Valentine’s Day is not only about gifting but also serves as a significant opportunity for couples to express their love uniquely and meaningfully. The latest trends indicate a dramatic shift from traditional gift-giving staples like flowers and chocolates to more personalized and creative items, reflecting the evolution of romantic expressions.
This year, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, Cupid is targeting younger lovers with innovative presents. While bouquets and sweet treats remain popular, many are gravitating toward quirky options such as the hugely popular "blind boxes" or handmade flower arrangements crafted from cloth, wax, and felt. According to reports by Người Đưa Tin, gift shops across the city are thriving, experiencing increased foot traffic as shoppers search for the perfect tokens of affection.
Ms. Huỳnh Thị Thùy Linh, who works at one such gift store, shared insights on the shopping trends. "Most customers prefer the Baby Three blind boxes and woolen stuffed animals. We’ve seen order volumes increase fivefold compared to regular days, with every day bringing 30 to 50 new orders," she explained. With prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND for standard gifts and some reaching nearly one million VND, shoppers enjoy the ability to mix and match items, creating customized gift sets.
What’s driving this trend? Young consumers today lean toward gifts with personal meaning rather than the traditional fare. Psychologist Nguyễn Ngọc Vui highlights the essence of meaningful gifting this Valentine's Day: "The most important thing when choosing gifts is to understand the recipient's preferences. A meaningful gift doesn’t have to be expensive; it’s about expressing the feelings of the giver." This sentiment resonates deeply within the hearts of many couples, changing the narrative of Valentine’s gift-giving year after year.
Perhaps most intriguing this year is the fascination surrounding the surprise element of blind boxes. These mystery sets include various trinkets—from bracelets and necklaces to hair ties and keychains—with different styles and themes appealing to the curious young crowd. This trend ties closely to the widespread popularity of the Baby Three packaging method, which took social media by storm during the latter half of 2024, stirring up over 3.12 million discussions and engaging approximately 1.5 million participants across platforms. The enduring allure of the phrase "blind box" signals its strong relevance, especially during festive occasions like Valentine’s Day.
More than just gifts, these innovations add excitement to the experience of Valentine’s Day. Cases abound of young people spending considerable time poring over selections to find something uniquely special for their loved ones. Mr. Trần Minh Quân, 24, from District 1, noted, "This year’s gifts are so diverse, choosing something for my girlfriend has taken longer. But this means gifts are more unique and carry greater emotional value."
The 2025 Valentine’s Day presents not only serve as channels for couples to express their devotion but also highlight lively trends among the youth. Creative items like blind boxes and handmade flowers are likely to continue being favorites as they promise surprises and personal touches, making gift-giving even more special.
At local bookstores and gift shops, mystery boxes are quickly becoming hot commodities as curious young buyers engage with their romantic sentiments. This Valentine’s Day transforms not only the celebration of love but also showcases innovative gifting trends expected to prevail over the coming years, transforming every exchange of gifts between sweethearts.
Valentine’s Day is undeniably shifting; the whimsical appeal of the "blind box" will likely keep its charm well beyond this one day, aiming to enrich the emotional depths of relationships through thoughtful, personalized tokens of affection. From young lovers to dedicated partners, the emphasis this February will increasingly be on creativity, emotional connection, and of course, delightful surprises.