Extravagant Valentine’s Day celebrations are dying out, as 69% of Gen Z, aged 16-26, admit they’d rather stay at home to celebrate, according to research from Sainsbury’s.
With the rising cost of living, almost half (46%) of Gen Z think Valentine’s Day is unnecessarily expensive, rising to 57% of the nation – and a quarter of Brits plan to spend less on Valentine’s Day this year. For half (50%) it’s the expensive price tag that’s keeping them at home instead of booking a dinner reservation, as on average they would expect to spend at least £60 on a dinner out for two.
Over a third (36%) of Brits prefer to celebrate with a home-cooked meal, which is something Gen Z agree on, with over half (55%) admitting that the perfect Valentine’s Day night involves being cooked for by a loved one.
Almost one in five (18%) say a Valentine’s Day proposal is one of the worst ways to celebrate and 16% of Brits even think it’s embarrassing to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dinner out.
Over a quarter (28%) of Brits have previously forgotten about Valentine’s Day until the day itself, a figure that sharply rises to over half (58%) of Gen Z. Despite this, a huge 90% of Gen Z are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year – the most out of any other generation – and half (49%) would be upset if their partner didn’t plan anything. Over half (52%) would like to be surprised with Valentine’s Day plans and 48% are keen to receive a Valentine’s Day card.
In a bid to make sure the celebration doesn’t get forgotten; Sainsbury’s is coming to the rescue with the choice of three affordable emergency Valentine’s Day bundles on Uber Eats on the 14th February. The bundles are tailored to the date night customers are looking for, and include a restaurant-quality three course meal (starter, main, side and dessert) and drink from the supermarket’s £15 Dine in for Two deal, along with a card and specially selected gifts to make at home celebrations special.
Valentine’s Day plans are hard to agree on and are often a source of conflict for couples. 22% of Brits admit to disagreeing with their partner over Valentine’s Day plans in the past – jumping up to over a third (35%) of Gen Z – and almost one in five (18%) wish their partner’s expectations on Valentine’s Day were more aligned with their own.
Sainsbury’s emergency bundles on Uber Eats are tailored to three different types of Valentine’s Day celebrations. For over half (52%) who want to be surprised with a home cooked dinner and some alone time (34%), the ‘Chilled Night In’ bundle includes all of the ingredients for a three course meal and drinks along with luxurious Sanctuary Spa bubble bath and a Habitat candle – perfect for relaxing alone or together.
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, a quarter (25%) would love to receive a teddy bear for Valentine’s Day along with half who are wishing for a thoughtful card (50%). The ‘Sentimental Date Night’ package includes a hand selected greeting card along with a cute stuffed teddy and a set of affirmation cards, to help you tell your special someone how much they mean.
And for the 40% that would like to be surprised with plans on Valentine’s Day and prefer spending quality time together at home (51%), the ‘Classic Date Night’ package includes everything to go all out at home. Complete with heart shaped confetti, heart shaped champagne flutes and customisable menu cards, the package also comes with two heart shaped keyrings – the perfect gift for reminding your loved one how important they are when you’re not together.
Claire Hughes, Sainsbury’s Director of Product and Innovation, commented: “The way we choose to celebrate love is incredibly personal, and we understand that there is no one size fits all approach to Valentine’s Day, but for many people enjoying delicious food is at the heart of their plans. Whether it’s with your partner, or with friends and family, there’s no better way to show someone you care than with a home cooked meal.
“Sainsbury’s Valentine’s Day Dine in for Two deal has been created to offer an easy and affordable restaurant-inspired menu enabling you to enjoy Valentine’s Day in the comfort of your home. And with the emergency bundles – available via Uber Eats on the day itself – there’s no excuse for missing the boat.”
Sainsbury’s Valentine’s Day Date Night bundles will be available to order for £15 on Uber Eats on Tuesday 14th February 2023 from 12:00 – 20:00 in selected locations in East London, with free delivery. All proceeds from each bundle bought will be donated directly to Comic Relief through the Nourish the Nation community programme.
Customers will be able to select from a variety of dining options from the supermarket’s Dine in for Two deal, with highlights including Taste the Difference Scallop Gratin for a starter, Taste the Difference Sirloin Steak with Heart Butter, Taste the Difference Triple Cooked Chips, Taste the Difference Raspberry & Chocolate Torte and Taste the Difference Prosecco Conegliano. Each bundle will include a Valentine’s Card and specially selected gifts tailored to the evening they choose.
Sainsbury’s Dine in for Two deal is available in stores and online now until Tuesday 14th February. Customers can choose a Taste the Difference starter, main, dessert, side and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. With 28 products in the range and vegan and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day, whoever you choose to celebrate with.
