Love is in the air as we all sweeten up our significant others for Valentine’s Day. And by significant other, I also refer to kids, pets or even a good friend. So if cupid’s arrow has missed you this year, remember that Valentine’s Day is for everyone, not just couples.
So whoever your special someone is, apparently Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to spoil them. In fact, Canadians will dish out an average of $177, according to a recent survey by Research Management Group, done for Wal-Mart Canada. The survey showed that 60 per cent of us Canucks will be buying something for a loved one.
Candy tops the list of ways to your lover’s heart with 51 per cent picking up some sweets for their sweetie. It is hard to resist those heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and treats. So hard in fact, that my hubby couldn’t resist – thanks for the early gift hun!
Next up, around a third of Canadians show their love with paper and ink (greeting cards). Those heartfelt verses and poetic gushings are sure to melt a woman’s heart – score even more brownie points if you can come up with your own.
The next gift kind of made me scratch my head, but it is practical: apparel/footwear. Apparently 27 per cent of gifts are clothes.
Flowers fall on the lower end at just 13 per cent of popular appeal. But ask any flower shop in town and I’ll bet they might say otherwise.
I like surveys, they are interesting, but always read the fine print.
Note that this survey only represents 627 shoppers, with 70 per cent of them being female.
According to a separate survey conducted for Wal-Mart by Leger Marketing, Canadians have regional preferences when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts (this one represents views of 1,517 Canadians).
“Traditional and simple gifts are still a hit. Manitobans and Quebecers want flowers for Valentine’s Day. Manitobans are also most likely to mark the special day with a Valentine’s Day card,” states the release.
“Taking the number one spot on the Valentine’s Day wish lists of Atlantic Canadians are household items such as décor and kitchen items. They are also most likely to gift them.
“Some Canadians are all about sparkle. Albertans are most likely to give jewelry, and jewelry tops the wish list of Quebecers.”
B.C. didn’t seem to make the list of results.
But the Beatles said it well with their song Can’t Buy Me Love.
While we all enjoy special gifts, most of us would rather get something from the heart.
And considering half of us Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque (according to a 2014 study by the Canadian Payroll Association), we could all afford to cut back on our holiday spending. In fact, some of us are still paying off Christmas debt loads.
A romantic home-cooked meal, personal vouchers (back rubs, movie night, etc.) and framed family/couple pictures are just a few ideas of items from the heart.
And apparently cupid’s consumer-tipped arrow isn’t hitting all Canadians, according to a separate survey from RetailMeNot.ca It shows that most Canadians (78 per cent) feel that Valentine’s Day is overrated.
Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada compiled most of these results to help Canadians keep their spending in check.
Plus, while Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show someone you care (whether that’s with a gift from the store or your craft corner), everyday is worth sharing some love.
