What Nigerians Are Searching for This Valentine’s, According to Google

Valentine’s Day in Nigeria is getting a serious upgrade in 2026. New Google Search data shows that Nigerians are moving beyond the usual dinner-and-roses routine. This year, it’s about personalised experiences, glow-up dates, Galentine’s parties, money bouquets, and long-distance love.

Nigerians are using Google Search not just to shop, but to plan unique Valentine’s Day experiences, from Lagos getaways to spa packages, creative gifting, and church youth activities. 

Here’s what’s trending this February.

Self-care is officially a love language.

One of the most surprising breakout searches this year is “valentine couple package for dental.” Yes, Nigerians are booking dental appointments as a couple’s activity. A brighter smile is apparently the new box of chocolates.

Searches for “spa couples valentine package ideas” and “combo deal for valentines in a spa or salon” are also climbing fast. Instead of battling traffic and crowded restaurants, couples are choosing relaxation, skincare treatments, massages, and pampering sessions. It’s less stress, more glow.

Dinner is nice. But Nigerians want more than just a meal.

Search interest for “romantic weekend getaway Lagos” and “valentine cruise trip near Nigeria” shows that couples are thinking beyond one night. Travel, mini-vacations, and adaptive experiences are trending.

What is even more interesting is a breakout search trend for “valentine photoshoot ideas for boys.”

Men are stepping into the Valentine’s aesthetic era too. Coordinated outfits. Styled shoots. Carefully curated Instagram posts. It’s no longer one-sided, everybody wants good pictures.

Valentine’s Day is no longer just about couples.

Search interest for “Galentine’s Day party” has steadily increased year after year, peaking in 2025. In the first week of February alone, searches jumped +140%.

Other trending Galentine’s searches include:

• “What is Galentine”

• “Galentine’s day gift ideas”

• “Valentine’s day quotes for best friend girl”

• “Activities to do on valentine’s day with friends”

Friendship is being celebrated loudly and proudly. Instead of quiet candlelit dinners, many Nigerians are hosting themed parties, exchanging gifts, and planning fun group activities.

The squad is officially part of Valentine’s Day.

Not everyone is celebrating side-by-side, and Google data shows it clearly.

In the first week of February:

• “Valentine's messages for boyfriend long distance” spiked +380%

• “What can a girl buy for her boyfriend on valentine's day” rose +200%

• “Valentine's message for new relationship” increased +180%

This tells a bigger story that Nigerians are being more intentional. They’re searching for the right words, the right gifts, and the right tone, especially in newer or long-distance relationships.

Love is thoughtful this year.

Traditional gifts are getting replaced with statement pieces.

Searches for “money bouquet for valentine” are rising as Nigerians look for visually dramatic ways to gift cash. It’s generosity, but make it aesthetic.

Other top creative gifting searches include:

• Valentine gift bag

• Nail polish valentine gift

• How to make a gift box for valentine

• Pink flowers for her

• Valentine cake ideas

• Bento cake designs with cupcakes for valentine

• Valentine snack box

Searches for Valentine bags quadrupled (+300%) and Valentine hairstyles spiked +270% in early February. It’s clear that presentation matters as much as the gift itself.

It has to look good for the camera.

Valentine’s isn’t just romantic or social, it’s communal.

Trending searches include:

• “Activities for valentine's class party in nigerian schools”

• “Games for youth valentine program in church”

• “Activities in church for youth during valentine's sunday service”

The day is being adapted across classrooms, youth groups, and church communities, showing how deeply embedded it has become in Nigerian culture.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications Manager for West Africa at Google, explains:

“The 2026 trends show that Nigerians are being more intentional than ever about how they celebrate love, whether that’s celebrating their circle of friends for Galentine's or putting extra effort into creative, personalised gifts like money bouquets. It’s exciting to see how people are using Search not just to find products, but to find inspiration and the ‘how-to’ for making their celebrations unique.”

RELATED: The Ultimate 2026 Valentine Playlist for a Soft Nigerian Date Night

In 2026, Valentine’s Day in Nigeria isn’t about following a script. It’s about doing it your own way.

Some people are booking spa dates. Some are planning cruise trips. Others are throwing Galentine’s parties or sending heartfelt messages across time zones. The common thread is Intentional effort.

This year, Nigerians aren’t just celebrating love, they’re designing it.