Can you believe Valentine’s day is already right around the corner? It may not be your favorite holiday, but let’s face it, after nearly a year of quarantining with your significant other, you need all of the romance you can get.

The perfect way to inject a little romance into what might otherwise be a disappointing Valentine’s Day? Flowers, of course. Even if you’re celebrating at home, some stunning blooms on the table can make all of the difference. And if you’re wondering where to buy flowers for Valentine’s Day, we can help you out.

Our first recommendation for buying florals is to purchase them online. (We like Bouqs for their dedicated Valentine’s Day Flower Delivery.) This comes with a bevy of benefits.

First of all, it’s the safest option during the pandemic. And secondly, it’s so convenient! Plus you don’t have to worry about your flowers getting a little bit beat up on your drive home from the florist. Instead, their professional packaging means they’ll arrive in pristine condition right on your doorstep.

Another thing we like about browsing for flowers online? You can get a great overview of prices and selection all in a couple of clicks. Unfortunately, you can’t walk into a brick and mortar store and filter the selections by color or price. (At least, not yet.) We also like that online floral shops usually come with a robust online presence, meaning you can check reviews, Instagram hashtags and more to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

If for some reason you are unable to order your flowers online, we recommend going to a local, boutique florist for your flowers, rather than a big chain or grocery store. The reason? The flowers will be better quality, and the staff will be much more knowledgeable. They can help you find exactly what you’re looking for and even craft something custom if that’s what you prefer. While the cost may be a bit higher, it’ll show through in the quality of the flowers, and in the way they’re presented, too. (Plus, it’s just a fun experience!)

If there’s no local florist (or flower stand) in your area, then it’s totally okay to swing by your nearest grocery store’s floral section. While it may not be your first choice, we think any flowers at all are some of the best presents to give and get. If you do purchase a bunch of blooms from the grocery store and they come wrapped in unattractive plastic (and especially if the plastic has the price tag stuck onto it), we suggest removing the flowers and wrapping them in something more attractive -- like butcher paper or twine -- or putting them directly into a vase.

You don’t have to gift your valentine flowers in a traditional vase, either. You might try putting them in a mason jar, wine bottle (bonus points if it’s a bottle you saved from a momentous occasion the two of you celebrated together), or if you’re extra ambitious, a vase you’ve made yourself from clay or another material.

Especially on valentine’s day, it’s good to pair your floral gift with an extra treat like chocolate, something savory, or even jewelry if you’re feeling indulgent. And don’t forget to take measures to keep the flowers fresh once they make their way to the recipient. Cut the stems, change the water regularly, and feed your flowers “flower food” (which you can buy or DIY) to keep them extra happy. Good luck and happy shopping!