Valentine’s Day Spending: Puppy Love | Video

Amy Fox | 2/14/2013

Valentine`s Day is one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year. But, how much money are you spending on your valentine? When you think of Valentine`s Day, rows of chocolates, truffles, and chocolate-covered strawberries may come to mind.

"I would say Valentine`s Day runs a close second to Christmas," said Northwoods Candy Emporium Tonya Grambo. "[Customers spend] $40-50 easy.”

According to the National Retail Federation, the average person will spend about $131 on candy, cards, and gifts, which is up four dollars from last year.

Grambo said, "I would say we would have a 20 percent increase from last year`s sales. You know, there is a change with the population. A lot of gentlemen are purchasing and sending home to families to let them know they are thinking of them."

While people will spend money on chocolate and flowers, you can`t forget about our furry friends.

"We probably see an extra 50 percent increase in business [on Valentine’s Day],” said Pet Parade owner Lori Henderson. “Some people do, I mean, buy as much for their pets as they do their significant other."

More than $815 million is expected to be spent on pet gifts this year.

"They`re not left out during any holiday. Pretty much everyone comes in and gets their pets something for every holiday," said Henderson.

From cookies to sweaters, for some pets, they`re getting spoiled as much if not more than significant others this Valentine`s Day.

Henderson said, "Valentine`s Day is something for your sweetheart. So, that would probably be their own pet if they don`t have a significant other."

Even if you don`t have a traditional valentine, you may still share the love with a furry one. At Pet Parade, Henderson says they typically sell more accessories and treats than pets on Valentine`s Day.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY