Valentine’s Day by the numbers
We are a nation that, well, loves. A recent Leger survey by eBay Canada revealed that Canadians are a nation of traditional romantics:
About 71 per cent of Canadians consider themselves romantic and 56 per cent plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Of those planning to celebrate, 11 per cent don’t have a significant other.
Millennials shine in the romance category. They are the most likely of all adult age groups to celebrate Valentine’s Day and are one of the most likely to consider themselves romantic. Seniors are the most likely to consider themselves romantics.
There is an East Coast/West Coast correlation for celebrating the designated day of romance. While the Atlantic region and Quebec are most likely to celebrate Valentine’s Day, those from British Columbia and Alberta are the least likely.
Canucks are traditional romantics.
For Canadians celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, the most common type of gift they’ll purchase is a typically romantic one — 32 per cent are planning to buy things such as jewelry, flowers and chocolate.
Women have a good sense of humour when it comes to romance. Those celebrating Valentine’s Day are more likely than men to buy funny, quirky gifts, while men celebrating the occasion are twice as more likely to buy romantic gifts.
As for shopping on this special day, Canadians as a whole are getting spicy. While the Leger survey revealed that traditional romantic gifts are the most popular, eBay sees Canadians being a little more adventurous with their Valentine’s gift giving.
In fact, 65 per cent of gift items being purchased on eBay are “spicy gifts” (women’s lingerie topped the list), while 24 per cent were “next level gifts” (serious jewelry that takes a relationship to the next level), and only 10 per cent of gifts being traditionally romantic.
Spicy gifts are the most popular in the Yukon, while they are the least popular in Ontario.
An Agent Provocateur silk kimono dressing gown for approximately $640 CAD (purchased in B.C.)
Wedding bells are ringing in Ontario. In the month leading up to Valentine’s Day, Ontarians were purchasing the most wedding and engagement items. Also, in the past year, someone from Ontario purchased the most expensive engagement ring — a platinum fourcarat diamond ring for more than $100,000 CAD.