Recently I’ve noticed how the age-old saying, “you can’t put a price on love,” is slipping, and the cost of it is rising quickly, might I add. The suspected spending on an average Valentine’s gift for 2010 has risen to $162 in the 18-34 age range.
Though the term ‘Hallmark Holiday’ is widely used, people still rush out to buy valentines for partners, families, or even friends. For any parents, children in elementary school are even pushed to get cards for the members of their class. So though the estimate of $162 may seem like quite a bit, somewhere between the flowers, chocolates, and cards, the money adds up quick.
In a study done last year by Brand Keys, it was found that out of 24,000 adults ages 18-60, only 4% admitted to simply staying at home on Valentine’s Day. A nice restaurant bill for two could easily reach up to $40, but 55% of the adults in the Brand Key study said they enjoy a dinner date to celebrate the holiday. And though a typical movie ticket is roughly ten dollars a person, 35% of couples go to the big screen to see the latest romantic comedy or horror flick.
Dinner and a movie date night is already up to $60 dollars, and that doesn’t even cover a gift. The wide array of chocolates, roses, teddy bears, gift cards, and jewelry can cost an easy hundred dollars before even noticing the money slip out of your wallet.
So though I can’t offer any complaints to the cheery air and happy lovebirds, I started wondering if the idea behind Valentine’s Day has been hidden by the pressure for fancy gifts.
At the end of the day what’s most important is happiness, and a $30 necklace or $20 assorted chocolates should really be the least of your worries. Valentine’s Day is a time for showing appreciation and love; no one should have to go broke doing it.
