Valpak Celebrates 46th Birthday with $5k Birthday Prize Pack Sweepstakes and a Look Into Party Planning Habits

-More than 40% of respondents say they "always" look for coupons for gifts

-1 in 5 say they've turned down a birthday invitation because they didn't want to buy a gift

Valpak, the company that sends The Blue Envelope each month filled with savings and coupons, is turning 46! To celebrate, they're throwing a P-A-R-T-Y all month long with a sweet little sweepstakes. Consumers can register for a chance to win a $5,000 party prize pack or one of 46 other prizes (worth up to $100 each) for tweeting about their favorite party memories on Twitter.

Envelopes mailing now through Sept. 15 will invite consumers to join the party at Valpak.com/party, where they'll find saving on food, entertainment, venues, flowers, decor and more.

To start the birthday festivities, Valpak polled consumers* and asked what they spend on parties, what are the best parties and some other nosey questions about how they really feel about parties:

Keep the food coming: Nearly 9 in 10 of people spent most of their party money on food & drinks

We like convenience: Panelists most often purchased party supplies from:

49% big box retailers
37% from party supply stores

We like to save money: When shopping for gifts, panelists looked for coupons and discounts:

40% always
35% if they could find one
22% sometimes
6% never

We can be cheap: Of panelists, 1 out of 5 had declined a birthday party invitation because they did not want to buy a gift.

It's my birthday so let's party: In the past 12 months, panelists have thrown parties for:

36% birthdays
14% Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa
14% Fourth of July
8% Super Bowl

We still like to spend: When throwing parties panelists spend:

29% $50 to $99
40% $100 to $249

Get out of my home! 67% agree that most children's birthday parties nowadays are held at a venue as opposed to someone's home

Kick it up a notch! Panelists believe children had the most fun at birthday parties when the party included:

26% sports event/activity
23% organized party experience (i.e. game center, salon, craft center)
22% bounce house

For more facts about Valpak, its history and culture, please visit the Behind the Blue blog, along with creative birthday ideas:

Do it yourself party decor
Creative party ideas anyone can afford
Nighttime ring toss and other DIY party games

Valpak has been in the business of helping people save money for more than 45 years and is known for its local coupons in North America. Recently, Valpak has been leading the industry in mobile couponing, serving up mobile savings through apps and incorporating the latest technology. Valpak has shown an ongoing commitment to be on the forefront of technology with its mobile app presence in the mobile environment and its first-to-market integration into four mobile wallets, including Passbook, Microsoft, Samsung and Google.

*Responding panelists from the Opinion Connection® July 2014 were primarily female, age 35+ and had an annual household income of $35,000 or more.

www.valpak.com