Things Flower Shop Owners Always Gift for Valentine’s Day (Hint: It’s Not Red Roses)

Alexes Haggins, owner and lead florist at Flowers By Alexes, @youruptownflorist, in Washington, D.C., says: “As a florist, I always gift flowers that feel deeply personal and intentional rather than traditional. I’m drawn to creating arrangements with layered textures, seasonal blooms, and subtle details that reflect the personality, memories, or shared moments I have with the person receiving them. For me, Valentine’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or a dozen roses—it’s about thoughtfulness and choosing flowers that quietly say, ‘I see you.’”

Along with flowers, Alexes says, “I love giving my special customers proper flower cutters or shears. It’s something people don’t always think about, but using scissors can actually damage stems and shorten the life of the flowers. Giving shears feels like sharing a little piece of florist knowledge. It helps the flowers last longer and turns a beautiful gift into something that can be enjoyed again and again.”

The Niwaki Flower Scissors featured above are a Country Living staff favorite. For shears, which can handle woody stems like hydrangea, we also love Higurashi GR Secateurs ($69).

Natasha McCrary, founder and owner of 1818 Farms, @1818farms, in Mooresville, Alabama, says: “I always love to give the gift of flowers, but specifically an everlasting bouquet. There is something so special about giving a piece of your garden that can be a permanent reminder of the season.”

1818 Farms’ Bud and Bloom Box is the perfect example. “It features a mini bouquet of farm-grown dried flowers displayed in a one-of-a-kind magnetic bud vase, which is repurposed from authentic vintage silver-plated knives,” Natasha says. “We pair the bouquet with a handcrafted botanical wax sachet that provides aromatherapy for the home and is finished with a yarn hanger spun from the wool of our own Babydoll sheep. In a world of mass-produced items, we believe giving something that is truly one-of-a-kind is the ultimate gesture of thoughtfulness.”

Eileen Tongson, owner of FarmGal Flowers, @farmgalflowers, in Orlando, Florida, says: “In my book, a lovely cup of hot tea makes for a warm and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift. I particularly like to share a floral-inspired tea with a pretty floral mug. This year, I’ve selected a delicious color-changing butterfly pea tea (Harney & Sons Fine Teas Indigo Punch), which has many health benefits, including stress reduction and anti-aging qualities.”

For the mug, Eileen shopped locally—Rifle Paper Company is based in Florida! “It will be a daily reminder that ‘You are Loved,’” Eileen says.