It seems that Valentine’s Day strikes a dichotomous chord with us – those who are lovers of the chocolate-laden, flower-giving, over-commercialized approach to St. Valentine. However, in equal abundance are those who capitalize on yet another opportunity to show your loved ones how deep they are swimming in your affection. Though I used to be the former, I am now very much the latter.

Either way, the hard fact remains: people spend A TON on Valentine’s Day.  Here are the 8 things that we feel get the most of our money….

1. Flowers, especially red roses. Some florists and retailers note that the price of flowers can nearly double in early February.

2. Even with the many restaurant deals couples will spend a lot on dinner this weekend. The meal you might regularly order is now accompanied by a bottle of wine, dessert, and maybe some additional items.

3. I want to send Valentine’s Day cards to everyone I know! There’s nothing wrong with showing love to your friends, but you’re definitely going to spend a little more than you’d like on these.

4. You can’t have a date with out a box of chocolates to start. It’s a great starter gift and if you want to buy something beyond the Russell & Stover box you’re going to spend more on your originality.

5. You might have decided you’re not celebrating Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to save all your money. Anti-Valentine’s Day events also bring out the big spenders.

6. We can’t ignore our pets. In any given year, people spend around $700M on their pets!

7. Even with the focus on your significant other, a lot of people spend money on themselves during the period. You might be buying things for your evening alone, or rather spending money on a new outfit or lingerie for your night out/in. We all know those purchases aren’t always cheap.

8. Dinner, roses, and candy might not always do the trick; for some people creating the perfect experience is going to run their wallet clean. You can create the perfect evening (show, concert) in a variety of ways and one of them involves spending a lot.

Tell us – what are your thoughts on all things Valentine?