<\/a>Chelsey Jones
\n<\/strong>Staff Writer\/MC301<\/em><\/p>\n

Valentine\u2019s Day is known as the day that couples show their love for each other by exchanging lavish and expensive gifts. That might no longer be the case this year.<\/p>\n

According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average $136.57 this year. This is a decrease from last year\u2019s record-setting average of $146.84. The expected amount for overall spending has also dropped from $19.7 billion in 2016, which was also a record, to $18.2 billion this year. This drop is credited to consumers being thriftier when it comes to buying gifts. The drop is also caused by less people celebrating Valentine\u2019s Day this year.<\/p>\n

Matthew Shay, CEO of NRF, explained that despite the expected drop in sales for the holiday, the holiday is still a popular gift-giving occasion but more consumers are being frugal this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is one day of the year when millions find a way to show their loved ones they care regardless of their budget,\u201d Shay said. \u201cConsumers will find that retailers recognize that their customers are looking for the best deals and will offer good bargains just as they did during the holiday season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many students at Jackson State University are celebrating Valentine\u2019s Day without spending a lot of money. Laura Burns, a senior social work major from Scott County, Miss., does not plan on spending a large sum of money on her significant other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI plan on just cooking my husband his favorite meal, buying an Amazon card, and renting a movie,\u201d Burns said. \u201cI don\u2019t really have a budget but I also don\u2019t see the need to spend a whole bunch of money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some students have even set up a budget this year in order to not overspend for Valentine\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n

Antranekia Willis, a senior social work major from Crystal Springs, Miss., has set up a budget for her boyfriend\u2019s gifts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m making a goodie bag with all of his favorite snacks and I want to take him to a dinner and a movie,\u201d Willis said. \u201cMy budget is at least $100.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valentine\u2019s Day has always been a day for gift-giving but some people do not believe that gifts are the only way to show love and appreciation towards their loved ones. These people would rather show their love and affection with their presence rather than showing it through material items.<\/p>\n

Terrence Dillon, a senior finance major from Chicago, Ill., is an example of someone is celebrating Valentine\u2019s Day without exchanging gifts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not buying anything and I\u2019m hoping my time is valuable enough for my girlfriend,\u201d Dillon said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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