Valentine’s Day Is Almost Here, and These Under-$70 Gifts Can Be Sent Last Minute (2024)

FAQs

Is cash a good Valentine's Day gift? ›

One of the biggest benefits of sending money as a Valentine's gift is that it gives the recipient the freedom to choose what they want to spend it on. This can be especially appealing if your loved one is difficult to shop for or if they have a very specific taste.

Highlights: Most Popular Valentines Day Gifts Statistics

52% of Valentine's Day gift-givers buy candy, making it the most gifted item. 36% of people gift flowers on Valentine's Day. Jewelry is the second most popular gift, with 21% of people opting for it. About a third of people plan a special dinner for the holiday.

In Summary:

Life is too short to worry about whether or not to give somebody a gift. If you see something she might like, or want to pursue the relationship further, absolutely get her a Valentine's Day gift she will love.

For Valentine's Day 2024, roughly half of surveyed U.S. shoppers said they would buy chocolate or candy as a gift for another, making it the most shopped for Valentine's Day gift. About a third of respondents said they intended to purchase flowers.

Who do you think should pay? Over 70% of Americans believe the man should pay on the first date. 68% of women expect their male dates to pay, while 78% of men feel responsible for the cost. The person who extends the invitation for a date should pay the tab and tip.

With the average cost of V-day gifts for those who have been seeing each other at least two years sitting at around $150, we suggest paring that down when it comes to newer relationships. If the relationship is newer (less than six months), or hasn't even been defined yet, keep it under $100.

“With consumers prioritizing their spouse or significant other this year, retailers expect to see a shift in spending for certain gifting categories.” The top gifts include candy (57%), greeting cards (40%), flowers (39%), an evening out (32%), jewelry (22%), clothing (21%) and gift cards (19%).

Not only that, Valentine's Day tends to be the most popular day to get engaged. Spending differs by gender and age. Men spend more on Valentine's Day ($200+), while women usually spend less. Millennials are the biggest spenders, with those in that age group planning to spend around $300 on the holiday.

There's really no excuse for not doing something special for your comrades, whether you've found yourself in a great relationship this Valentine's Day or are still super single.

Who buys Valentine's gifts? ›

Valentine's Day is a holiday that is traditionally associated with romantic love and the exchange of gifts between partners. It is common for both men and women to give gifts to their partners on Valentine's Day.

Some guys may be yearning for a high-quality turntable; others may want nothing more than a reliable chef's knife. Some want a trip to the spa and fancy skin care. (And, of course, there are the guys who truly just want a nice dinner and chocolate.)

Oruch, a University of Kansas English professor, determined that Chaucer was the first to link love with St. Valentine in his 14th-century works "The Parliament of Fowls" and "The Complaint of Mars," notes the Times. Therefore, Oruch claimed, Chaucer invented Valentine's Day as we know it today.

Key Takeaway: Cash is a great gift that allows recipients 100% freedom in how they spend it. But it's not appropriate for every recipient on every gift giving occasion. You must consider several factors about the occasion and recipient to determine what type of gift will be most appreciated.

Cash has no expiration date

And while it's nice to support small businesses, you may be more likely to run into this problem if you buy someone you know a gift card for a local shop. Cash, on the other hand, never expires. Your loved ones could stick that money in the bank and use it whenever they please.

Cash can be an easy, straightforward gift for the giver that the recipient will appreciate and put to good use. Just follow these etiquette rules and give cash gifts with the peace of mind that doing so won't lead to an awkward situation.

Yes, Valentine's Day cards are big business, but at their heart is a long-standing playful tradition between couples, friends, family members, and classmates to express their affection.