In case you missed the memo with every store pushing heart shaped everything,Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Studies show V-Day spending is expected to reach an all-time high this year yet there is a bunch we’ve got all wrong about the holiday. Here are some of the most common assumptions about how we celebrate February 14th.
- Myth: It’s just for people.It’s not only a time to celebrate your best friend but your four-legged friend as well. A new survey shows 27% of people celebrating say they’re going to buy a gift for their pets. In fact, last year we spent 1.7 billion on v-day pet gifts.And finally, millennials aren’t to blame for a trend.It’s actually people over 55 that are driving the increases in spoiling doggos.
- Myth: ‘Galentine’s Day’ is a thing.“Parks and Rec” fans will remember all the female characters getting together to celebrate friendship instead of their love life. Since then, the phrase has been popping up everywhere and you may even see it trending as a hashtag. But here’s the thing, it’s actually more of a Male-entine’s Day. While Valentine’s Day spending on friends has nearly tripled since 2010, it’s actually men that are slightly more likely to say they’re getting together with their single friends or family members.
- Myth: It’s what’s in the box that counts.Even though people are still buying up traditional Valentine’s gifts like jewelry, candy, and flowers, we’re also spending more on experiences. So don’t be surprised if you open up what you think is a ring box only to find two tickets to a cheese making class instead.
Source:National Retail Foundation