For Valentine's Day: Men think roses but women love the bling
Filed under: Extracurriculars, Shopping
Congratulations, dude - you remembered Valentine's Day in time to buy your lover a dozen beautiful roses, which you presented her when she arrived home from work that evening. You're a champion, right? Not necessarily. In fact, you may have made two crucial errors; buying her a gift she doesn't really treasure, and giving it to her at the wrong time.
According to a survey done by several matchmaking sites (date.com, matchmaker.com and amor.com), less than one in four women list flowers as their favorite Valentine's Day gift. The most popular? Jewelry, at 27.8%, intimate love notes at 22.2%, and a romantic restaurant dinner, 22.2%. Chocolate rated only 11.1%, probably because it is so easily obtained and likely to be consumed in large part by the man giving the gift. (Aside- imho, if only 27.8% of women listed jewelry as their favorite gift, then 72.2% lied.)
In contrast, 41.7% of men surveyed felt that flowers were the best gift, followed by jewelry at 33.3%, dinner, 25%, and chocolates, 16.7%.
The lesson? The more bling, the more zing!
If you are nonetheless set on giving flowers, then make them count. Don't present them at home, where only the two of you can enjoy them. Send them to her at work, so she can demonstrate to her co-workers just how loved she is. We all crave public acknowledgment of our worth, and a bouquet on the desk is worth ten in the den.
You'll thank me the next morning!
Read more Valentine's Day stories from WalletPop
In contrast, 41.7% of men surveyed felt that flowers were the best gift, followed by jewelry at 33.3%, dinner, 25%, and chocolates, 16.7%.
The lesson? The more bling, the more zing!
If you are nonetheless set on giving flowers, then make them count. Don't present them at home, where only the two of you can enjoy them. Send them to her at work, so she can demonstrate to her co-workers just how loved she is. We all crave public acknowledgment of our worth, and a bouquet on the desk is worth ten in the den.
You'll thank me the next morning!
Read more Valentine's Day stories from WalletPop
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
2-10-2009 @ 8:28PM
Nikki said...
Well, this just makes women look like we're only in the relationship for the material things to be gained. Some of us require nothing but that person; no gifts involved.
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2-11-2009 @ 7:49AM
Karen said...
Absolutely! The best thing I can be given is some alone time with my special guy, started with the tightest hug and a passionate kiss... Costs nothing except a few calories. Perfect!!
2-10-2009 @ 8:40PM
whoops said...
LOL! While I disagree that ALL the rest of us are lying about the jewelry, (IMHO, maybe 25% more are lying, maybe), I find no offense in your humble opinion. In fact, I got a big kick out of it, because I'm hoping it was a joke. Sure we like shiny things but if the only women on your life ARE in the (imagined) "72%" category, I'd say you are running with the wrong kind of girls. Stop chasing gold-diggers. There are still earth mothers ad down-to-earth ladies left out here that do appreciate the flowers, and perhaps even just the company.
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2-11-2009 @ 11:57AM
Tom Barlow said...
Yes, it was a joke. I know that many women prefer gifts other than jewelry. But not the one in my household!
2-10-2009 @ 8:42PM
paul said...
And what was men's #1 gift? Do men get gifts for Valentines?
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2-10-2009 @ 8:52PM
Patty said...
Hi Paul
Yes, men do receive Valentine's gifts in an assorted variety if they are in some kind of a relationship. Gifts (just like with women) can vary from a beautifully written poem or a favorite dinner to flowers delivered at work. It may not be on the equivalent ratio that women get Valentine's gifts but I'm sure it ranks up there pretty good.
2-10-2009 @ 8:47PM
ObfuscateId said...
Paul, we all know what men want. /;-P
They have thier day on March 14th. Steak and a ... well, use your imagination day. LOL
Reply
2-10-2009 @ 10:48PM
Linda said...
Oh PLEASE tell me what men get on March 14th? That happens to be my husband's birthday (as well as my daughter). I'm missing something here big time. I have a feeling my husband is way overdue for his March 14th birthday present because I had no idea that date meant anything other than Einstein's, my husband's and my daughter's birthday!
2-10-2009 @ 8:47PM
Frank said...
Many women remind me of trader/packrats and magpies....always attracted to something shiny. I know this because I spent fortune on jewelry, especially diamonds. I'm not talking about clusters..I'm talking about a 3.72 carat V VS1 solitaire in a Tiffany mount and two "eternity" diamond rings to go on either side of it. What a fool I was.
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2-11-2009 @ 6:00AM
Monika said...
Frank, you're not a fool - live and learn and don't let bitterness stay in your heart
2-10-2009 @ 9:09PM
Art Tidesco said...
My Gal is getting a cherry red Bristol Blenheim Speedster
for Valentines Day this year, she digs speed and exclusivity more than diamond rings. chocolate or even flowers.
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2-10-2009 @ 9:30PM
gene said...
bling! in a recession go for the breakfast in bed
dtop worrying about whats in or not and tailor your gift
to her character can you say boheimian?
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2-10-2009 @ 9:40PM
DANNY said...
THE GIFT FOR MEN ON VALENTINE'S DAY IS...SEX!
MEN GIVE FLOWERS,JEWELRY,ETC..THEY EXPECT SEX FOR DOING ALL OF THAT!
BY THE WAY, VALENTINE'S DAY SHOULD BE EVERYDAY!
NOT JUST ONE DAY OUT OF THE YEAR TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE FOR THAT SPECIAL PERSON.
Reply
2-10-2009 @ 10:10PM
ZAK said...
For those of you not paying attention: Valentine's Day is just another marketing ploy to get you (the Sap) to buy candy, flowers, jewelry, cards and other crap to "celebrate the day". It is the same for Holloween, Easter, Mother's Day and so on. BE SMART! You can find better ways to show someone you care than falling for all the standard advertising B.S.
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2-10-2009 @ 10:12PM
Rebecca said...
I disagree with this poll. I really don't care if my husband gives me diamonds on Valentine's Day, it's only a "Hallmark" holiday. It's the thought that counts. I think that all of those jeweler's commercial's have ruined true ROMANCE which is loving someone for who they are, not what they can afford. It is the thought that counts, especially in today's economy.
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2-11-2009 @ 1:26AM
Ann said...
I totally agree. I hate what the jewelry and even the auto companies have done to a lovely expression of love.
2-10-2009 @ 10:21PM
patnpatc said...
My husband and I have been married for 29 yrs, together for over 30. We don't need a day to say i love you, We say it each and everyday, Bling doesn't mean I love you. It means your going into debt or you have a lot of money. If all she wants is bling RUN>>> very fast.
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2-10-2009 @ 10:23PM
teri said...
I agree Rebecca. Its the thought. If you get nothing for Valentines Day your boyfriend could care less and if you are married he has probably sent someone else a gift.
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2-11-2009 @ 12:16AM
Traci said...
sorry but thats not always the case. maybe in some loveless relationships but that is not a hard cold fact for all. some agree a head of time that times are just too tough or they say what do you really want and the answer is honestly to just be with the person and that is truly enough no gift needed.
Fine if your dating and the guy doesn't even think maybe its a flag maybe but still not always. I have yet to see the point of Valentines day
When your in a relationship that is long term you don't think about gifts and bling being needed you think about okay sure spend $$ on this or spend it somewhere logical IE: Bills, debts, savings whatever. When your married you share the financial information with each other and right now the economy hasn't been doing so good so gifts are not seen as important. Instead a couple may opt for a special meal at home or a picnic or whatever is special without costing $$ to them. They may even opt to ignore Valentines day as we typically do, but thats a mutual choice.
anyways thats my honest opinion.
2-11-2009 @ 6:23PM
teltech54 said...
trying to find a down to Earth girl in this day and age is next to impossible. I have yet to find one who says they are only to find out what they consider down to Earth is far from it.
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