Not cupid’s year: 1 in 4 Australians plan to celebrate this Valentine’s Day
Australians have fallen out of love with Valentine's Day this year, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey found only 24% plan to mark the occasion in 2022.
That's just 4.7 million Aussies who plan to spoil their special someone – a 29% decline since 2021.
The majority of Australians (76%) won't be celebrating, with almost 2 in 5 (37%) admitting they have a partner but don't celebrate Valentine's Day.
A further 39% don't have a partner to commemorate the momentous occasion.
Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, said the majority of Aussies will shun Valentine's Day this year.
"If you don't get a dozen long stem roses on Monday – you're not alone."
Browne believed the pandemic had accelerated its decline.
"Let's face it – plenty of us have had more than enough quality time together during the pandemic."
The research found Australians will spend $207.60 each on average on their significant others, at a national outlay of $974 million.
Almost $313 million of the national total will be spent on dining out, while $90 million will be spent on flowers.
Australians will spend $364 million on presents and $60 million on chocolates.
In true COVID style – $82 million will be spent on a "date night at home".
Browne says there are plenty of ways to spoil your significant other without breaking the bank.
"A homemade dinner is a thoughtful and meaningful way of showing your appreciation for your partner.
"People often feel obligated to spend up on Valentine's Day but that doesn't mean people who spend less are taking their partner for granted.
"Don't fall into the trap of spending more than you can afford because there's nothing romantic about debt," she said.
The survey found Aussie men are expected to spend an average of $296 each and women $136.
Generation Y are the most generous on Valentine's Day spending $265 on average, compared to just $121 for baby boomers.
Finder has a list of all Valentine's Day 2022: Gift ideas, things to do and tips and tricks at https://www.finder.com.au/valentines-day.
| How much do you spend on Valentine's Day for your partner? | |
|---|---|
| Nothing, I don't have a partner | 39% |
| Nothing, my partner and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day | 37% |
| Celebrating Valentine's Day | 24% |
| Source: Finder survey of 861 Australians in February 2022 |
| How much do you spend on Valentine's Day for your partner? | |
|---|---|
| Presents | $77.50 |
| Dining out | $66.80 |
| Flowers | $19.30 |
| Dining in (e.g. Uber Eats) | $17.50 |
| Other | $13.60 |
| Chocolates | $12.80 |
| Total | $207.60 |
| Source: Finder survey of 861 Australians in February 2022 | |
| *Asked to those who said they were celebrating Valentine's Day |
Visit Finder's Valentine's Day hub for gift ideas and things to do to spoil your special someone.
