By KATELYN HAND
OK, men: While most of you have been agonizing over what the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is, the answer is not that complex: Buy her flowers (note I did not say roses, but flowers.)
“I don’t think guys realize what flowers do for a girl,” said Rebekah Robinson, a junior from Provo majoring in elementary education.
Although it is well-known that most women love flowers, what most men don’t know is that the flowers do not have to be roses. In fact, giving her her favorite flower can mean a lot more than a bunch of rosebuds.
“I would rather have one flower that I liked than a dozen red roses,” said Lindsay Humble, a sophomore from Mesa, Ariz., majoring in English.
Red roses are a traditional gift for Valentine’s Day, but purchasing a different flower can also mean more because it shows that more thought was put into purchasing the gift.
“I don’t like roses or carnations. They aren’t very personal. If a guy gave me a rose I would like it, but I would be a little disappointed,” said Kristi Robinson, a sophomore from Papillion, Neb., majoring in elementary education.
Money can also be saved by purchasing a different flower. Red roses are sold around Valentine’s Day at incredible prices. “Our wholesale price at least doubles (for roses around Valentine’s Day),” said Amy Andrew, a florist at Planted Earth Floral. Meanwhile, most other flowers stay at the same price or increase slightly.
One alternative to buying roses is a getting spring bouquet, a variety of flowers that can include tulips, irises, heather or sunflowers.
“We are selling as many mixed spring arrangements as roses; they are really popular right now. It’s a real nice, classy, look,” said Joellen Whitelock, a florist at The Flower Basket.
But the best thing to remember when buying a gift is that it is the thought that counts. “It’s the thought of the flower, not the flower that counts,” said Bridget Anderson, a freshman from Casper, Wyo., majoring in family science.
