UK romantics are officially ditching roses, chocolates, and teddy bears in favour of experiences and memories.
According to recent survey data, a massive 70.9% of Brits now prefer a shared experience over a physical gift.
- A Fancy Dinner? Or A Bingo Rave?
- Money Can’t Buy Love…
- …But Brits Still Expect to Spend More Than £20
- The Death of the Physical Gift
But, the survey of over 500 UK residents also revealed that nearly 64% of people agree that spending money isn’t a valid measurement of love.
From fancy dinners to high-energy bingo raves, the focus has shifted from what you can unwrap to what you can actually do together.
A Fancy Dinner? Or A Bingo Rave?
While the fancy dinner remains a staple for 62% of those surveyed, a new contender has emerged for those looking to ditch the white tablecloths.
A small but dedicated segment of the population (over 4%) now lists “Live Bingo Raves” as their ideal date night activity, beating out more traditional options for those seeking high-energy environments.
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The appeal of a bingo rave, combining the nostalgic game with club-standard lighting, music, and “trashy” prizes, aligns perfectly with the 2026 dater’s priorities:
- It’s Budget-Friendly: With 36% of people expecting to spend less than £20 this Valentine’s, and another 34% keeping it under £50, a night at the bingo offers an affordable alternative to expensive tasting menus.
- It’s Authentic: In an era where “height” and “age” are the most common lies found on digital profiles, a shared live experience allows for a genuine connection without the filter of an app.
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Money Can’t Buy Love…
For many in the UK, the age-old debate over whether love can be measured by a price tag seems to have a clear winner: the majority believe that spending money is not a prerequisite for showing affection.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63.5%) stated that they do not view financial expenditure as an important way to demonstrate love.
…But Brits Still Expect to Spend More Than £20
But when it comes to the actual budget for Valentine’s Day, the majority of Brits expect to spend more than £20.
63.88% of the population plan on spending at least £21 to show their love.
- Less than £20: 36.11%
- £21 – £50: 34.44%
- £51 – £100: 20.37%
- £101+: 9.07%
The largest group are keeping their wallets relatively tight (36.1%) planning to keep their expenditure under the £20 mark.
High-end luxury spending appears to be the exception rather than the rule; only a small fraction of the population, just over 9%, intends to spend more than £100.
The Death of the Physical Gift
The most striking finding from the data is the overwhelming preference for memories over merchandise. When asked whether they prefer a physical gift or an experience, a staggering 70.9% of respondents chose experiences.
This shift is matches what appears to be a growing scepticism toward the commercialisation of love; given nearly 64% of people now believe that spending money is not an important way to show affection.
As we move further into the decade, the Valentine’s experience is becoming the gold standard. Brits are proving that in 2026 the best gift you can give is a night you’ll actually remember.
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