NORTH CAROLINA -- This year, Valentine's Day spending is up to its highest dollar amount ever. But the number of people spending is down by 4 percent, compared to 55 percent last year.
The National Retail Federation reports the average person will spend about $162 on the holiday.
The NRF says men spend the most at $229.54, up 20 percent from last year. Women spend $97.77, down 1 percent from last year.
Even though a lot of people want experiences, some still want the traditional gifts like dinner, flowers, and candy. Roughly $3.5 billion is expected to be spent on an evening out, $1.9 billion on flowers, and $1.8 billion on candy.
These are the most popular gifts given by those planning to celebrate this year, according to the National Retail Federation:
- Candy - 52 percent
- Greeting cards - 44 percent
- Flowers - 35 percent
- An evening out - 34 percent
- Experience gifts (tickets, spa day) - 25 percent
- Jewelry - 18 percent
- Clothing - 18 percent
- Gift cards - 15 percent