For most of us, roses are the iconic flower of Valentine’s Day and, let’s face it, florists know it so prices creep up in the weeks up to the big day.
But tulips traditionally also represent love and, if you’re looking for some wow factor for that special someone, or as a Galentine’s gift or even a well-earned gift for yourself, then one of the hidden gems of Moonpig’s Valentine’s collection might be the perfect option.
The internet retailer and saviour of last-minute panic buyers everywhere has become well-known for its personalised cards, but in recent years Moonpig has branched out, offering lots of different gifts, hampers, flowers and balloons.
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When I was given the chance to review one of their Valentine’s bouquets, it’s probably a bit harsh to say, but I wasn’t really expecting much. Not because of any dislike of Moonpig. I love the brand, use them regularly and knew they’d branched out - this Valentine’s Day they are selling hundreds of different gifts ranging from the affordable (£6 for these luxe-looking Charbonnel and Walker truffles) through to the surprisingly spenny £250 - but because for me Valentine’s bouquets always seem padded with greenery, with roses that don’t last long as you’d hope and generally not as nice as treating yourself to a bunch of flowers in the supermarket that you can see a few weeks either side of the big day for a fraction of the price.
Little did I know. Moonpig’s Valentine’s flowers start from £20 for a single red rose or, for my money, a lovelier and long lasting dried arrangement up to £180 for 100 red roses if you’re going for the dramatic gesture.
But for a fraction of the price you can get a gorgeous bouquet of 50 tulips which really have that wow factor. They arrived in a box standing upright and well-hydrated thanks to a special pad tucked around the stems of the flowers - no worried about water leaking in transit and none of those depressing looking bunches of flowers that seem to arrive almost in suspended animation and you add water to perk them back up after the fact.
I neatly trimmed the bottoms of the stems as per the instructions and added flower food to the bottom of the vase. I'd never really thought of red tulips as an option before but they brighten up my living room and make me smile. I'd be grumpy if my husband spent loads of money on roses and so often a smaller bunch loses its impact.
This looks like a real statement, dare I say it the kind of armful of flowers someone would bring in a romantic movie but doesn't come with the price tag to match.
What's more, the tulips have lasted really well so far and are still going strong a week on thanks to the revitalising food delivered with them, which I added on day three as per the simple instructions.
Having not had Moonpig flowers before, I am now most definitely a convert. Not least having seen the various freebies and deals they offer - from free cards with every gift, free shipping on selected products and even a free bottle of prosecco with the 50 tulip bouquet.
Bearing in mind the bouquet is £38 but you can get 25% off with your first flower order using the code 25NCFLOW taking it down to £28.50 including free fizz I’m tempted to order one for my mum for Mother’s Day now - although I also love the slightly smaller tulip arrangement which comes with a gorgeous Cath Kidston jug to display them in and keep afterwards.
As for me? I’m definitely happy swapping roses to tulips for Valentine’s Day - and frankly at this price as often as possible throughout the year too.
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