The love bug makes people do crazy things, but shelling out a lot more money on loved ones than last year is not one of them this Valentine’s Day.
Spending is expected to rise 3.9 percent, less than half of the 8.5 percent increase last year, according to the National Retail Federation’s latest survey.
The average person will spend about $131 on candy, cards, gifts and other items, up from $126 last year. Total spending will reach $18.6 billion.
Men will spend the most, on average $176 on jewelry, flowers, a romantic evening out and more, or nearly twice as much as their counterparts, who will shell out about $89.
About 51 percent of people will buy candy, and more than one-third will treat someone to flowers. About 20 percent will buy jewelry while nearly 16 percent will buy clothing. Fifteen percent of gift givers will also include a card.