The stingy guide to Valentine's Day!

Robert Powell hits the streets to find out whether you think Valentine's Day is just one big rip-off...

Monday is Valentine’s Day; a day for intimate companions to celebrate their love.

Or is it?

More recently, the only people really celebrating on Valentine’s Day are the owners of shops and restaurants as they watch their tills and reservation books fill up.

But is Valentine’s Day really just a rip-off or are we still a nation of romantics at heart?

I’ve hit the streets to find out...

How much do you usually spend on Valentine’s Day?

Our spending on Valentine’s Day decreased last year and judging by the people I've spoken to today it looks set to decrease again in 2011!

59% of people spent less on their loved ones last year than they did in 2009.

But Clydesdale Bank still estimated that the average couple shelled out over £550 on Valentine’s Day 2010; with women spending over £100 more on the day than men.

Is Valentine’s Day a rip–off?

We do seem to be turning into a nation of anti-Valentines with more and more of us dismissing Valentine’s Day as nothing more than a big rip-off!

Over a fifth of people decided not to send a Valentine’s message last year.

But this lack of love doesn’t seem to extend to our pets – almost two thirds of cat and dog owners would cancel a Valentine’s Day date if their pet was ill!

What are the best Valentine’s Day presents?

Traditional items like flowers and chocolates are still the most popular gifts for Valentine’s Day.

But if research from last year is to be believed, most people will spend more dolling themselves up for Valentine’s Day night, than they actually will on presents.

Some people also have a very bizarre way of expressing love when it comes to presents. Voucher site Quidco recently asked their customers for the weirdest Valentine’s Day presents they’d ever received.

You’ve really got to feel for any person whose partner gives them a can of Febreeze, a bunch of dead flowers or a giant naked photo of themself on Valentine’s Day!

Have you got any stingy tips to save money on Valentine’s Day this year?

The main stingy tip suggested by most of the people I’ve spoken to today is to avoid buying your partner a present and just make one instead. But there are several other things you can do to save money this Valentine’s Day.

Avoiding swanky restaurants on Valentine’s night and just staying in and cooking a meal will obviously save you money.

Or just celebrate Valentine’s Day on the following weekend when flowers and chocolates are cheaper and the restaurants are empty!

You can even earn money from Valentine’s Day by making and selling cards, offering to babysit for a friend or even organising a singles party!

Personally I’m planning on having a very frugal Valentine’s Day, by ignoring it completely!

What do you think?

Is Valentine’s Day just a big rip-off? What are your top stingy tips for saving money on Valentine’s Day 2011?

Let us know in the comment box below.

More: Seven ways to make money from Valentine’s Day | 20 ways to get luxuries for less!