Men Ask: 'Where is the Love?'

New Survey Uncovers Men Most Likely to Give but not Receive on Valentine’s Day

Vienna, Va. (January 16, 2006) – A new national survey revealed that only six percent of men receive Valentine's Day gifts despite the fact that men spend double what women spend during the February holiday. In fact, individually, men on average dole out more than $130 for candy, cards and other luxuries as Valentine’s Day gifts. As a result, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named men “ America’s Biggest Sweethearts” this Valentine’s Day.

“While men clearly give the most for Valentine’s Day, everyone enjoys the holiday. The National Confectioners Association has compiled a list of the sweetest and most suitable treats and gifts for any loved one this season,” says Larry Graham, president of the National Confectioners Association. “Many of us associate gourmet chocolate, boxes of candy and conversation hearts with Valentine’s Day, and candy compliments any gift idea.”

Survey Reveals Who Gets the Most for Valentine’s Day

NCA’s survey revealed that children “eat up” Valentine’s Day receiving the most candy and gifts, 39 percent. It was also discovered that mothers and wives hand out one-third of Valentine’s Day presents, and in return unwrap 36 percent of all holiday gifts, a close tie with their children.

In fact, the findings indicate that on Valentine's Day children and mothers/wives are six times more likely to receive gifts than anyone else in their family, including men and some family pets.

Cues from Cupid, Valentine’s Day Etiquette 411

While men make the most purchases, the survey found that everyone buys a little something on Valentine’s Day. Therefore, to guide consumers through the wonders of Valentine’s Day shopping, NCA has developed the ultimate shopping tool. Designed specifically for the gift giving-challenged, Cues from Cupid is a one-stop gift-idea resource to pinpoint the perfect present for anyone on your list.

Mom – Create a personalized gift basket filled with her favorite candies and luxurious spa products. Or, pamper her with a box of gourmet chocolates and a homemade Valentine.
Dad – Tell Dad he is a sweetheart by decorating a heart-shaped box and filling it with candy treats. Or, send him “sweet thoughts” on Valentine’s Day with a package of candy and heartfelt messages.
Co-worker – Bake-up a sweet surprise by mixing red, pink, and white candies into cookie dough or brownie mix. Alternatively, place a candy dish on your co-workers’ desk filled to the brim with favorite treats.
Sister – Accent, enhance or personalize a bag of Valentine’s Day treats with a gift certificate or fill a small purse with her favorite candy.
Brother – Tailor-make his Valentine. Pair a box of movie candy with a DVD or sports candies with his favorite team’s gear.
Girlfriend – Surprise her with a romantic dinner at home, complete with a box of premium chocolates or truffles to share for dessert. Give any gift the extra touch by adding a chocolate rose or heart-shaped candy.
Boyfriend – Pair a bottle of wine with a bag of red hots to heat things up on Valentine’s Day. Use conversation hearts and candy bars to customize a Valentine with a message intended for his eyes only.
Grandparent – Let grandparents know they are “the sweetest on your list” with a homemade Valentine and a box of their favorite candy or a homemade photo frame garnished with red hots.
Teacher – Get crafty with candy to create an A+ Valentine’s gift. Make a pencil holder by decorating a jar with conversation hearts, or give him/her a box of chocolates for the sweetest recess ever.
Secret Admirer – Flee the friend zone; surprise your crush with dark chocolates paired with wine, sending a message you want to be more than just friends.
Friend – Tell your friends they “make life sweeter” with a Valentine and an assortment of their favorite candy. You could also let them know how much you treasure their friendship with a collection of fine chocolates.

Cues from Cupid and more information on Valentine’s fun facts, trivia and more can be found at www.candyusa.org.

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