Valentines Day Gifts

Holidays

Valentine's Day ranks #2 holiday for giving greetings cards.
190+ million Valentine's Day cards sent in U.S.
1 billion cards exchanged if you factor in schools. Source: U.S. Greeting Card Assoc.
First mass-produced Valentines in U.S. sold shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland
Valentine's Day celebrated in United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France Australia, Denmark and Italy
54% People in U.S. celebrate Valentine's Day (National Retail Federation)

Hallmark says the origins of Valentine's Day are "murky."
Legend that theologian Valentinus, was executed for his religious beliefs on Feb.14, 269 A.D., leaving a farewell note "From Your Valentine."
Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day to honor the martyr Valentinus circa 498 A.D.
By 1797 printers in England were producing cards with verses and sketches, called "mechanical valentines."
In 1868 British chocolate company Cadbury created Fancy Boxes in the shape of a heart and filled with chocolates for Valentine's Day.
By the mid-20th century Valentine's Day became a gift-giving day featuring food, cards, clothing and experiences such as gondola rides, movie dates and hotel stays.

Know the Status of Your Relationship -- intimate versus acquaintance. Avoid lingerie, etc. if not intimate.
Learn What He or She Likes such as favorite hobbies, sports, sweets, movie tickets, makeup, food.
Tried-and-True staples like a card, candy and flowers remain favorites.
Know what your true love likes and buy specific candy or flowers.
Expensive can be risky in early stages of relationship. Choose gifts appropriately and don't overwhelm.
Practical gifts such as a toaster or hair dryer may send message that person is boring. Keep it light and fun and something that pulls on the heartstrings.
Consider homemade candlelight meals, writing a poem or making something special when money is tight.

Just over half the population honors the holiday in a financial way
Expenditures of Valentine's Day participants average $146-150
Age 25-34 years typically spend double the national average
Age 18-24 years spend 2nd most money
Western U.S., including California, celebrates Valentine's Day less than other regions
Top expenditures by dollars: #1 Greeting cards | #2 Candy | #3 Flowers | #4 Evening date | #5 Jewelry | #6 Clothing
Top recipients of gifts: 83% Spouse or significant other | 65% Other (not spouse) | 46% Family | 25% Friends | 23% Pets | 21% Classmates, teachers | 11% Co-workers