On Valentine’s Day, you can buy red roses from every florist, supermarket, gas station, and highway median across the country. If your sweetie LOVES red roses, you can put them in a vase and call it a day. But for the rest of us, we may need to try a little harder.
In this new series I am calling the 5×5, I am looking at ways to level up traditional gifts with five great alternatives to the status quo at different five price points.
Under $10: Paper Party
At less than $10, we don’t have much to spend, so the key will be finding an option that feels handpicked for your sweetie and not just something you picked up at the supermarket on your way home.
How about a mini bouquet pop-up from FreshCut Paper?
Unlike many pop-ups, these are not cards. They are freestanding bouquets that can be displayed as decor. Each set includes a freestanding 6″ popup bouquet, a blank notecard, and a sturdy mailer envelope. They come in designs for every aesthetic, from classic red roses, to cheerful hydrangeas, to something a bit more strange and unusual like this Mini Moonlight Garden. Based out of Massachusetts, they are sold on Amazon, but their own website offers more options.
Fresh Cut Paper Mini Bouquet
These fun paper bouquets are a perfect ‘pop’ of color.
Under $25: Subtle Suggestion
Sleek, elegant, and impossible to ignore, Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), are surprisingly affordable. Ranging in shades from white and blush to vibrant magenta, I find they last longer in the vase than roses. And their curvy petals have a certain je ne sais quoi, don’t you think?
If cut flowers fit their style, one or three stems arching elegantly from a bud vase with a sprig or two of green will give you tropical vacation vibes. Find them at your local florist.
If your sweetie is into plants, moth orchids look rare and delicate, but they are widely available and surprisingly easy to care for. They even have them seasonally at Trader Joe’s!
Moth Orchids
Elegant and subtle suggestive blooms for a tropical holiday vibe.
Under $50: Forged in Fire
Even the most beautiful flowers fade after a few days. But a hand-forged steel rose, like one of these from Heatwave Blacksmith on Etsy, isn’t going anywhere. Reviewers compliment this maker’s craftsmanship and many say that the pictures do not do them justice. Available in heat-tempered steel patina (shown) as well as blue and purple.
Ships to the US from Ontario, Canada via USPS.
Heat Tempered Steel Rose
An enduring symbol of the two of you!
Under $100: Build a Bouquet
If your sweetie finds it relaxing to build stuff, a floral Lego set could be the perfect choice. Pretty Pink Bouquet shown above is the latest release in the growing collection of Lego Botanicals ranging from mini cacti, to plum blossoms, to a seasonal wreath for your front door. For traditionalists, yes, they also have a bouquet of red roses.
PS – My all-time favorite is the Moth Orchid from their Icons line, but I’m trying not to repeat myself.
Lego Botanicals Building Sets
Life-sized plastic flowers, ready to assemble and display.
Over $100: Murano Style Made to Order
The listing category is “floppy glass plate”, but this looks like a beautiful, iridescent flower to me!
While wall art may not be everyone’s go-to choice for Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to check out this Central Ohio artist’s Etsy shop, Pikafika. Their pieces stand out from the typical Etsy crowd with their mastery of the glassblowing craft and sophisticated use of color.
Hand-blown Ruffled Glass Wall Plate
Bring a pop of multifaceted, iridescent color to their home.
Let me know on socials if you like this 5×5 guide format. I love finding thoughtful, useful, and exciting gifts that will bring joy to you and the receiver.
