When it comes to the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, it’s all about balance

We’ve been mindful to offer our readers a balanced offering of gifts for whomever they chose to give them to

It’s ingrained in us to show our loved ones how much we really love them by spending money on stereotypical things come 14 February, like perfect red roses and luxurious chocolates on this one “special” day of the year.

In the UK, it’s predicted we will be spending more than £1bn on Valentine’s Day alone. And what will we have to show for that – a hangover, some dead flowers or an expensive restaurant bill?

On this date in Japan, women are expected to buy male colleagues chocolates, known as giri choco, which literally translates as obligation chocolate. They’re supposed to show appreciation, but some shun the celebration as it risks offending any accidentally left-out colleagues.