Trader Joe's Valentine's Day Hack: Skip Florists, Save Over $80 on Roses
Seasoned Trader Joe's shoppers have unveiled a simple yet effective strategy to avoid spending nearly $100 on roses this Valentine's Day: bypass florists entirely and head to the grocery store. For many couples, the gift of roses is an essential tradition when February 14 arrives, but with prices soaring to over $90 for a dozen red roses in some regions, it's a costly gesture for blooms that may wilt within days.
Affordable Alternatives with High Quality
Customers report that Trader Joe's offers bouquets for as low as $10.99, sometimes dropping to $5.99, making them far more budget-friendly than florist options. Not only are these roses affordable, but shoppers insist the quality matches or even surpasses that of traditional florists. One Reddit user humorously recounted nearly having "a coronary" after seeing two dozen roses priced at $85 at their usual florist, prompting a query about Trader Joe's roses. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with one shopper stating, "Their flowers are great and much less than a florist," and another adding, "I love their flowers... They are cheaper and will last for weeks."
Insider Tips for Optimal Shopping
A former Trader Joe's crew member, with nearly two decades of experience, shared an insider secret: "I worked for Trader Joe's for almost 20 years and the amount of florists that shop the flowers there would shock you. So yes, buy the flowers there. Shop early - deliveries arrive every morning." This advice is echoed by many, who recommend arriving as soon as the store opens, typically at 8 a.m., to secure the best selection. One user warned, "Traders roses are lovely, all their flowers are, but get there early. As soon as they open, even before they open, as it’ll be slammed." They noted that the flower section becomes chaotic during holidays, with bouquets flying off shelves even on events like Super Bowl Sunday, predicting Valentine's Day will be especially busy.
Beyond Roses: Valentine's Bargains at Trader Joe's
Roses aren't the only Valentine's Day steal at Trader Joe's. The chain also stocks festive items such as heart-shaped cookies, X and O gummies, and greeting cards for just 99 cents, allowing shoppers to assemble a complete gift bundle for a fraction of florist prices. This aligns with Trader Joe's reputation for quirky seasonal offerings, which shine during holidays. Recent highlights include products like Jingle Jangle, Peppermint Bark, English Cheddar Cheese with Champagne, and Egg Nog, though the popular Candy Cane Joe-Joes were absent this season due to a peppermint overdose in the recipe, as confirmed by a spokesman.
Context: Trader Joe's Product Popularity
Trader Joe's recently announced its best products of 2026 through annual rankings, with Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings taking the top spot after a nationwide customer vote. This frozen favorite rose from second place last year, surpassing other hits like Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese and Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice. Fans praised the dumplings for their savory pork filling, gingery kick, and rich broth. The awards, chosen across 11 categories, highlight items that shoppers repeatedly purchase, from freezer staples to seasonal cult favorites.
In summary, with the average price for a dozen red roses hitting $93 this Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's offers a practical solution for lovebirds looking to save. By shopping early and exploring the store's affordable floral and snack options, customers can enjoy high-quality roses and festive treats without breaking the bank.
