Social media drives up the cost of showing love in relationships

Love may be priceless, but these days it’s coming with a price tag. 

Quality gestures like compliments, quality time, or even a kiss used to be the currency of love. 

But now money plays a growing role in how love is expressed. 

While millionaires might be able to afford grand romantic gestures with ease, the rest of us might be left scrambling. 

Social media has fueled consumerism in relationships, raising the bar for what love is supposed to look like. 

Couples once shared small, sentimental gifts online —  a handwritten card or note — as meaningful gestures. 

Now posts showcase high-priced gift baskets, hard-to-get concert tickets and even costly Darry Rings, a symbol of commitment with a high price tag.  

These all sound like amazing gifts for your significant other but the costs can be discouraging, especially for students on a budget. 

One of the most popular gift trends is the ten-in-one gift basket. 

These baskets often include candy, a candle, a blanket or cold drink, snacks, a cute picture and a loving letter — all carefully curated to impress. 

Receiving a personalized basket from someone can feel special, especially when every item is chosen with care.

But the cost can quickly rise from $20 to $40 or more if it includes luxury items like a phone or gift card. 

For teenagers without jobs or income, the rising costs of gift-giving present a serious challenge .

Small collectibles like Jellycats, Calico Critters, Sonny Angels and Smiskis have also gone viral as tokens of affection.

Mostly decorative, these items can cost from $30 to $50, which is a steep price for teenagers. 

At the top of the list is one of the priciest trends: the Darry Ring. A ring already has such a momentous meaning in a relationship, but even more when the ring you receive can only be bought once. 

Darry Rings are marketed as one-time purchase engagement rings, requiring ID to purchase and symbolizing a lifelong commitment. 

Many women showcase their Darry Rings on social media, raising the question: Is the joy rooted in the meaning of the ring or the $6,000 price tag?

Compared to typical engagement rings priced between $4,000 to $10,000 the Darry Ring might seem affordable, but not to the average teen. 

So many frugal teenagers are embracing DIYgifts, folding paper hearts or writing heartfelt letters, small efforts that can mean a lot. 

Handwritten Letters carry emotional weight, showing care and time, unlike store bought gifts. 

Many opt for quick purchases over handmade gifts, usually because of a lack of time or for convenience.

A thoughtful gift can be just as valuable as a Darry Ring. 

Love shouldn’t come with a receipt. In any relationship, emotional value always outweighs financial costs.