BY JOSH PEDERSON
Love is in the air.
Decadent chocolates and cuddly stuffed animals line the shelves, all a sign that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.
For some, Cupid’s holiday is a blessing. Those under the spell of love use this day to show their affection toward their significant others, often with small, yet thoughtful gestures.
Those who aren’t so lucky to have that special someone in their lives often associate Valentine’s Day as one of sorrow, or it being simply just another day on the calendar.
Regardless of relationship status, Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday in western culture and, as is with most holidays, corporations have turned it into a money grab, hoping individuals want to go the extra mile to impress their partner.
Looking at the prices of gifts this February, it may be better to go with a homemade, inexpensive, thoughtful gift as opposed to store-bought options.
Take a stuffed teddy bear for example. Buying one is a popular choice, yet even medium-sized bears can run upwards of $50.
Or maybe you are thinking of showing your affection with a beautiful bouquet of roses? Think again, the prices of these will be a real thorn in your side, with some companies increasing their profit margin by over 100 per cent.
When it comes to gift giving, it truly is the thought that counts and with prices skyrocketing on tacky little gifts, it may be better to substitute those roses and teddy bears with a more personalized approach.
Also, when it comes to this holiday, everyone’s idea of the perfect, romantic occasion can vary.
“My ideal Valentine’s Day would probably be going to the Keg because it is my favourite restaurant and then finishing up the night by cuddling up to some School of Rock,” said Lauren Granger, 19, a Guelph resident.
“For me, I would say getting tickets and going to a Toronto Raptors game would be the perfect date idea,” said Connor Hertel, 20, a Conestoga student.
Some staggering numbers about the holiday of love can be found on the website StatisticsBrain. According to it:
n The average annual Valentine’s Day spending is $13.3 billion.
n The number of Valentine’s Day cards exchanged annually is 180 million.
n The average number of roses produced for Valentine’s Day is 198 million.
n Fifty-three per cent of women say they would end their relationship if they didn’t get something for Valentine’s Day.
n The average number of children conceived on Valentine’s Day is 11,000.
There is no better time to show that special someone how much you care about them than Valentine’s Day. If you have been waiting for the perfect time to tell someone you are interested in them, now is the time to reach out and show that person what they mean to you. Who knows, you might just get the answer you’ve been too nervous to hear.
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