Valentine’s Day Mishaps and Spending Trends; A Mix of Chaos and Celebration
Valentine’s Day is often associated with love, romance, and thoughtful gestures, but not everyone has a picture-perfect experience. Guardian readers shared their most memorable Valentine’s Day mishaps, ranging from accidental injuries to unexpected breakups. One reader recounted how her husband ended up in the emergency room after slicing off part of his finger while preparing a ham sandwich for lunch. Another shared the heartbreak of being dumped over Zoom by a long-distance partner, who sent her a dating advice book as a gift. Other stories included canceled trips, awkward encounters with Interpol, and even a teacher ripping up Valentine’s cards in front of a second-grade class. Despite the chaos, many readers found humor and resilience in their experiences, with some eventually finding love and stability.
Meanwhile, Americans are projected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Candy, flowers, and greeting cards remain the most popular gifts, while jewelry and romantic experiences account for the bulk of spending. The holiday is no longer just for couples, as people are also celebrating with family, friends, coworkers, and even pets. Retailers like Target, Ulta, and Nordstrom are offering deals to help shoppers save on last-minute gifts, while self-care items and experiential gifts are trending.
For those still searching for the perfect present, Yahoo Lifestyle recommends a variety of last-minute options, including a conversation card deck for couples, a luxurious neck massager, and a Pandora tennis bracelet with a sparkling red heart. For kids and teens, Squishmallows and a Valentine’s-themed card game are among the top picks. With fast shipping options still available, there’s still time to make this Valentine’s Day special—or at least memorable.
‘I’ve ended up in the ER twice’: when Valentine’s Day goes horribly wrong
Guardian readers share their tales of when 14 February – an occasion for love and sweet surprises – didn’t go to plan
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Consumers projected to spend $27.5 billion on Valentine's Day
More than half of Americans plan to celebrate the holiday this year.
www.kcci.comThe 15 best last-minute Valentine's Day gifts for all your loved ones (that'll arrive by Friday)
A heated neck massager, Pandora tennis bracelet and bouquet of Micromallows — all of these goodies and more will be delivered by Feb. 14.
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The Best Tiny Valentine’s Day Gifts
Thoughtful but still low-key.
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Climate change is turning Valentine's Day bitter for chocolate lovers
Money can’t buy you love — or as much cocoa as it used to, with adverse weather denting West African crops and chocolatiers adding more fillers like n
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Searching for love: How people in different states celebrate Valentine's Day
Here's a look at some of the top Valentine's Day search trends and what they reveal about how Americans planned to celebrate.
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I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Valentine's Day Products So You Know What To Buy (And What To Skip)
Love is in the snack aisle...
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Meryl Streep's Daughter Louisa Jacobson Reveals Her Valentine's Day Plans with Partner Anna (Exclusive) Meryl Streep's Daughter Louisa Jacobson Reveals Her Valentine's Day Plans with Partner Anna (Exclusive)
Louisa Jacobson told PEOPLE at a dinner for the Human Rights Campaign earlier this month how she plans to spend her Valentine's Day with partner Anna
people.com