National First Love Day – Sep. 18, 2026

National First Love Day
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
Love
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 18
Holiday emoji:
❤️

National First Love Day arrives every September 18, inviting us to reflect on that unforgettable first romantic connection. It’s a day to cherish the memories, acknowledge the impact, and perhaps even reconnect with that special person. Share your stories or celebrate the enduring power of first love!

Want to sponsor National First Love Day? Learn how

Expected National First Love Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National First Love Day can inspire heartfelt gestures. Look for florists like FTD and 1-800-Flowers to offer discounts on romantic bouquets. Chocolate brands such as Godiva and Ghirardelli may feature special gift boxes. Jewelry retailers like Kay Jewelers might highlight sentimental pieces, while local restaurants could present special ‘first date’ menus. Brands like Hallmark often release cards and gifts perfect for reminiscing. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 18 approaches.

Platform Guide for National First Love Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalFirstLoveDay. Share a nostalgic photo or a reel about your first love experience.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalFirstLoveDay. Create a short video sharing a funny or sweet first love story.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalFirstLoveDay. Ask your followers to share their first love memories in the comments.

Social Media Tips for National First Love Day

Individuals

Reflect on your first love, whether it was a childhood crush or a significant relationship. Consider writing a letter (even if unsent) or revisiting places that hold special memories.

Creators

Produce content exploring the theme of first love, perhaps interviewing people about their experiences or creating a 'then and now' piece about enduring relationships.

Brands

Launch a campaign inviting customers to share their first love stories, offering prizes for the most heartwarming submissions. Partner with a local charity focused on healthy relationships.

Top Brands for National First Love Day

  1. Hallmark

    Founded in 1910 by Joyce Hall, Hallmark is a leading manufacturer of greeting cards and gifts. For National First Love Day, they offer a wide array of sentimental cards perfect for expressing enduring affection or nostalgic remembrance.

  2. FTD

    Florists' Transworld Delivery (FTD) was founded in 1910 and is one of the largest floral wire services. They provide beautiful bouquets and gift baskets, ideal for sending a thoughtful gesture on National First Love Day.

  3. Godiva

    Established in Brussels in 1926 by Joseph Draps, Godiva Chocolatier is renowned for its premium chocolates. Their exquisite confections make a luxurious and classic gift for a first love, new or old.

  4. eHarmony

    Founded in 2000, eHarmony is an online dating website focused on helping singles find long-term relationships. They champion the journey to finding enduring love, often akin to the 'first love' experience for many.

  5. Tiffany & Co.

    Founded in 1837 in New York City by Charles Lewis Tiffany, this luxury jewelry retailer is synonymous with romance and milestone gifts. A piece from Tiffany's can symbolize the enduring nature of a first love.

  6. Netflix

    Launched in 1997, Netflix is a global streaming service offering a vast library of movies and TV shows. Many romantic comedies and dramas on the platform explore themes of first love, perfect for a nostalgic viewing.

  7. Spotify

    Founded in 2006 in Sweden, Spotify is a leading audio streaming service. Users often create playlists of songs that remind them of their first love, making it a popular platform for sentimental reflection on this day.

National First Love Day Hero

Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature. Her novels, such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility,' often explore the complexities and emotional intensity of first love, making her an enduring voice for the sentiment.

History of National First Love Day

National First Love Day began in 2015 and continues to be celebrated every year throughout the nation. The holiday started in the United States and is celebrated nationally every year. There’s no saying as to who created this day or why. All we know is that someone must have been remembering their first romantic partner in order to it. It is the sweet melancholy of memories that helped begin this national holiday.

Before the holiday was established, there were already holidays to celebrate love like the well known Valentine’s Day on February 14th and National Love Day on September 30th. These holidays both represent a day for their current partner, or someone in their life currently that they have love for. National First Love Day can be celebrated the same way, but it is more of a trip down memory lane.

It was created to remind us where it all started in our own lives and in the lives of others. One reason it was created was to bring up those reminders of the first time we felt love in a romantic relationship. These reminders could be good or bad. Last year, “Entertainment News” had an article on National First Love Day highlighting celebrities and their first loves, which is a great example on how to celebrate the holiday.

Love has no start date, but it began when the first human took their first step into this world, because it comes naturally. Love is a feeling and emotion we can give to others and can be reciprocated back to us limitlessly; but this day was created explicitly to remember our first love.

National First Love Day timeline

430 B.C.
​Love is powerful

The Greek philosopher, Empedocles, argues that earth's four elements - water, air, earth, fire - are acted upon by the powers of love and strife.

1597
Love story

English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, publishes his play “Romeo and Juliet” about two star-crossed lovers.

1974
The official “first love” song

Barry White released his song, "You're The First, The Last, My Everything," which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart.

1992
Love language concept

A marriage counselor, Gary Chapman, comes up with a new concept on love in his book, “The Five Love Languages”.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National First Love Day

Local businesses can embrace National First Love Day by creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Restaurants might offer a ‘First Date Special’ menu, encouraging couples to revisit their early romantic experiences. Retailers could curate gift bundles focused on sentimental items or offer discounts on personalized gifts. Cafes might host open mic nights for sharing love stories, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Traditions of the Day

Passionate, overwhelming, and powerful, the spark of first love is unlike anything else. It may be a painful memory to some and, for others, a joyful one as they are lucky enough to still be with their first sweetheart! 

Lovers take a trip down memory lane and revisit wonderful memories of first love. Some even take another shot at it and drop their first love a message. Nostalgia compels many to reach out to check up on their first loves and may even get hopeful. The lucky ones who are going strong with their first and only, celebrate by going on dates, making more memories, and cherishing one another.

By The Numbers 

88% – the percentage of Americans who get married for love.

61% – the percentage of men and women who say they want to get married for love.

19% – the percentage of teens who are in a romantic relationship.

97% – the percentage of people who married their first love and think they will be with them until they die.

14% – the percentage of teens who are in a relationship that they consider to be serious.

19% – the percentage of first-love marriage partners who thought about leaving their partner.

National First Love Day FAQs

When is National First Love Day?

National First Love Day 2026 falls on Friday, September 18, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on those cherished initial romantic feelings.

What percentage of people marry their first love?

While statistics vary, studies suggest that only a small percentage, often cited around 2-3%, of people end up marrying their first love. This highlights the unique and often fleeting nature of initial romantic experiences.

How many first loves do people typically have?

Most people generally experience one ‘first love’ in the traditional sense, referring to their initial profound romantic attachment. However, individuals may have multiple significant relationships throughout their lives.

What defines a 'first love'?

A ‘first love’ is typically defined as the initial experience of intense romantic affection and attachment for another person. It’s often characterized by strong emotions, new discoveries about oneself, and a sense of profound connection.

National First Love Day Activities

  1. Write a poem or song

    Use your thoughts and write them down in the form of a poem or song. Share it with someone to express your love for them!

  2. Go on a date

    Show your appreciation for your partner by taking them on a romantic and fun date. Gifts could also be given.

  3. Watch a romantic movie

    Sit back, relax, and watch a romantic flick of your preference. To spice things up add a glass of wine, if you’re of age of course!

5 Facts About First Love

  1. Romeo and not Juliet?

    In the Shakespeare story, Romeo was actually in love with Juliet’s cousin, Rosaline, but is never actually seen in the play.

  2. Fight or flight

    According to research when you are attracted to someone it triggers your heart to beat faster and faster, known as the “fight or flight” reaction.

  3. Love never dies

    Bob Humphries and Bernie Bluett were childhood sweethearts who lost touch during World War II, but they reunited 70 years later.

  4. Broken hearts are real

    Having a broken heart isn’t just a feeling, but a health risk that can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, low blood pressure, and heart failure.

  5. Breaking records together

    ​Zelmyra and Herbert Fisher earned the Guinness World Record for longest marriage at 84 years.

Why We Love National First Love Day

  1. It was the best of times

    Our first love introduces us to a whole other world we may not be able to find in someone else. It is the beginning of new things and that is something beautiful you are able to share with someone important in your life.

  2. It was a lesson learned

    Most first loves end up being our first heartbreak, but that is why we take what our first love taught us and apply it to our growth. It shapes us and makes us better for the next time we fall in love.

  3. They are memories and stories worth sharing

    Experiences make us who we are and out of that could come sad, happy, or even funny stories. It is the memories that can never be replaced, but can be remembered and told to the younger generations when asked about our own personal love experience.

National First Love Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 18 Friday
2027 September 18 Saturday
2028 September 18 Monday
2029 September 18 Tuesday
2030 September 18 Wednesday

Get Social

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#NationalFirstLoveDay #FirstLoveDay #FirstLoveStory #OurLoveStory #FirstLove #FirstLoveQuotes #FirstLoveNeverDies