As cupid prepares for his biggest day of the year, consumers are also planning special ways to celebrate with their loved ones.

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2008 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average consumer plans to spend $122.98 on Valentine’s Day, similar to last year’s $119.67.

Total spending on Valentine’s Day is expected to reach $17.02 billion.

Traditional gifts, such as candy, flowers and jewelry will see a slight decrease in popularity this year with more consumers preferring gifts of experience and gift cards.

Almost half (48.2 percent) of all consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special night out, compared to 45.3 percent last year, and 12.3 percent will give a gift card, compared to 11.3 percent last year. Greeting cards still remain the most popular choice, though the number of people planning to purchase one is down from last year (56.8 percent vs. 62.8 percent last year). Nearly 48.0 percent of consumers will buy candy, 35.9 will buy flowers and 11.8 percent will buy clothing.

“Valentine’s Day is a great time to get creative with gift options,” said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. “Most people agree that it’s the thought that counts, but shelves will also be filled with traditional gifts for those who want to celebrate the old-fashioned way.”

Six out of 10 consumers plan to celebrating this year, and of those celebrating, the majority plan on spending the most on their significant other or spouse ($79.99). The survey also found that consumers plan to spend slightly more on friends ($5.75 vs. $4.93 in 2007), children’s classmates and teachers ($4.05 vs. $3.35) and co-workers ($3.02 vs. $2.40) than they did last year.

When it comes to real puppy love, 17.2 percent of celebrators also plan to spend on their pets this Valentine’s Day. Spending on pets for the holiday is estimated to reach $367 million.

Not surprisingly, men will again dish out the most this year, spending an average of $163.37 on gifts and cards, compared to an average of $84.72 spent by women.

“Consumers are expected to invest time and money on gifts of experience this year, in addition to staple Valentine’s Day gifts,” said Vice President of Strategy for BIGresearch Phil Rist. “Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a night out on the town, consumers are looking for quality rather than quantity.”

Adults aged 25-34 plan on spending the most this year with the average person planning to shell out $160.37. Young adults will be the second biggest spenders, with the average 18-24 year old expected to spend $145.59, followed by 45-54 year olds ($117.91), 35-44 year olds ($116.35) and 55-64 year olds ($110.97).

An idea or two

A home run

Hit a home run with your sweetie this Valentine’s day with a special Muddy Gram delivery!

Have the Mud Hens’ own Muddy or Muddonna hand-deliver a special Valentine’s Day package to your loved one! For $100, you’ll get a dozen roses with vase and gift message; two ticket vouchers good for any regular-season 2009 home Mud Hens game; a Mud Hens baseball hat (available for either men or woman); your choice of Muddy or Muddonna to hand deliver this package.

The gift recipient will have his/her picture taken with Muddy or Muddonna and made available online for download.

Deliveries must be within a 25-mile radius of the ballpark and all orders will be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Deliveries will be limited due to time. Service will be provided to customers on a first-come, first-served basis.

To sign up, visit www.mudhens.com/vday and fill out the form (make sure not to include a phone number or e-mail that could spoil the surprise).

A Mud Hens representative will contact you to collect payment and go over details of the delivery.

For more information or to order over the phone, contact Heidi Srock at 419-725-4367 or e-mail her   at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Get in the spirit

It will be a Victorian Valentine's Day Celebration Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beeker’s General Store in Pemberville.

The celebration will feature a visit by the Valentine's Day Lady. Delores Sohajda will display her collection of

vintage Valentine’s Day cards that includes postcards, embossed cards, 3-D honeycomb cards and more. Delores will also share tidbits of Valentine history and folklore.

Beeker’s will also showcase an extensive collection of unique Valentine candy boxes.

In addition, The Honey Lady, Debbie Wines, will be on hand to display and sell her lip balms, creamed honey, beeswax candles and more.

Visit www.beekersgeneralstore.com for more information.

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