Survey Says Dinner Out No. 1 Valentine's Day Gift

Valentine’s Day is such a popular celebration in Canada that even children take part in it, an Angus Reid Strategies poll has found. Going out to dinner is most popular with gifts of chocolates and candy coming in last place.

An Angus Reid Strategies poll has found in an online survey of a representative national sample: - 59 per cent of respondents plan to celebrate the holiday with their spouse or partner, - 11 per cent will acknowledge their girlfriend or boyfriend, as well as their parents. - Almost three-in-ten Canadians (29 per cent) will also acknowledge their children on Feb. 14. The poll shows that 83 per cent of respondents—both men and women—plan to give a present on that day. - 30 per cent of women would like to be invited to dinner at a restaurant. - 18 per cent want flowers - 16 per cent choose a spa visit - 10 per cent want jewelry. - 8 per cent like getting chocolates or candy for Valentine’s Day. - 45 per cent of the male respondents are planning to take someone out to dinner on Feb. 14. - 34 per cent will buy flowers. - 27 per cent are planning to give chocolate and candy to their Valentine date. The vast majority of respondents agree that electronics, appliances, perfumes, wine and spirits are not appropriate gifts for this holiday. About half of respondents prefer a real gift over a gift car: 25 per cent of both female and male respondents would be upset if they received a gift card on this date. Under 10 per cent are planning on giving someone a gift card. The vast majority of respondents (76 per cent) like the fact that gift cards give them the freedom to choose what they want. Still, 43 per cent find that the cards are an impersonal and lazy way to give presents.