As Valentine's Day approaches, the purchase of chocolate, flowers, perfume, and enormous stuffed animals is on the rise.

According to Stats Canada, the average household in Canada spent $191 on candies and chocolate in 2013. However, the average household spent $2,226 on meals from restaurants in the same year. There were 5.9 million roses produced in Canada in 2014 and $3.38 billion worth of jewellery and watches sold.

However, Heidie Janzen, co-owner of Shear Bliss Salon and Day Spa in Morden says she sees a different trend in romantic expenditures, especially around Valentine's Day.

"I think we're seeing a shift in gift giving," she said.

"People are finding that spending time together and spending money on experiences is more worth their money than an actual gift."

Janzen said a lot of the business her salon receives is husbands paying for their wives to have a day of pampering at the spa. When couples come in, and not a woman alone, it's often to have a pedicure, manicure, or massage together.

"When people come in and services are geared toward relaxing pampering, it's an all over wellness feeling," said Janzen. This pampering is why she believes trips to the spa are so popular as gifts.