The financial gifts this Valentines Day

Love it, hate it – or even just ignore it – but Valentines Day is still a big deal for a lot of people. The latest research finds that three in five Brits plan to celebrate Valentines Day in 2025, with an average spend of £52 per person. Altogether, and the UK is expected to spend almost £1.5bn on Valentines Day in 2025 alone. For all its criticisms of flagrant and hollow commercialism, Valentines Day can still be a nice occasion to celebrate a loved one in life. This can go from the traditional idea of Valentines Day with a romantic meal and flowers for a partner, to even just giving a card to a loved one (go down the Valentines Day aisle at your local card shop and you’ll see a growing selection aimed at friends and family members). And, if you’re single, Valentines Day can also be a fun occasion to rebel against what it stands for (Galentines Day anyone…?).

Gifting something different

The usual gifts around Valentines Day – flowers, chocolates, wine or even jewellery – are all well and good, but this year why not give something different? There is a growing trend of making financial gifts for loved ones on this date. This may not sound romantic, but this can be a nice way of putting some extra thought into a gift (and we don’t mean just putting a note in a Valentines Card).

As we’ve previously blogged, everyone has their own financial goals, concerns and needs which means money can be a very emotional topic for some people. This could be that someone is preoccupied by the debt they have, which causes them anxiety, or they want to save up to go on a trip that they haven’t been able to do because of family commitments. Whatever it is, making financial gifts on Valentines Day is less about the monetary value of a gift but instead about what it represents.

This can be a step towards helping someone ease an anxiety, pursue a goal or even just get to grips more with their finances. Done right, and this kind of gifting can show your loved one you’ve really been listening, and you want to give them something that has more value over the long-term than flowers or a teddy.

The best financial gifts for Valentines Day

Here are just some innovative financial gift ideas to think about when deciding what to get your partner this Valentines Day:

• Redeem Credit Card Rewards for Gifts

Depending on your credit history, your credit card may have loyalty points that can be redeemable for cash, further credit, travel etc. If you want to give a special gift but don't have enough cash, redeem your credit card reward points for a gift card, or use your points to book travel.

• A Life Insurance Policy

Again, not an immediately romantic notion, but a life insurance policy can be a thoughtful gift. We don’t like to acknowledge it, but death is a reality, and a life insurance policy can provide surviving family members with much-needed financial support. If you’re thinking about unique gifts to give, consider taking out a life insurance policy in your name, and then naming your significant other as beneficiary. This can show them you’re serious about their future and will always want to look out for them.

• Help Pay Off a Loan

As discussed, debts can be a source of anxiety for some. If your partner is in this position, and they can’t get out from under this burden, offer to help pay the balance. This can take the form of giving what you can to reduce the principal amount of a debt. Then again, maybe your significant other doesn't have a car loan or a student loan. Instead, they’re struggling with credit card debt. If you feel comfortable with this, offer to help pay off their credit card.

• Add Them as an Authorised User

If your partner doesn't have a credit history of their own, adding them as an authorised user on your credit card can help establish their credit. You remain the primary account holder but as an authorised user the other person can also get a credit card in their name. They can use the card, but you’re responsible for all charges on this account. Therefore, it’s important that you set limits and monitor the account balance.

• Introduce them to the world of fintech

If you’re reading this blog, and you follow Cardaq, you’re likely already involved in the world of fintech and have an interest. Therefore you know about the numerous investment and money management apps available in the market – so why don’t you introduce your partner to one? Many fintech providers have referral offers and discounts for new customers, meaning you can gift your partner a signup to a fintech app to engage them in the world of fintech. This could be a powerful first step to them beginning to save, invest or just get on top of their finances in general.

These are just some of the financial gifts you can give your partner this Valentines Day, but it’s important you only do so if it’s financially right for you (as well as them). And – most importantly – make sure it’s a gift that will really matter to them!

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