The cost of Valentine’s Day: Students nickel and dime their way into each others' hearts
Flowers, candy and stuffed animals are just a few of the cliché gifts Americans shell out their dollars for each year for Valentine’s Day.
According to CNN, the U.S. spent about $18.6 billion on the holiday in 2013, with the average person spending $130.
But for Central Michigan University junior Sean Ryan, $120 is the maximum amount of money he is willing to spend on the holiday.
“Flowers are expensive,” the Shelby Township native. “It’s like $60 for a dozen roses.”
Ryan said he participates in the holiday mostly for the women's benefit.
“I’d say Valentine’s Day is more for the girls,” he said, “even if a girl says she doesn’t care, their friends will still ask them what they did for Valentine’s Day.”
Walking into the CMU Book Store in the Bovee University Center, there is a table set up for cash-strapped students who want to buy something for Valentine’s Day.
The CMU Bookstore is selling single artificial roses for $3.49 each and assorted balloons, 99 cents each.
For students with more cash, Four Seasons Floral on South Mission Street is selling a dozen premium long stem roses with arrangement and vase for $79.99.
Lapeer junior Haley Ward doesn't feel strongly about the holiday, but said she would spend about $50 on Valentine’s Day.
“It’s okay,” Ward said. “I’m not opposed to celebrating it, I just don’t understand the point of needing a specific day to do something nice.”
While many embrace the holiday, others don’t celebrate it at all.
For Illinois sophomore Ashley Latin, she refuses to celebrate because she shares her birthday on Valentine’s Day.
“I usually just celebrate my birthday instead,” she said. “For Valentine’s Day itself, I buy my mom flowers every year.”
Benton Harbor junior Hayley Herzog doesn’t celebrate either, however, she doesn’t go without the Valentine’s Day sweets.
Herzog said for her it isn't about the money as much as the thought.
“Last year, my dad sent me flowers, chocolates and a teddy bear,” Herzog said. “My dad is my valentine.”
