Guess How Much the Average Guy Spends on Valentine's Day?

[Stephan Bobb]

Guess How Much the Average Guy Spends on Valentine's Day?

Some people assume that more expensive gifts are more meaningful. Find out why the best present of all is simple and free

BY ALI EAVES, 

 

If you're planning to just pick up some supermarket roses tomorrow, don’t show this story to your wife: The average guy will drop $190.53 on presents and dates to show his love on Valentine's Day, a new survey finds. 

The National Retail Federation polled more than 6,000 consumers on how they planned to woo their dates this year. Half of shoppers said they'd get candy and a third would go for flowers, but one in five planned to splurge on jewelry for the made-up special holiday.

(If you’re taking her out to dinner, read this first: Do Food Aphrodisiacs Work?)

But hey, it's all for a good cause. Even though Valentine's Day can seem silly, the little gestures can strengthen your relationship, says Paul Hokemeyer, Ph.D., a Manhattan-based marriage therapist.

The preparation that goes into showing your affection reminds you to focus on the people who are important to you, rather than just racing mindlessly through the year, Hokemeyer says. 

And it pays off in the long run: Research shows that partners who feel appreciated are happier and more likely to stay together, says Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., author of Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship.

But that doesn't mean you have to blow hundreds of dollars. Investments of time, acts of generosity, and gifts that show creativity are by far the most valuable, Hokemeyer says. 

Here's something you can do at the very last minute: Handwrite a note telling her why you'd still choose her if you had to do it all over again, Orbuch suggests. 

"People are constantly telling me that the gifts where their partner took time to think of them and make them something special, but inexpensive, are the ones they remember and cherish the most," she says.

(Whatever you do, just please don't Make Dinner Reservations at White Castle for Valentine's Day. Trust us on this.)

TAGS: GIFTS FOR HER, VALENTINE’S DAY