In MENA, most say it with flowers on Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air in MENA this Valentine’s Day, according to a new survey by Yahoo! Maktoob Research, which saw 61% of respondents saying that they are celebrating the most romantic day of the year. Among those celebrating, nearly 44% of those married say they never go through a year without doing something special on Valentine’s Day. 

Valentine’s Day lovebirds in MENA are also planning to spend big on the so-called day of love.  According the survey, the average spending on Valentine’s Day in the region is $230.   

Nothing says I love you like… 

Gifts are an integral part of celebrating Valentine’s Day, but the majority of respondents in the survey (80%) are also arranging a special day, evening, or weekend activity to celebrate.   

The most popular gift on Valentine’s, especially among male respondents, is flowers at 43%. Perfumes/colognes come in the second place at 37%, and chocolates come third at 26%. 

However, the majority of respondents do not limit themselves to one gift, but rather combine gifts together – averaging 3, which explains the average spending of $230. 

Other popular gifts are SMS’s, watches, mobile phones and cards. Giving jewelry is much more common among males, while electronics are not a popular gift on this occasion. 

Strangest gift idea? 2% of those surveyed intend to buy cosmetic surgery as a token of their affection. However, demonstrating that romance is still alive and well, the survey reveals that 1 in 10 actually plan to propose to their partners on Valentine’s Day. 

As for the romantic activities, dinner arrangements are most popular at 47%. Going to the movies or a romantic drive follow at 27% and 26%, respectively. 22% of those surveyed, especially males, stated that they are planning to have a picnic in a park, while 21% claimed that they intend to have breakfast in bed, and travel is being planned by only 15%. Others are opting to express their love in creative ways, with 7 percent intending to recite a poem or song.

When it comes to choosing a gift, people are relying mainly on shop assistants for help at 45%; other people’s recommendations (39%), and the Internet as a source for gift ideas 33%.