Spending by US online consumers on traditional Valentine?s Day 2004 gifts in the days before the holiday increased by almost 50% from the same period in 2003, rising to $188 million from $126 million, according to an analysis by comScore Networks. The largest increase in Valentine?s spending occurred in the jewelry and watches category, growing 62% and beating out flowers and gifts by five percentage points. The highest spending by dollar amount, however, is still saved for the latter category at $91 million. Based on patterns in previous years, comScore expects that flower sales will continue at a high level until the very last minute, further boosting its increase from last year.