Valentine's Day Presents

Posted by Elaine Moore Feb 3, 2008

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I recently surveyed 50 acquaintances between the ages of 25 and 65. I posed the question of what their favorite Valentine’s Day present would be given the choice of Candy, Flowers, Dinner Out, or a Spa Gift Certificate.

Results

70 percent of the women chose Spa Gift Certificates, followed by Dinner Out, the choice of 20 percent of participants. Another 10 percent chose Flowers. No women chose candy.

Of the participating men, 80 percent chose Spa Gift Certificates, and 20 percent chose Dinner Out. None of the men chose Flowers or Candy.

Comments

When asked for comments, 3 women noted that they’d prefer receiving a Gift Certificate to a Spa they’d never been to (surprise spas), and 2 women indicated they’d love a weekend spa getaway. Two women mentioned they wanted seaweed wraps and one woman mentioned wanting a Couples’ Spa Package.

Only two of the men had comments to add, and both mentioned wanting massages. In discussing the survey after it was completed, one man mentioned wanting to try a deep tissue massage for his arthritis.

Conclusion

Is it a sign of the times that people overwhelmingly chose Gift Certificates to Spas? Or is it the simple fact that given the choice, most people have a consideration for health and fitness?

Several women mentioned dreading the thought of being presented with a 2-pound box of chocolates. One of the youngest participants recalled devouring a box of gourmet chocolates in record time so she could use the red heart-shaped box to hold ticket stubs and mementos from dates. She ended up using it to hold the food diary she started after gaining 5 pounds from eating the chocolates.

When I printed the survey results, savvy participants asked for copies to show their significant others.