With rows of pink heart chocolate boxes and red petaled roses in the supermarkets, the pressure of getting the best gift for their loved ones looms over the heads of countless couples. February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a day known to celebrate love and those who are special to us.
However, is the holiday worth spending our money on, or is it just a massive marketing scam?
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend a total of $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day, averaging $185.81 per person on presents for their significant other. Retail companies advertise that in order to prove our love, we must purchase overpriced roses, jewelry, and a variety of heart chocolates. While 90% of Americans in a relationship say they will be purchasing gifts for their significant other, 83.7% believe that they are being exploited. Suggesting that there is a difference between showing our love and being manipulated by retail companies.
With the addition of social media, many couples are flaunting their extravagant dinners and luxury gifts. Ranging from TikTok tutorials of what to get your partner for Valentine’s Day, or even lavish restaurant recommendations for a Valentine’s Day dinner, it‘s obvious that the pressure to get a present for your partner is intense.
The underlying message is clear: the more you spend, the more you care. But, isn’t that a materialistic view? Shouldn’t it be more about thoughtfulness? Why not a handwritten note, a handmade gift– something that represents time and effort?
On the contrary, with everyone’s lives being so busy, Valentine’s day sets as a good reminder to show appreciation towards your loved ones and find the time to celebrate one another. With valentine’s coming up, many of my friends are stressing out about what to get for their significant others, trying to find the perfect gift for them. It seems that the holiday to express our love and appreciation has just turned into a money-eating holiday and avoiding the judgment of society.
So, is Valentine’s Day just a marketing scam? Or is it a way to express our love?
In the end, Valentine’s is determined by how we choose to celebrate it. If we follow through with what companies tell us to get, then it might be a marketing scam. If we take the time and effort to create a gift that doesn’t have to be expensive, it may still have its genuine value to show our love this holiday. To be honest- even if it’s a marketing scam, it’s working because I still want someone to ask me to be their Valentine and I would expect to receive something, even if it may be small.
Love shouldn’t have a price tag, it doesn’t need a price tag- and neither should Valentine’s Day.
