What Price Love? $63.34 on Valentine's Day

The recession hath made its mark on love, as an industry group expects Valentine’s Day spending to fall by about 6% this year compared to last. The National Retail Federation estimates someone in a relationship will spend $63.34 this year on their spouse or significant other, a drop from $67.22. Sad, sure, but weird when you consider the group’s prediction that spending on friends, co-workers, and pets will increase.

Money spent on friends is expected to rise to $5.37, up from last year’s $4.74, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Valentine costs for school buddies and teachers will go up from $3.59 to $4.29, co-workers from $1.94 to $2.84, and pets from $2.17 to $3.27. (More Valentine's Day stories.)