How to save on Valentine’s Day flowers (without looking cheap)

Retail spending on Valentine’s flowers this February will total about $2.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation, with about 40 percent of people surveyed planning to send flowers.

Roses are red, sure. But your pocketbook balance? That shouldn’t be in the red after all your holiday of love spending.

Whether you’re gifting a bouquet to your significant other or a bundle of buds to your best bud, here’s how to get the best deal on Valentine’s Day flowers (without looking cheap).

Let ShopAtHome.com be your Valentine: When you buy from online flower shops like 1800Flowers or Pro Flowers, you’ll earn Cash Back and other great deals and rewards from ShopAtHome.com. So, go ahead, Cupid, and use that extra money for chocolates or put it toward your dinner plans.

Be an early (love) bird: V-Day is crazy busy for many florists, so they’ll often offer deals if you order early. Check with your florist to see if there are any discounts for having flowers delivered before Valentine’s Day. Feb. 14 falls on a Saturday this year, so surprise your Valentine with an office floral delivery during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. (Let’s be honest, getting flowers at work is the adult equivalent of show-and-tell).

Roses are red (and so are tulips): Sure, roses tend to be the most popular flower. But there are lots of gorgeous red and pink floral arrangements that cost less—and often have roses mixed in. Check out the sale section at 1800Flowers.com; among our favorites is the bouquet of 30 red and pink sweetheart tulips for $30 (above).

DIY your Valentine: When it comes to Valentine’s Day, it really is the thought that counts. (You’ve known this since elementary school when you carefully selected, from your box of cards, the best Valentine to give to your crush). That’s why we love the idea of a Do-It-Yourself floral arrangement— not only is it thoughtful, but it also will last a long time and is inexpensive. Start by ordering a cheerful planter, like this Viva self-watering tea cup planter, $29.95, Gardener’s Supply Company (above). The planter comes with self-watering inserts, and you ill it with African violets, grasses, herbs, terrarium plants, succulents or ferns. The end result? A pretty tabletop display that will cheer up any kitchen and last into the spring.