One of the ways cost-conscious buyers of floral valentines are accommodated is with single roses packaged in plastic boxes. Many florists will offer such gifts for $5 to $10.
Joie Stoner, who with her husband, Larry, owns three flower shops in Bucks County, said she preferred locally grown roses to imports. Local roses tend to last longer and have a fragrance that is missing in imports, she said.
Her shops - the Pod Shops in New Hope, at 31 N. Main St. and in the Logan Square Center, and Newtown Floral in the Summit Square Center in Newtown - will carry both kinds of roses on Valentine's Day.
She also will make nosegays with paper lace doilies and ribbon. A carnation nosegay at her Logan Square shop will cost $3.50, she said. Arrangements using flowers other than roses will start at $20.
Star Grover, a New Hope florist whose shop is at 325 Phillips Mill Rd., said she sells only local roses.
"They're cut the day we get them," she said.
This year, however, Grover's is offering many alternatives to roses for Valentine's Day, including miniature calla lillies at $4 a piece and cymbidium orchid sprays for $3.
Those shoppers who are looking for a wide variety of Valentine cards need only find a store with a Hallmark franchise. Prices start at 35 cents, and for $7 there are cards that play a song. You also can buy Valentines suitable for children to give to classmates for $2.10 for a box of 36 cards.
For something different, you can try Cornucopia at 10 S. Main St., New Hope, which carries cards on the risque side. Or try Strawberry Jam, 44C S. Main St., New Hope, for turn-of-the-century-style cards priced at $1.50 to $3.50.
Those who want to give something other than flowers, a card or candy will find many gifts with a heart motif in stores all over the suburbs. The Den, one of the stores in Peddler's Village, Lahaska, has a man's tie with red hearts on a blue background for $12.95.
Stuffed animals are often decorated with hearts and can even be used to hold flowers or candy.
Another approach to Valentine's Day is taken by Heart of America, whose shops at Aquetong Road and Route 202, just south of New Hope, and Logan Square specialize in country furniture and accessories.
"It's our big day," said owner Melinda Kuehne.
All items with lace or shaped like hearts will be discounted 15 percent
from Feb. 12 through Feb. 16, Kuehne said. There also will be what she called a scavenger hunt for a golden heart worth $100 in merchandise.
