Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day – a celebration of hearts, romance and true love, that dates back to ancient pagan celebrations of the Romans.
It’s also a day of gift-giving. In fact, retail analysts in the U.S. are predicting that shoppers will set new records this year, spending over $27 billion in 2020 – up from nearly $21 billion in 2019.
Chocolate and candy were the number one pick for most shoppers; in one online report, 52 percent of shoppers said they purchased “Sweets for the Sweet.”
Chocolates have a long association with Valentine’s Day, possibly because chocolate is believed to be an aphrodisiac. There’s no real research, but chocolate does contain Phenyl-ethylamine (PEA) which is known to stimulate pleasure centres in the brain; tryptophan, which increases serotonin levels; and anandamide, which acts very much like a cannabinoid drug, although the amounts found are low.
At any rate, chocolates – especially considering the range of gourmet chocolates now readily available – definitely bring joy.
Flowers remain a popular choice, chosen by 37 percent of shoppers in one poll – although another poll suggested that only 15 percent of recipients were hoping to get flowers for Valentine’s Day.
Topping the list are pink or red roses; in the Victorian language of flowers, roses mean “true love.” Also popular: red carnations (meaning “true love”), tulips (“elegance and grace;” red tulips mean “perfect love;” yellow tulips, “Cheerful thoughts”), pink lilies (“purity”; red lilies stand for “passion”), or any red and white flowers. But be careful - a Purple orchid, in the language of flowers, means “I await your favours.”
A romantic evening out is also in the top five of favourite gifts. Many restaurants are already completely booked for Valentine’s Day, especially since this year the day falls on a Friday – but there are also romantic outings, like skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or simply heading out to watch the stars. Or just stay home, perhaps, and enjoy a cozy dinner for two, with a glass of wine and chocolate…
Jewellery was also in the top five most popular gifts. Although only about 21 percent of shoppers said they purchased jewellery for their Valentine, they spent the most, contributing $5.8 billion to the U.S. economy.
Favourites include pearls, diamonds, and anything heart-shaped for women; watches, titanium bracelets and chains for men.
Looking for a very special gift for Valentine’s Day? The Town of Innisfil is holding a Matrimonium – an all-day opportunity to get married at Innisfil Town Hall on Feb. 14. The marriage marathon begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 5 p.m., in the Innisfil Council Chambers at 2101 Innisfil Beach Road. The fee is $270 per marriage, which will be donated to the Cardiac program at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. To book a spot in the Matrimonium, contact [email protected] or call 705-436-3710.
Most bizarre Valentine’s Day gift ever? Possibly a 2016 promotion from Doritos: a free bouquet of long-stemmed Doritos Ketchup Roses, made from the chips. They were red-ish in colour – and sold out within hours, billed as the perfect bouquet for guys.
(From various online sources, including eHarmony.com, and nrf.com).
