Americans don’t want anyone to feel out on Valentine’s Day, whereas the Brits say it is a day for
romance .
Research by PayPal the secure
online payment provider showed that nearly half of American singles will give
gifts on Valentine’s Day, the majority of which will go to non-romantic people in their lives. This will include children, grandchildren, friends, siblings and nieces and nephews. Compare this to British singles, only a third of the single population plan on giving a gift to someone they are not romantically linked with.
Although the Americans lap up the commercial elements of the Day they won’t spend as much as the British. On average the British person will spend £70.20 on
flowers, dinner,
clothes, or a trip to the theatre or the cinema whereas an American will spend the equivalent of £47.
The PayPal research found that men spent more than women. A British man spends on average £83.60 and a woman spends £51.70.
Cristina Hoole, PayPal UK spokesperson said, "It’s fascinating looking at the differences between countries around Valentine’s Day. It’s a big occasion for millions of people, but our research shows that the British still prefer stick to the traditional
romantic values."
The research also highlights how shopping habits differ between the two countries. The British are twice as likely to buy Valentine’s Day
gifts online compared to American shoppers.
Hoole added, "Keeping your presents a secret is half the challenge on Valentine’s Day, so
shopping online and having gifts delivered to the office is a great way to truly surprise loved ones. As well as keeping
romantic gifts under wraps, many of the best deals can be found online, so those gorgeous treats you might be planning on buying for someone special could end up costing less than buying them on the High Street."
