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Did you know that the rule of thumb when purchasing an engagement ring is to spend two salaries on it? That means if your annual salary is $60K you should spend $10K on an engagement ring. But how about valentine’s gifts? How much should you spend on gifts for him?
No matter what your relationship status is, whether you’re in a committed relationship or married, or whether you’ve just started dating, getting the gift just right is already tricky, but it’s equally important that you consider how much you spend on him this year.
If you spend more than he does you might make your man feel emasculated, but if you spend too little, he might not feel like you care.
For me, spending just the right amount on valentine’s day gifts on February 14th is important so that he still feels like the man in this relationship (hand up if you’re old-fashioned too, mommy).
Recent surveys from the national retail federation reveal some interesting facts that in 2021, 52% of Americans were planning on spending money on Valentines day.
Despite the pandemic that’s still a whopping valentine’s day spending at a total of $21.8 billion.
More than 73% of consumers believe that celebrating Valentine’s Day is especially important during the pandemic. I would imagine that this number will be even higher in 2022 than last year’s projections, two years into a pandemic that is affecting how we are able to spend time with loved ones. However, it isn’t surprising that only 24% of respondents are planning a romantic dinner outside and 41% are planning one at home instead.
So, what is the perfect v-day gift for Saint Valentines and how much should you spend on it?
The amount you spend on a gift for your favorite guy depends on three things:
- how much money do you make
- how much money does he makes
- and how much he spends on gifts for you.
So let’s see how much to spend on him based on your relationship with him.
Significant others, $100-$200
When you’ve known each other for a long time then it’s totally ok to spend a lot of money on him.
Because you know him and he knows you and you know each other’s finances, there is nothing to hide or prove. And you’re right on trend, as a recent survey shows that Americans spend $152 on their significant other on average.
Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts
Include something that you can’t buy from a department store or an online store, such as personalized leather belts, bags, mugs, or personalized jewelry gifts, for someone that you’ve been committed to for a long time. Don’t forget a sweet card with a handwritten note.
As an alternative, you can make him sentimental gifts, such as a photo of a great memory you have together, or take him to the restaurant where you had your first date.
Romantic partner $60-$90
If you are in a romantic relationship with your special someone, you want to make the evening an evening where you can both benefit from the experience.
Romantic presents
Your romantic gift should focus on spending time together.
Red roses are better left for him to give you, but you can still make him a cute homemade card and a box of chocolates that you can share together. Spend $20 on chocolates and $10 on materials for your homemade card, $30 in total.
If you want to spoil your partner for a romantic dinner, then cooking for him at home is the best idea.
Because going to a restaurant wearing a face mask is probably the least romantic thing to do.
How much should you spend on a romantic dinner? Invest in fresh ingredients and prepare a meal you’ve cooked many times before, so you’re sure it will be a success. Spend $60 on groceries and let him handle the drinks if he wants.
New relationship $50-$60
OK, let’s say you’ve been dating for over 6 months. You’re still getting to know each other, but both of you seem to be committed to each other.
Best gifts:
You can make him feel special by planning an exciting picnic dinner on the beach, or in the mountains, and including a blanket, battery-powered candles, his favorite takeout, and his favorite drink.
If you want to give him the perfect gift, you can give him a key to your apartment in a gift box. The cost of a key cutting is $20-$30.
Or, you could get tickets to his favorite show instead of spending money on takeout, to indicate you want to spend more time with him in the future.
First Valentine’s Day, $30-$40
You just started dating someone you like and your first Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. You’re looking forward to spending your first Valentine’s Day together!
Yet at the same time, you don’t want to make things awkward by over showing him with expensive gifts, as your relationship is still in its infancy and you don’t know him that well.
Nevertheless, you want to show him you care about him.
In other words, how much money should you spend and on what gift should you spend it?
Perfect gift:
You can make a memorable valentine’s day gift by doing something fun that allows you to get to know each other more, such as cooking a delicious meal for him or even cooking it together, spending $30-$40 on groceries and watching your favorite shows on AppleTV.
If you haven’t made it official yet, this special day would make a great time to reveal your love on social media and tell the world. This doesn’t cost you anything, $0.
It’s a cute idea to buy him a coffee maker because that’s an excuse to see him again after a night out, which is basically your way of inviting yourself back after a night out. However, you shouldn’t splash out on a Nespresso machine. Buy him a $10 French press instead. I’m sure you’ll earn bonus points with this tactic!
Spend $20 on a nice bottle of wine that you can both enjoy together and get to know each other better.
Single people, $5-$10
Let’s say you have a crush on someone and you want to get his attention on Valentine’s Day. You don’t want to go overboard on this first special day, so keep it simple and affordable.
Perfect gift:
For him to receive the message, invest in a homemade card or even a store-bought one, but do not overspend. Leave it up to him from there. Spend $5-$10 on a great card or make one yourself.
Does he have a favorite food? Maybe you could make it for him or buy it from his favorite shop and drop it off at his workplace? Little gestures like this will make him undeniably aware that you care for him.
Closing thoughts on how much to spend on Valentine’s Day gifts for him (2022)
I hope you’ve enjoyed my ideas. The bottom line is, you can spend a day of love without breaking the bank or “intimidating” your guy by overspending.
Obviously, it’s okay if he overspends on your gifts, but you don’t want it to be the other way around (even when you can afford it). A good place to start is to always consider his feelings first before you make a purchase. A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to cost much and still be the perfect way to have a great time together this Valentine’s Day.
I’d love to know your thoughts on how much to spend on gifts for him. What’s your experience? And have you got an interesting story to share?
I’m Kristin Brause, a new mom and now a blogger. But please call me Kris! My blog AnyMommyCanMakeMoney was born out of my desire to stay at home with my baby and work from home instead of being away from her for work. My mission now is to help mommies who also want to stay at home with their kids make money online because I believe that any mommy can work from home and make money, even between nap times and nappy changes, with the right strategies. Check out my resources to help you make money.
