For the love of money:

The commercialization of Valentine’s Day is perhaps one of the biggest advertising hoaxes in history.
On this day, candy, flowers and other gifts are exchanged between friends, families and lovers across the country.
“Valentine’s Day is a day to spend with that special someone although industries have capitalized on how we think we should spend that day,” said Louisiana State University political science major Buster Caballero.
Valentine’s Day originated in fifth century Rome as a tribute to Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, but it soon turned into a commercialized holiday.
The first true Valentine card was sent in 1415 and since then, several industries have capitalized on people’s ability to overcompensate one another.
The holiday grew from a way to express love between two people into a day for people to determine their love by the amount spent on material things.
“It shouldn’t take a designated holiday for someone to be prompted to buy flowers, candy or other gifts to express their love,” said David Gray, a senior mass communications major from Detroit. “When it comes to gift giving, the situation has become downright ridiculous.”
The aisles of retail chains such as Target and Wal-Mart are restocked daily with teddy bears, candy, cards and other gifts to attract consumers.
“Unless a person is willing to hand-make a gift AND if the other person is happy with that, then Hallmark, the florists, candy makers and restaurants will continue to rake in millions,” said History Professor Eva Baham.
Although many people have become more concerned with things of material value, some feel that a special Valentine’s Day should include romance, not overpriced gifts.
“I’ll buy candy and go out later that night, but I really plan to spend quality time since that is priceless,” said Russell Kelly, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Baton Rouge.
Electrical engineering major Kyle Sanford from shares the same sentiment.
“Valentine’s Day is very commercialized but people still find some way to show their authentic feelings for one another,” said Sanford.