From Stanley cups to ever-changing fashion trends to random gadgets that you do not need in your kitchen, it is obvious that overconsumption has become a problem in our daily lives.
What happens when we take a holiday meant to celebrate love and turn it into a spending requirement? Why do we need to show a credit card statement to prove how much we appreciate one another?
Overconsumption runs wild during Valentine’s Day as stores stock up on candy, cheap cards, trinkets, themed jewelry and decor. However, Valentine’s Day should not be about buying the most expensive gift—it should be about making your loved ones feel special.
We can even see that companies will skyrocket the prices of certain items related to the holiday. One Manhattan florist sold a dozen red roses in a vase at $135 for each arrangement, according to a 2023 NPR article. The owners said they go through about 20,000 roses for this single day.
Another nightmare story is branded Valentine’s Day merchandise, such as Stanley branded tumblers. If you visit the Stanley website, you can find that a simple pink tumbler Stanley will cost you $45, not including taxes or shipping. To be clear, this is a simple 40-oz Stanley insulated cup. The only unique thing about it is its color, “Winter Berry Shimmer.”
While some may think that this is an awesome deal and rush to buy it, we also need to remember that some of these themed $45 water containers run out of novelty immediately after their theme expires. Our society is so hyper-fixated on popularity that the moment a celebrity or influencer shows off a random product, we must have it too.
In the end, Valentine’s Day is an awesome holiday to celebrate with your loved ones, and a great reason to give your loved one a smile and a show of appreciation and love. It should not come with a financial ball-and-chain. Companies will continue to gouge prices until they’ve made your wallet an empty one.
You should not feel the need to have every limited-edition item that comes out. If it wasn’t a trend, would you even want it? Spend your money wisely this holiday season. There are other ways to show the people you love your appreciation.