While men agonise over how to please their partner on Valentine’s Day, women rarely go beyond buying a card to show their affection.
Just one in 20 men expect to receive a gift from their loved one, a survey for men’s fashion chain Jacamo revealed.
Apart from a card, two thirds of men (65%) admitted they best they hoped for was a “kiss” as their February 14th present.
Some three in four men said a “token” gift from their partner would be an “unexpected” surprise.
Top of the list for presents men give to women on Valentine’s Day have changed little over the years with traditional chocolates, flowers, a romantic meal out, sexy lingerie or jewellery chosen most, the survey for Jacamo revealed.
When asked what they would like to receive themselves on February 14th top of the men’s wish list was a night in enjoying a home cooked meal and watching the TV uninterrupted.
Going out to watch a movie or live music came second, followed by a night out with mates. Clothing came fourth for 18% who said they liked their partner to choose something new for them to wear, with aftershave/fragrance, moisturiser or other grooming products in fifth place.
Surprisingly sex languished in 8th place with just one in nine men placing it on their ten list of gifts.
Men’s Valentine’s Day wish list:
1 Night in with home cooked meal and TV/Box set with no interruptions 57%
2 Visit to cinema 31%
3 Trip to live music gig/concert 24%
4 Clothing 18%
5 Aftershave/ cologne, moisturiser/ male grooming products, 16%
6 Pre-organised day out together 13%
7 Meal out booked and paid for by partner 12%
8 Sex 18%
9 Tickets to sports event 9%
10 New technology/gadget 6%
Jenni Bamford from Jacamo said: “Choosing a special gift can be a daunting experience. A Valentine’s Day present should be about both partners making the effort. A little thought can go a long way rather than just picking the easy option.
“It may be a generational difference but some men would clearly like their partner to show them a little appreciation on February 14th. On the positive side we are seeing more of our female customers wanting to buy something for the man in their lives at this time of year so maybe the Valentine’s gender gap is getting a little smaller.”
