Will you be spending the average $122.98 on Valentine's Day this year?

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Image courtesy of Gift Baskets Etc.

Boxes of chocolates…a dozen red roses…pink cell phones or iPods…pajamas with hearts…red, lacy lingerie…satin sheets…diamonds, pink sapphires and rubies…an expensive candlelight dinner…

The list of cliché Valentine's Day gifts goes on and on, with most of the gifts catering to women and their idea of what a romantic Valentine's Day should include. (Men spend an average of $163.37 on gifts and cards, compared to an average of $84.72 spent by women. [#] ) Some argue that it's Hallmark's fault, and the holiday is pure American consumerism at its finest! Why not show that you love each other every day of the year! I'd have to agree; Valentine's Day has always seemed to be a bit of a racket. I don't see why it's necessary to spend money on a gift you might give your significant other for their birthday or Christmas. I'm much more of a cookie-making, silly poem-writing, homemade-gift kind of a girl when I'm dating someone. This year, I made cheesy lip-shaped Rice Krispie treats with heart sprinkles and shipped them in a box wrapped in red tissue paper. So maybe they'll arrive in Alaska two-weeks late, stale and frozen, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Many Americans, however, still buy into the Valentine's Day gift-buying frenzy. According to the National Retail Federation's 2008 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the average consumer plans to spend $122.98 on Valentine's Day and the holiday's total spending is expected to reach $17.02 billion. Yowza. Nearly $123 on presents and gifts?! Does this make me incredibly cheap for spending $15 on marshmallows, cereal, butter and sprinkles?!

Inexpensive or not, it's the effort that's special to me, not the monetary value of what I receive or how the day was spent. My favorite Valentine's Days have included creativity, not money--a big, cardboard red Valentine heart cut into pieces and left throughout my house, and a homemade dinner in nothing but an apron. Most of the girls I know would agree and prefer a night together without all the jazz. Perhaps a simple dinner out, an evening with chocolate sundaes and cuddling, or in my case--a night of bowling and karaoke with both coupled and singled friends.

This year, it seems that most couples would agree that quality time together is more beneficial than cliché Valentine's gifts. According to the survey, "Traditional gifts, such as candy, flowers and jewelry will see a slight decrease in popularity this year with more consumers preferring gifts of experience... Almost half (48.2%) of all consumers plan to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special night out."

What are your thoughts on big Valentine's Day gifts, couples? Are you purchasing expensive gifts for your significant other, taking the homemade route, opting for a weekend getaway or romantic dinner, or skipping the holiday all together?

Posted by at February 11, 2008 10:53 a.m.
Category: To Do, or Not To Do

Comments

#97223

Posted by NP Man at 2/11/08 11:55 a.m.

Just making some homemade Osso Buco with a nice bottle of Barollo that I've been saving. Much more relaxing and authentic that way.