With Valentine's Day fast approaching on February 14, 2025, Vietnamese shoppers are already buzzing with excitement over the latest gift trends. This special day, which celebrates love and affection, is observed with fervor across the nation. According to local customs, couples, friends, and family members exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and jewelry as symbols of their affection.
Flowers play a significant role on Valentine’s Day, with roses leading the charts. A recent market survey conducted on February 13 revealed the price of Dalat roses to range between 15,000 to 20,000 VND each, whereas imported roses are priced between 50,000 to 60,000 VND per stem. For those wanting to make grand gestures, premium bouquets shaped like hearts, composed of 50 to 60 imported roses, can cost over 2 million VND. Interestingly, tulips are also gaining popularity this year, with many young couples choosing them for their vibrant colors and long-lasting nature. Vendors on Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Hanoi have recently reported increased sales, with the price for tulips ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND each.
Chocolate is another coveted item among Valentine's Day gifts, with artisanal shops seeing increased foot traffic as the holiday approaches. Quynh Anh, an employee at a pastry shop on Hai Ba Trung Street, noted the surge of roughly 50 customers daily, especially on the eve of Valentine’s. The cost for high-end chocolate boxes typically ranges from 800,000 to 1 million VND, with smaller boxes starting at 150,000 VND.
To encourage consumer spending, retailers are launching various promotional events. For example, GO! Thang Long supermarket is running discounts on various chocolate brands and offering incentives such as buy 2 get 1 free. Interestingly, Vietnamese chocolate brands are enjoying increased visibility this year due to their incorporation of local flavors like green tea and honey.
The jewelery sector is also capitalizing on the romantic holiday, with companies like DOJI and PNJ launching special promotions. From February 8 to 16, 2025, DOJI is offering customers unique jewelry gifts and even plans to conduct interactive games to engage shoppers. Similarly, PNJ has introduced numerous discounts to entice couples during their shopping spree.
Alongside traditional gifts, there is also the growing trend of experiential gifts. Unique offerings such as couples’ spa days, romantic river cruises, and movie-night tickets are now being marketed heavily. This shift toward experience-based gifting allows couples to create lasting memories together.
Another innovative trend is DIY gift workshops, where couples can create personalized gifts together. These workshops vary from chocolate-making to pottery and jewelry crafting. Participation fees for such workshops are affordable, falling between 100,000 VND and 500,000 VND, based on the workshop's complexity and location.
The rising interest in items like 'mystery bags'—which combine beauty products with surprise elements—also highlights the increasing demand for personalized and unique gifts. For example, Lam Thao Cosmetics has unveiled substantial ‘mystery bags’ filled with random beauty items meant to spark curiosity and excitement among buyers.
Retailers are also tailoring their offerings to suit modern consumer tastes, with many businesses now providing discount programs through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, TikTok, and Facebook. These online campaigns not only feature Valentine's-specific discounts but also often include perks like free shipping or complimentary gift notes.
The emergence of trends like experiential gifts, DIY workshops, and personalized items indicates how the Valentine's Day 2025 shopping scene is not just about material gifts. Instead, it increasingly acknowledges the sentimental value and connection behind gift-giving, making it more unique and meaningful for observers.
Valentine's Day is undeniably about celebrating love, and this year’s trends reflect Vietnam’s rich cultural practices mixed with modern influences. The creative gift options available—from fresh tulips to local chocolates—illustrate the vibrant commercial celebration entwined with the personal narratives of Vietnamese love stories. Whether through traditional gifts or new experiences, Valentine’s Day 2025 promises to be memorable for all.