Having a Heart on Valentine’s Day
Pictured: Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia offers Love Potions Walking Tour Feb.16, 2019.
Despite the prevalence of red & pink hearts on cards and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, Valentine’s Day in 2019 looks different than the past, according to a survey released by National Retail Federation (NRF). Ten years ago, more than 60% of adults planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day; today, that’s dropped to 50%. However, Valentine’s Day spenders are setting records, averaging $161.96 this year (up 13% from 2018,) with total spending at $20.7 billion.
Among the reasons cited for NOT celebrating are rejection of commercialism and preference to experiences (shared with friends, loved ones, pets or alone,) that don’t necessarily rank on spending surveys. Bargain shopping for personal items during Valentine’s Day sales is also popular, though shoppers say they’re only saving money on things they need anyway.
With the latest trends in mind, museums, theme parks and zoos offer what non-traditional shoppers want:
- At Getty museums in Los Angeles — The Getty Center and Getty Villa — love can be seen in timeless portraits and sculptures depicting cupid. Cupid and love themes are typically found in museums throughout California from San Francisco to San Diego.
- Disneyland celebrates Valentine Month through Feb.18 with Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience, and Valentine’s eats and sweets throughout Disneyland.
- Zoos offer special Valentine’s themed dinners and events.
- Californians host Cupids Undie Runs to find a cure for Neurofibromatosis.
- Heart-centric fundraisers abound at American Heart Association with Ojai’s Heart & Sole or Heart Walks in Inland Empire, Orange County, San Diego and Sacramento. There’s nothing more critical to life than having a heart!
