You may not need Valentine's Day to show your love to family, friends, pets and all, but if you do celebrate you are not alone. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates V-Day spending to reach $23.9 billion this year, up from $21.8 billion last year, which also makes it the second-highest year on record.
Whether you celebrate love year-round or choose to celebrate on the day, here are NRF's top 5 gifts consumers plan to give and some helpful hints to make it one to remember:
Candy
- Buy in bulk and fill up a tin you have on-hand.
- Choose candy that isn't individually wrapped in plastic.
Greeting cards
- Sing a song to record and send over the phone.
- Buy a card made of recycled-content paper or without excess plastic packaging.
Flowers
- During the winter months some florists sell dried bouquets and wreaths, which is a colorful alternative that lasts longer too.
- Order a custom-made bouquet to skip the plastic wrap.
An evening out
- Sign up for a sip and paint event or a continuing education class at a local college or community center.
- Enjoy a meal at a locally-owned restaurant or order take-out without requesting plastic cutlery.
Jewelry
- Support local businesses and scope out jewelry options that come from a certified Clark County business or a Recycled Arts Festival artist.
- Ask about gemstones that are ethically and sustainably sourced or jewelry made of recycled content.
Visit the Clark County Green Business Directory to shop from a business that prioritizes environmental practices.
For sustainable ideas to incorporate at school, check out the Green Schools blog post, Sustainable Valentine's Day Festivities for the Classroom.