Six Local Ways to Not Screw Up Valentine's Day

Six Local Ways to Not Screw Up Valentine's Day
Irvin Hubler
Published on February 12, 2013
Valentine's Day is just two days away. Despite your cynicism, you may still feel the urge to buy something for the one you love, or woo someone with a token of your affection. Fortunately, if flowers are your go-to gift, you won't need to stray too far to find that perfect bouquet.


In NoPa, you can visit Verde SF at 1265 Fell, or The Floral Loft at 1871 Hayes. Verde SF has a series of ready-made assortments. They do deliver within San Francisco for a $15 fee, but recommend calling in advance and picking up your order. Verde SF also carries chocolates from 5 Star Truffles to round out your grand gesture. The Floral Loft features various arrangements and wraps highlighting local, in-season flowers like jasmine, cherry blossom and quince branches. They deliver for $10 in the city, but you should call as soon as you can. The Floral Loft notes that orchids, terrariums and personalized birch pots are particularly popular.
In the Lower Haight, we recommend checking out Xapno or Studio Choo at The Prairie Collective. Xapno, at 678 Haight, focuses on other romantic wares such as candles and jewelry, though they do carry an array of flowers, plants, and succulents. Xapno buys fresh daily, so you will need to go in the day of to make your selection. Studio Choo is part of the group that makes up Prairie Collective, at 262 Divisadero. They recommend ordering online, with tax and delivery included in the total with your online purchase. Studio Choo features 6 unique arrangements, and goodies from Blackjet Bakery. You can also go into the shop and pick up wild bouquets, wild grass and feather wreaths, and an array of succulents for the green thumb near and dear to you.
If you're not opposed to venturing a little east or south of the Lower Haight, we recommend checking out Birch, at 564 Hayes, and Church Street Flowers at 212 Church. Birch features elegant bouquets wrapped in leather with a suede bow. They do deliver in San Francisco for $20, but ask that you call the day before. Some popular flowers to note are anemones, ranunculus and hyacinth. Church Street Flowers has ready-to-go mixed bouquets for $50, $75, and $100, but are also available for your own designs. Delivery is $15. Hurry though, it's almost full; in fact, they recommend picking up your floral arrangement instead. Church Street Flowers says classic spring flowers, such as tulips and hydrangea, are very popular in today's bouquets.
Even if you just realized that Valentine's Day is upon you, you're in luck, with plenty of great options close at hand. Like with everything else fresh and beautiful, you should buy local. Now, back to Beer Week.