Parenting Pointers: Valentine's Day Gift-Giving Tips

Valentine’s Day spending is on the rise, according to a new survey by Edible Arrangements.   Despite budget being named the greatest influence on gift decisions (cited by 40%), nearly one quarter (23 percent) plan to spend more on their Valentine (a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend) this year.  Other topline survey results include:

·         One-third of respondents plan to splurge on a loved one with a pricey gift such as fancy dinners, jewelry, or even romantic vacations. 

·         Those in the 18 – 34 age group are most likely to spend more on EVERYONE this year than previous years.  Not only do 40% of millennials plan to spend more on their significant other (spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend), but this age group is also the most willing to spend more on their siblings, friends, and even colleagues.

·         Women are more likely to fret about budget than men, with 44 percent of female respondents saying money is the top factor when deciding a gift, compared to 33 percent of men.  Further, men are more likely to spring for expensive Valentine’s Day gifts than women at 40 percent vs. 30 percent.

For those looking to give something other than the traditional dozen red roses this holiday, here's a list of gift-giving tips from Tariq Farid, CEO of Edible Arrangements (and expert gift giver!).  

1)      Get inside your recipient’s head. Think about what gives your friend or loved one joy and gain some “intel” from past conversations, posts they may have created on social media or your own observations about their style and taste and match a gift to their personal profile.

2)      Compile a list of great go-to gifts. Throughout the year, keep a running list of special gifts you’ve heard about, received, read in a favorite magazine or blog and refer to it when it’s time to buy for someone you love. This way you won’t trot out an empty picture frame again!

3)      Be known for your unique gifts. Edible Arrangements’ recent survey shows that, after budget, the most significant influencer on a gift-giving decision is “pride in the gift you choose.” Be the person that keeps up with fashion , health, and other trends, while still keeping your recipient’s preferences in mind, and come up with the unique and thoughtful every time.

4)      Don’t forget the little extras. Not every gift can be the “end-all, be-all” but, by adding a beautiful heart-felt card, whimsical wrapping paper etc. every gift can be a delight.

5)      Give a gift for no reason. It’s easy to stay on top of the expected gift-giving occasions, but nothing is better than the gift for no reason! Let loved ones know you care by remembering them with something special “just because.” You can even put reminders in your calendar to do just that.