We'll spend $18.6 billion this Valentine's Day
Those little candy hearts add up.
You can't buy love, but we sure do spend a lot to honor it. The countdown to Valentine's Day has begun—only nine more days—and the National Retail Foundation has released their annual spending survey.
This Valentine's Day, the average person is expected to shell out a little over $130 to say 'I love you' with candy, gifts and flowers.
More on MSN Living: 8 signs you're too bossy in bed
And while we spent an impressive $17 billion in 2012, we're expected to outdo ourselves in 2013, spending a total of $18.6 billion. Seems like a lot, but the National Retail Foundation (NRF) actually points out that this is a "slight increase."
So what kind of gifts are we all buying for a cool, collective $18 billion?
The NRF estimates that both traditional and non-traditional gifts will be popular this year. More than half of us (51 percent) will buy candy, and 36 percent will pick up a bouquet for our Valentine.
More on MSN Living: What his sex signals really mean
Nineteen percent of gift-givers are expected to buy jewelry, putting a $4.4 billion dent in that grand total. Surprisingly, gift cards are expected to be popular, too—15 percent of consumers will purchase one for their loved one.
Men will spend an average of $175 on these gifts, while women will fork over $88.
Candy and flowers are expected to remain the most popular gifts, but guys might want to proceed with caution. According to a recent survey, women are over the traditional Valentine's Day gift of chocolate and red roses. A ProFlowers poll sent to The Heart Beat found that 31 percent of women think red roses are cliché, and 21 percent say it's not a very creative gift.
That might be something to consider before you contribute to that $18 billion.
More from The Heart Beat:
Valentine's Day: Toss the cliche candy and roses
Is make-up sex unhealthy?
Men no longer willing to pay for first date
Love content like this? Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and find us on Pinterest
Photo: Stewart Cohen/Getty Images
love: friendship, dating, sex & marriage
-
11 modern wedding color schemes
We’ve made picking your palette a breeze! Just find your favorite hue and choose one of the cool combos below.
-
11 ideas for a summer wedding
Get inspired with these twelve ideas for a fantastic, fun summer wedding!
-
Marriage proposals gone wrong
What's worse than getting snubbed while proposing? Having your heart broken in front of countless strangers.
-
25 ways to not have a boring wedding ceremony
Want your I do's to be totally you? From pre-wedding cocktails to Mad Lib vows, here are 25 ways to make your ceremony as unforgettable as your reception.
-
17 rules for summer love
Summer love can be sweet. But it tends to be fast, feverish and often fleeting. In a season where emotions run hot, here are some rules to help avoid heartbreak.
-
5 people who might try to ruin your wedding
We asked brides on TheKnot.com to tell all -- and they did. Here, five of the most likely culprits and advice for how to deal with your drama-causing guests along the way.
-
The best ways to flirt
This short course in flirting will not only teach you how to flirt better but also how to tell when someone is flirting with you—and how to respond. Have fun.
-
10 'Great Gatsby'-inspired wedding details
Gatsby glamour doesn’t have to just live on the big screen! Embrace the trendy (yet timeless) art deco style with sequins, pearls, feathers and geometric patterns. Check out these art deco ideas and achieve the feel of 1920s decadence. By the way, all of these are affordable, except for the $600 hairpiece which is a splurge, but a knockout. Shop the look!
-
Summer love: Is it a fling or the real thing?
Wondering if your summer love will last? Here are 15 signs if your seasonal love is fleeting or for real.
-
The most memorable star-crossed movie couples
Sixteen years after "Titanic’s" release—and 101 years after the historic ship’s notorious sinking—our hearts still go on for star-crossed lovers Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio). We rounded up some of our favorite ill-fated, but oh-so-romantic affairs on film, from "Gone with the Wind" to "Moulin Rouge!".
-
How to flirt with your husband
Flirting shouldn't be retired once you've got the ring. We asked relationship expert Harlan Cohen, as well as real husbands, the best way to keep the sparks flying.
-
Your man questions, manswered
When we're annoyed by male behavior, we turn to columnist Aaron Traister. His logic may be strange, but we have to admit, it's pretty helpful. Here, he answers our many questions for guys.
