Valentine’s Day comes at a time when we really need it. Often people slip into the doldrums after New Year’s Day is over and the Christmas tree comes down. But this holiday gives us something to look forward to.

This event isn’t just for couples anymore. Women often buy Valentine’s gifts for others, including their daughters, mothers, and other relatives.

Nearly half of the Valentine’s gifts are roses. But there are many other
choices available. So don’t be afraid to try something different.

The shopping habits of men and women differ when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Almost all men choose cut flowers while women buy less traditional products like dried flowers and potted plants. As with mixed bouquets, the
container plants and everlastings bring pleasure for a very long time.

Shoppers will find there are many choices available, including organic cut flowers. Organic Bouquets, a company in Novata, California, is the country’s first brand of organic florals. These will be sold in upscale health food stores. They will also be sold online and by catalog direct to consumers.

For Valentine’s Day the packaging and the container are extremely important details. To set them apart, upscale bouquets will be in high quality wrappings appropriate for the holiday.

Those on a budget can still present loved ones with quality Valentine’s gifts. Visit a garden center, and purchase a potted flowering plant. Of course, red, pink, or white-flowering ones are usually preferred for the occasion. Examples would be azaleas, tulips, or miniature roses. Wrap the pot in heavy-duty metallic floral wrap. Attach a bow, coordinating the color with that of the flowers.

Individual stems of cut flowers are inexpensive and look outstanding when presented in glass or crystal containers. Old-fashioned crystal clear glass flower frogs are making a comeback. Our grandmothers once used these. Be sure and add a floral preservative to the water in the container. Available at flower shops and floral departments in supermarkets, it helps the blooms last
longer.

Some foliage plants are especially suited to Valentine’s Day. Examples would be ivy and other vines trained into heart shapes. Red and pink-flowering anthuriums are also very nice, and they usually are much less expensive than a dozen cut roses. Be sure and wrap the pots to give them a festive look.

You don’t have to be a floral designer to create a dried rose topiary. Select an attractive flower pot. If you don’t have one, stencil hearts or flowers onto a plastic or terra cotta pot. Then place floral foam into the pot. Insert stems of dried roses into the foam. Tie a red ribbon about halfway up the stems. Cover the rim of the pot with some dried moss.

Those skilled at design can use a heart shaped wreath and cover it with rose buds. Unlike fresh flowers that fade, these handmade Valentine’s gifts will be everlasting expressions of your love.

Many gifts can express your love on Valentine’s Day, from flowers to flowering plants.