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5 Places to Buy Valentine’s Day Candy & Cards

Last Updated: January 17, 2025

Gifts

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it.

Whether you’re shopping for your sweetheart, kids, friends or even treating yourself, candy and cards are must-haves for the heart-shaped holiday. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly places to score these essentials without breaking the bank. Here are the top five spots to shop for V-Day candy and cards!

When is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day always takes place on February 14. This year, the holiday falls on a Friday!

  • Where to Buy Valentine’s Day Candy & Cards

    It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without Conversation Hearts, gourmet chocolates and lovey-dovey stationery. Whether you’re shopping for cards, candy or both, these retailers have amazing deals:

    1. Drugstores

    Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens are perfect for stocking up on Valentine’s Day essentials. Their candy aisles are overflowing with things like Reese’s Hearts, Valentine’s Day M&Ms, Red Sour Patch Kids and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. You’ll also find an assortment of cards, ranging from funny and lighthearted to sentimental, perfect for partners, kids, family members and friends.

    Insider Tip!
    Head back to your local drugstore the day after Valentine’s Day to score clearance deals on leftover candy and cards. You’ll be able to find as much as 90% off holiday items starting on February 15.

    2. Dollar Stores

    For budget-friendly finds, dollar stores like Dollar Tree are hard to beat. You can grab mini chocolate boxes, lollipops and other festive treats, all for a fraction of the price. Browse the selection of $1 Valentine’s Day cards, including multi-packs for kids and affordable individual designs.

  • 3. Big-Box Stores

    Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart are go-to destinations for Valentine’s Day goodies. Both offer everything from bulk candy bags perfect for school parties to premium chocolates and beautifully designed cards. We suggest checking out Target and Walmart on February 15 for great clearance deals.

    4. Grocery Stores

    Don’t overlook your local grocery store for Valentine’s Day treats. Many supermarkets stock a variety of chocolates, candies and themed baked goods, making it easy to grab something sweet while you’re picking up groceries. These stores also typically carry a nice selection of cards near the checkout lanes.

    5. Online Retailers

    If you prefer to shop from home, online retailers like Amazon have you covered. From candy assortments to unique gifts like personalized M&M’s, many items are eligible for fast shipping, making it a convenient choice for last-minute shopping. If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day card, head to Etsy for unique, handcrafted options that stand out from the typical store-bought cards.


No matter how you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, these five places to shop have everything you need to make the holiday sweet, thoughtful and memorable. Whether it’s a heartfelt card, delicious candy or both, you can find the perfect way to celebrate without going over budget!

Melanie Lowe

By Melanie Lowe
Chief Savings Expert
🗓️ Savings Expert Since July 2014
📍 Chicago, IL