What Real Women Think You Should Spend On Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is nearly here, and many of us are musing over our budgets for the holiday. Whether you're a die-hard Valentine or think the holiday is a capitalist scam, chances are you have some feelings about what is a reasonable amount of money to spend on your beau.

According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers spent an average of $143.56 on Valentine's Day last year. Meanwhile, the number of adults celebrating the holiday is actually declining. In 2009, 72% of adults between 18 and 34 observed Valentine's Day. As of 2017, a little more than half of those under 55 planned to celebrate. Many of these people felt that the holiday was overly commercialized.

According to statistics, young people today are participating a bit differently: Though fewer individuals are observing the holiday with the same excitement as before, those who are opting in are spending more than ever before.

Curious about how real women are approaching the holiday, we reached out to our community to find out. Ahead, 15 millennial women weigh in about how much they consider to be the right amount to spend, and also dish about how much they make and what they usually do to celebrate.