How Much Money People Spend for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine day is a very popular day to celebrate in all over the world. On that day couples express their love for each other with celebration or gifts. Valentine's Day can also be an occasion for a more general celebration of love and appreciation of people who are personally important to an individual like family, friend, teacher, or co-worker.

Valentine comes from the name of 5^th century martyred saint of ancient Rome Saint Valentine (or Valentinus) who has buried in Rome on February 14. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, confectionery (chocolate and candy), and sending greeting cards. Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged cupid. The gifts that are very popular nowadays are chocolate, rose flowers, jewelry, restaurant dinners, or gift cards. The popularity of Internet at the turn of the millennium is creating new traditions, because millions of people use digital means of creating and sending Valentine's Day greeting messages such as e-card, love coupons or printable greeting cards. An estimated 15 million e-valentines were sent in 2010.

Now we will look at how much money people spend for Valentine’s Day celebration.

United States of America: This year, the average consumers spend out US $126.03 for Valentine's Day, an 8.5 percent increase over last year's $116.21.

Canada: According to recent data from BMO, retail consumer spending increased 9.25 per cent in the week leading up to Valentine's Day in 2011 that’s around  Canadian dollar $126.03.

Singapore, China, South Korea and Japan spend more money on Valentine's gifts than any other countries which is £173 (or C $ 260).

China: A bouquet of flowers with 11 roses will cost about 300 yuan (C $48) or more. Some imported roses will be priced at 60 yuan (C $ 10) each. Some hotel rooms priced at 200 yuan to 300 yuan (C $ 48). Some people do not think twice in buying gift like Swarovski necklace which is cost 980 yuan (C$157), or a quarter of her/his monthly salary.

India: A single long-stemmed rose is sold 60 Rupee (or C $ 1.2), for a bouquet of 10 roses it costs C $ 12. Cakes price is around 500 Rupee (C$ 10), and restaurant meals for two have been priced at an average 350 Rupee (C $ 7).

Indonesia: A bouquet of 10 roses costs Rupiah 120.000 (or C $ 13), valentine’s doll or plush which is price in between Rupiah 50.000 to 200.000 (C $ 6 to C $ 24) depending on the sizes. A silver ring with heart shaped could cost Rupiah 200.000 (C $ 24).

Japan:  Survey from japan-guide.com, 67% women celebrates Valentine’s Day and the most popular gift is chocolate. In Japan, it is only the women giving presents to men, but not the other way around. Men are supposed to return the favor received on Valentine's Day one month later on White Day. The very famous chocolate in Japan is Royce chocolate which is price in between C $ 8 to C $ 23.

A survey revealed (source telegraph.co.uk) that Irish couples spend just £134 (C $ 201) and UK couples only £145 (C $ 217) compared with the Spanish figure of £218 (C $ 327), The French spend £208 (C $ 312), Italians £176 (C $ 264) and Germans £153 (C $ 229) also outspend the UK and Irish.

Showing your love and making your relationship stronger is more important and it takes work not only money. Spending money for Valentine can be fun and very productive if it is well planned and affordable. So be wise in celebrating Valentine’s Day.