Love looks different in 2026. Google’s latest Search data reveals that people in South Africa are rethinking Valentine’s Day and this year, the focus has swung from candlelit dinners to creativity, self-care, and connection.
Across the country, interest has spiked not only in classic romantic gestures but also in friendship, personal wellbeing, and imaginative experiences that bring people closer.
Here’s how we are searching (and celebrating) love this year:
Time with the ‘girls’
Friendship is in the spotlight. Searches for “Galentine’s Day”, a celebration of female friendship on 13 February, jumped by 20% this year.
In the past month alone, “Galentine’s” has emerged as a breakout search term, with people seeking gift, outfit, and décor ideas to mark the day. From “Galentine gift” and “cupcake ideas” to “little girls Galentine’s party”, women are finding joy in celebrating their tribes. The rise of Galentine’s suggests a cultural shift where all forms of love are celebrated – not just romance.
A “breakout” search term is Google’s way of flagging a sudden surge in interest, not just a slow, steady rise. The label is used when a search grows by more than 5,000% compared with the previous period. It’s less about how many people are searching overall and more about how quickly interest is spiking. While “Valentine’s Day” is a predictable “Top” search every year, a “breakout” term like “Galentine’s” shows a sharp shift in behaviour, as a once‑niche idea becomes mainstream.
Wellness over roses
For many, Valentine’s Day 2026 is less about the big night out and more about slowing down. Searches for local wellness escapes and spa experiences have surged as people look for ways to rest, recharge, and connect.
Across the country, couples are searching for “date night restaurants near me” (+80%) and “Valentine’s date night ideas” (+50%), while interest in mindfulness and relaxation packages is also climbing. This year, love is measured less in roses and more in time and presence.
Effort is the ultimate gift
Another major trend shaping search behaviour is creativity. People are valuing the effort behind a gift as much as the gift itself, from “picture frame for Valentine’s kids crafts” to “simple dinner husband can make”, searches point to a growing appetite for personal, thoughtful gestures.
Artisanal skills are also making a comeback: queries for how to “make a Valentine’s card online”, “build digital gifts”, and “learn handmade crafts” reflect a clear desire to create something unique and personal. In the end, it’s not about the price tag, but about the effort.
Creative culinary play
In kitchens across South Africa, love is being expressed through food. Search trends show we are using AI tools like Gemini to plan menus, experiment with recipes, or design artistic plating.
From “funny gifts for wife for Valentines” to “unique dinner ideas”, people are blending tech and taste to personalise their celebrations. AI is fast becoming our kitchen co-creator, with users asking Gemini to help create romantic menus, explore flavour pairings, and generate themed table settings.
South Africa’s new co-planner
This creative wave is unfolding against a backdrop of high AI engagement. Over 70% of adults in South Africa now use AI chatbots, which is a 25% increase on last year. Of those, 86% say they rely on AI for learning new skills or understanding complex topics, while 65% use it to explore new business ventures or side projects.
As GeminiLove – Google’s AI-powered Valentine’s campaign – rolls out, it’s clear that people are not just using Search to find inspiration; they’re using AI to build it.
Top 2026 searches “for Valentine’s” in South Africa
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Things to give for Valentine’s Day
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Letter size for Valentine’s letter
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Funny gifts for wife for Valentine’s Day
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Simple dinner husband can make for Valentine’s
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Mugs for Valentine’s
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Plan for Valentine’s Day
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Red and gold balloon decorations for Valentine’s
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Card message for Valentine’s
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Picture frame for Valentine’s kids crafts
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Chocolate for Valentine’s
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Best jewellery for Valentine’s Day
Kabelo Makwane, Country Director for Google South Africa, says this year’s Valentine’s searches point to fewer grand gestures and a much stronger focus on personal, tailored ways of showing love. “People here are redefining what it means to celebrate love – whether that’s honouring friendships on Galentine’s Day, expressing affection through homemade gifts, or using AI to plan the perfect dinner.
“This Valentine’s Day, effort and creativity are South Africans’ real love languages.”
About Google
Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome, and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world.