Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and with it comes a fresh batch of anxiety for the average couple. Whatever your gender, the question is always the same: what on earth can I get them this year? Fortunately, according to a survey conducted by leading online fashion retailer Littlewoods.com, men and women aren’t really that different when it comes to their expectations around Valentine's Day.
In what’s almost certainly a sign of the times, everyone seems to agree that there's no need to break the bank when you're buying Valentine's gifts for your other half. If you're feeling the pinch, especially after an expensive Christmas, you'll be relieved to know that it really is the thought that counts, with a third of men and just under half of the women surveyed saying they’ll be spending less than £15 on a gift this year. Which makes your
Valentine's Day gifts for him or her that much easier to choose!
That’s not to say the Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken all of the romance out of the day: plenty of people are finding a way around pay cheque blues by organising their own special Valentine's Day treat. From a winter walk under the stars to gazing lovingly into one another’s eyes over an intimate dinner at home, there are lots of ways to celebrate without ramping up the cost. How about a cosy homemade meal?
Most women might prefer a candlelit dinner at a posh restaurant, but preparing a special meal at home comes in at a close second in the survey, with 1 in 3 claiming it’s the best way to spend an evening with their partner. You won’t hear any grumbling from the other side of the table either, as over half of the men questioned agree. And if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you can send your kids off to the local go-karting circuit – no one thought it was a good idea to go on a date there!
When the meal has been enjoyed, the table's cleared and the plates are all washed up, you can curl up on the sofa and watch a movie together. When quizzed on their ideal celebrity Valentine's date, most men went for Kylie Minogue and most women chose Hugh Jackman. So it looks like an Aussie film is on the agenda!