A bouquet of red roses was once the most popular sign of devotion from one Valentine to another, but it seems women this year would prefer a more personal gift.
A survey found that while 17 per cent of women questioned thought traditional roses were the perfect symbol of devotion, and 19 per cent desired a selection of exquisite chocolates, 31 per cent were hoping for a surprise.
Fifteen per cent desired jewellery, one in 20 had asked for something specific, and only one in 25 wanted underwear. Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “While red roses are a lovely gift for Valentine’s Day, there is a feeling of cliché.
“What makes our relationships special is we choose a partner who is unique and who we love for their individual traits. Why give them a Valentine’s gift the same as everyone else?”
The research was carried out for online retailer Notonthehighstreet.com. Andy Botha, its chief commercial officer, said the number of personalised products it sold increased by 68 per cent during the Valentine’s period.
He added: “It seems romantics of both sexes have taken Shakespeare’s words “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” and reinterpreted it. Gifts that are rose-shaped, rose-patterned , even rose-flavoured but just not actually real roses are proving hugely popular.”
Spending on Valentine’s Day is on the increase, with two in five adults intending to buy a loved one a gift. Women are the thriftiest, with 10 per cent spending less than £5, and 64 per cent spending between £5 and £25.
Men are the most likely to splash out, with 35 per cent budgeting for £25 to £50 and 13 per cent forking out more than £100.
Valentine’s Day is worth £2.3 billion to UK retailers, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium.
