% off in their Valentine's Day jewelry sale. Other department stores participated, too. Belk took up to 75% off select fine jewelry and watches around February 2, for instance. Watch for retailers like Szul to offer huge Valentine's Day discounts, as well. Last year it knocked up to 80% off certain diamond solitaire pieces.

Valentine's Day Flower Sales

Flowers for Valentine's Day is an easy go-to gift. But they're not always cheap, especially if you're leaning toward the traditional arrangements of red roses. For example, in 2022 we saw one dozen long-stemmed red roses for $35 plus $15 shipping and handling. While it's not a bad deal, per se, it may not be what you want to spend on flowers, especially if the cost is just a fraction of what you're expecting to spend on Valentine's Day as a whole.

We saw that deal on January 21 last year, but on January 26, we saw a sale from 1-800-Flowers that took a very modest 20% off Valentine's Day arrangements. And aside from the occasional better offer, that's about the best discount you can expect on flowers specifically curated for Valentine's Day.

If you wait until the very last minute to buy your flowers, you might find a pretty good deal. We saw an offer for 40% off two dozen red roses on February 13 last year. But the shipping started at around $15 and varied by area, so there's a chance that shipping alone could negate any real savings on the flowers themselves.

The best thing you can do if you're looking to buy flowers and save is to consider an arrangement that doesn't use roses or have Valentine's Day branding. Send a heartfelt card with it, and you'll convey your emotion there much better than cliched roses would.

Valentine's Day Candy Sales

Chocolates are another classic Valentine's Day gift, and you can expect sales on them leading up to the holiday. That said, the very best offers will come on February 15, when retailers discount any heart-shaped leftovers to try to clear them out.

If you need goodies by February 14, though, look for items like Dove heart-shaped tins of chocolate truffles for $9. Also watch for specialty retailers like Godiva to take 20% to 30% off during their Valentine's Day sales. Plus, we saw Amazon take up to 32% off Valentine's Day treats during the first week of February last year. Again, though, if you wait until the after–Valentine's Day sales on February 15, you can expect widespread discounts of at least 50% off. And anything that doesn't sell right away could see even better savings in the days after.

Valentine's Day Dining Deals

This may be a busy year for dining out on Valentine's Day. If you haven't made a reservation at your chosen restaurant, you may want to do so now, especially if it's upscale and popular for date nights. But don't expect there to be many — if any — deals at these kinds of places. High-end restaurants typically don't offer real savings for the holiday. Instead, they usually offer a special menu at a fixed price. Still, if you want the dinner to be special, this is a way to ensure just that.

Valentine's candy is best purchased on February 15, when prices immediately drop by 50% at major retailers like Target.

Are you looking at other dining options for Valentine's Day? You may be able to take advantage of "BOGO" offers, which could be in the form of buy one entree, get half off a second. Freebies for the holiday probably won't be a common offer this year, considering the higher food costs restaurants are having to cope with. And if you're still not comfortable sitting down and dealing with a crowded restaurant, know that many eateries — even high-end ones — offer takeout now. So you can always pick up your meal of choice and feast at home with Netflix.

Paper broken heart sits on top of hundred-dollar bills.

Pitfalls to Avoid During Valentine's Day Sales

Many Valentine's Day sales require shoppers to use coupon codes to take advantage of advertised savings. Some codes are clearly displayed on retailers' sites, but others you have to look for in order to track them down. Beware that some coupon codes are tied to minimum purchases, as well. So make sure before you check out that you aren't adding items to your cart unnecessarily just to take advantage of "savings."

Another case where we tend to see minimum purchases prioritized is with "free" shipping. Truly free shipping is rare these days, no matter what the holiday is, but it was never a big "thing" for Valentine's Day. Instead, be prepared to meet minimum purchase requirements to bag free shipping. And if you aren't anywhere near that minimum amount, don't let yourself be fooled into spending more in your effort to save.

Shopping for traditional gifts like flowers and chocolate that you want delivered the day of? Be prepared for added fees and more expensive basic fees, like shipping for the holiday.

Ready to shop? Check out the best Valentine's Day deals available now!