Will you be my Valentine?
“Will you be my valentine?” This question is by far the most expensive question many of us will ask this year. Some sources estimate that the average Valentine’s Day gift or expense will cost approximately $200. In 2020, Valentine’s Day spending in the U.S. totaled more than $20 billion, and we are expected to top that amount in 2021. Why do we spend more (or nearly as much) on Valentine’s Day than we spend on Christmas in many cases?
A recent survey indicates that people choose to spend more on their valentine because they associate gifting as an expression of their love for each other. Others responded that they are expected to purchase cards, flowers, and candy on this special day. Interestingly, most men stated they are expected to buy gifts, although women purchase nearly 85 percent of all Valentine’s Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
NRF and the Greeting Card Association itemized the spending in the U.S. for Valentine’s Day as follows:
· Flowers - $2 billion (13 percent of annual flower sales)
· Cards $1 billion and almost $4 billion on date night.
So, if you need a reason to spend, think of it as your way of helping the U.S. economy thrive. Or do it because your spending is the way you express your love. Either way, you don’t have to break the bank on this special day. Hopefully, this list of gift ideas will help you make an informed decision that is budget-friendly.
· Personalized messages strategically placed throughout Olney in those places he or she frequents
· A photo story on social media along with a hard copy of photos in an album
· His and Her silk jammies
· The first fragrance you wore on the first date
· Gourmet candies with personalized love quotes
· A homecooked meal
· A weekend get-away, a singing telegram.
For you big spenders, I’m sure your loved one will be excited to receive a new car or a gorgeous piece of jewelry.
Authenticity is vital regardless of the choice you make. Share your gift ideas with us on Facebook.com/Olney Enterprise.