How You Can Make Next Valentine’s Day Better

Valentine’s Day is known as the day of love — the day to show your significant other and other loved ones how much you care about them. But maybe you didn’t quite nail it this year. To be fair, knowing how to celebrate this holiday can be tricky. What can we learn about people’s expectations from this Valentine’s Day? A recent study by Lovepop reveals the truth behind the love-filled holiday so you can prepare for next year.

photo/ Silvia & Frank

Showing Love: Keep It Simple, Cupid

Compared to other holidays, celebrating Valentine’s Day is a need for most, with Lovepop data showing that 71% of consumers said they would be upset if their significant other didn’t acknowledge the holiday. However, a Facebook post won’t cut it. Consumers are five times more likely to want cards than public social posts. But being thoughtful doesn’t have to be extravagant. 86% of consumers agree that words and acknowledgement mean more than gifts. This is even true of “tech-savvy” millennials, with seven out of 10 saying they look forward to handwritten notes or cards on Valentine’s more than gifts.

Get Them What They Really Want

While jewelry and flowers may appear to be the symbols of the holiday, the gift men and women both want most is to hear how much their significant other loves and appreciates them.  Giving a thoughtful card came in second. In fact, people are three times more likely to want small acts of kindness than large gifts. This is especially true for women, as they are 22% more likely to appreciate small acts of kindness than men, including breakfast in bed, having the trash taken out, or having their car filled with gas. Acts of kindness and gifts can be appreciated by couples at any stage of their relationship, but married couples may be off the hook for Valentine’s Day. According to the study, married consumers expected their spouses to spend 24% less on them this Valentine’s Day than couples who are dating. In fact, of those dating, couples in the first one to three years of their relationship planned to spend the most money this Valentine’s Day.

Spreading the Love Beyond Your Significant Other

Valentine’s Day is usually just thought of as a day for romance, but the day can, and often should, be used to show love for those most important to you. In fact, according to Lovepop’s study, three out of four people believe Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show gratitude. But despite this, only 35% of consumers planned to buy their children a gift for the day of love. Next year, why not put a smile on their face with a thoughtful gift or gesture? The study also found out that “Galentine’s” Day — a day for girls to show their love to their girlfriends– is alive and well! One out of five women planned to buy a gift for their female friends.

Next Valentine’s Day, don’t stress over the perfect gift for your loved ones. Even if you’re riding solo, you don’t have to skip out on the holiday altogether. Everyone could use a little love in their life, and a simple act of kindness can go a long way.

Author: Pankaj Deb