What We Really Want for Valentine's Day

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On Valentine's Day, flying solo is not normally top of mind, but that may change unless American men and women get their acts together on this whole gift-giving thing. Men and women just don't seem to be giving each other what they want.

The problem is not with the economic fundamentals: we've got the details of that drill down pat after a number of years of practice. Much like last year, men plan spend to spend 75 percent more than women, according to a new study conducted by CreditDonkey.com, a credit card comparison site. Men will spend an average of $84.39, while women plan to spend an average of $48.13. And we're all seemingly happy with that.

The big disconnect comes in that we're not getting what we want, according to the survey. We’re getting enough "stuff;" it's just not the "right stuff." The survey shows glaring differences in the buying habits and expectations of the sexes this Valentine's Day. Lovers just aren't on the same page this time around the block.

"While most Americans plan to stick to traditions — 65 percent will take their significant other to dinner, 38 percent will give chocolates, and 37 percent will give flowers — our survey suggests it may be time to consider a less predictable Valentine’s Day gift,” says Charles Tran, founder of CreditDonkey.com.

Here's quick run-down of what Americans plan to give for Valentine's, and what they hope to receive:

•     Sixty-five percent plan to give dinner, but only 49 percent want to receive dinner.
•     Thirty-eight percent plan to give chocolates, but only 30 percent want to receive chocolates.
•     Thirty-seven percent plan to give flowers, but only 20 percent want to receive flowers.
•     Only 8 percent plan to give gift cards, but 15 percent want to receive gift cards.
•     Only 7 percent plan to give electronics, but 20 percent want to receive electronics.
•     Only 5 percent plan to give a trip, but 9 percent want to receive a trip.

This disconnect may explain why CreditDonkey researchers found that only slightly more than half (58 percent) of Americans plan to celebrate St. Valentine's Day at all this year.

This story was provided by BusinessNewsDaily, a sister site to LiveScience. Reach BusinessNewsDaily senior writer Ned Smith at nsmith@techmedianetwork.com. Follow him on Twitter @nedbsmith  and BusinessNewsDaily @bndarticles. We're also on Facebook & Google+.