Senior Advisor, Sycamore Partners
Retail & Innovation
Valentine's Day gifts to fall for
Got a lot of love to give? Walgreens has you covered with customized cards, flowers, chocolates and more for ‘unprecedented’ displays of affection.
By Sarah Cason
Valentine’s Day, like every holiday, is looking different this year. We hear that even Cupid is planning on keeping festivities low key. But there’s no reason it can’t still be special. Just like much of our day-to-day lives have pivoted to the virtual world, so can your Valentine’s Day gifting. And just like your social calendar has shifted, so have our reasons for sharing the love. If you’re missing friends or want to remind your family how you feel, Walgreens is here to help – and quickly.
“Approximately 78 percent of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens,” says Lauren Vondrasek, seasonal divisional merchandise manager. “It’s convenient, and there are so many great things this Valentine’s Day that you can pick up while you’re out.”
Walgreens Stories asked the experts, Vondrasek and Laura Ruff, senior manager of digital commerce, to share their picks for memorable Valentine’s Day gifts you can pick up, have delivered or find in-store at your local Walgreens.
So now, the only question is … who’s your valentine?
Sweetheart
Want to go back to basics? Grab a bouquet. “We have mixed floral bouquets, potted flowers and, obviously, red roses are always No. 1. They’re replenished at more than 8,000 stores on an ongoing basis,” says Vondrasek.
A dozen roses start at $14.99, and fresh-cut, premium bouquets range from $4.99-39.99. Orchids and tulips are $9.99 or less. DoorDash can deliver flowers or balloons ($2.49-9.99) from participating stores, and cards and gift wrap are available for pickup when you order online or via Postmates.
Parents and grandparents
Put your best face forward this Valentine’s Day – literally. The new Mail-for-Me photo service allows you to customize a card with your photos and a personal message, which is then mailed on your behalf. Cards are $4.99, and postcards are $3.99. Ruff also recommends magnets, photo cubes and wood panel sets for a gift that lasts beyond the holiday. New this year that she’s most excited about? “Customized tote bags, compact mirrors, USBs and mouse pads – ideal for the remote worker in your life.”
All of these items ship free to the store or your home, and same-day pickup is available for the majority of photo gifts for your convenience.
Kids of all ages
“The Disney collection is exclusive to Walgreens. You won’t find these designs anywhere else,” says Vondrasek. The collection includes travel and latte mugs, light-up figurines, journals, pouches, snow globes, plush toys and more. All are under $20 and available for curbside pickup.
Vondrasek also flags to parents that we have coveted Squishmallows on the shelves, including koala and butterfly options in colors you can only find at Walgreens. For the littlest valentines, a My First Valentine’s Day set includes a bib, booties, rattle and headband that make for a perfect at-home photo shoot get-up. “And even if you’re remote learning, we have Valentine’s exchange cards for $3.79, with characters from Mario Brothers, Frozen and Peanuts, as well as dinosaurs, sharks, unicorns and llamas,” she adds.
Friends
Nothing says “you have a friend in me” like dropping off chocolate and a gift at your favorite person’s doorstep. “People seem to be celebrating earlier this year, with iconic candy gifts like Russell Stover Hearts and Conversation Hearts” says Vondrasek. “Since out-of-the-home activities are limited, we anticipate people will gravitate toward memorable gifts. Our drinkware designs have all been refreshed with novelty heart shapes, metallic finishes and stoneware mug sets with fun sayings.” An array of candles, some specially designed to evoke peace and relaxation, round out offerings that double as home décor.
Yours truly
Since not as many people are going to the spa, Vondrasek suggests focusing on self-care. Enhance your next bath experience with body wash and fragrance sets in refreshing scents like Sunny Citrus, Blooming Peony and Eucalyptus Breeze. Then, take it from the expert – Vondrasek recommends slipping your feet into ultra-soft socks and burrowing under a specialty knit blanket. Better still? Pick up a bag of Lindt or Ghirardelli premium chocolates and place them in a candy dish. Little indulgences throughout the week can make all the difference to your state of mind.
Anyone, in a pinch
“Basket stuffers” like fuzzy journals, Squishmallow keychains, night lights, sun catchers and more all retail for $5.99 or less. Add them to your cart or throw a few in your basket while shopping in the seasonal aisle for a quick and easy gift.
Mary, we couldn't agree more.
“Approximately 78 percent of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens,” says Lauren Vondrasek, seasonal divisional merchandise manager. “It’s convenient, and there are so many great things this Valentine’s Day that you can pick up while you’re out.”
Walgreens Stories asked the experts, Vondrasek and Laura Ruff, senior manager of digital commerce, to share their picks for memorable Valentine’s Day gifts you can pick up, have delivered or find in-store at your local Walgreens.
So now, the only question is … who’s your valentine?
SweetheartWant to go back to basics? Grab a bouquet. “We have mixed floral bouquets, potted flowers and, obviously, red roses are always No. 1. They’re replenished at more than 8,000 stores on an ongoing basis,” says Vondrasek.
A dozen roses start at $14.99, and fresh-cut, premium bouquets range from $4.99-39.99. Orchids and tulips are $9.99 or less. DoorDash can deliver flowers or balloons ($2.49-9.99) from participating stores, and cards and gift wrap are available for pickup when you order online or via Postmates.
Parents and grandparents
Put your best face forward this Valentine’s Day – literally. The new Mail-for-Me photo service allows you to customize a card with your photos and a personal message, which is then mailed on your behalf. Cards are $4.99, and postcards are $3.99. Ruff also recommends magnets, photo cubes and wood panel sets for a gift that lasts beyond the holiday. New this year that she’s most excited about? “Customized tote bags, compact mirrors, USBs and mouse pads – ideal for the remote worker in your life.”
All of these items ship free to the store or your home, and same-day pickup is available for the majority of photo gifts for your convenience.
Kids of all ages
“The Disney collection is exclusive to Walgreens. You won’t find these designs anywhere else,” says Vondrasek. The collection includes travel and latte mugs, light-up figurines, journals, pouches, snow globes, plush toys and more. All are under $20 and available for curbside pickup.
Vondrasek also flags to parents that we have coveted Squishmallows on the shelves, including koala and butterfly options in colors you can only find at Walgreens. For the littlest valentines, a My First Valentine’s Day set includes a bib, booties, rattle and headband that make for a perfect at-home photo shoot get-up. “And even if you’re remote learning, we have Valentine’s exchange cards for $3.79, with characters from Mario Brothers, Frozen and Peanuts, as well as dinosaurs, sharks, unicorns and llamas,” she adds.
FriendsNothing says “you have a friend in me” like dropping off chocolate and a gift at your favorite person’s doorstep. “People seem to be celebrating earlier this year, with iconic candy gifts like Russell Stover Hearts and Conversation Hearts” says Vondrasek. “Since out-of-the-home activities are limited, we anticipate people will gravitate toward memorable gifts. Our drinkware designs have all been refreshed with novelty heart shapes, metallic finishes and stoneware mug sets with fun sayings.” An array of candles, some specially designed to evoke peace and relaxation, round out offerings that double as home décor.
Yours trulySince not as many people are going to the spa, Vondrasek suggests focusing on self-care. Enhance your next bath experience with body wash and fragrance sets in refreshing scents like Sunny Citrus, Blooming Peony and Eucalyptus Breeze. Then, take it from the expert – Vondrasek recommends slipping your feet into ultra-soft socks and burrowing under a specialty knit blanket. Better still? Pick up a bag of Lindt or Ghirardelli premium chocolates and place them in a candy dish. Little indulgences throughout the week can make all the difference to your state of mind.
Anyone, in a pinch
“Basket stuffers” like fuzzy journals, Squishmallow keychains, night lights, sun catchers and more all retail for $5.99 or less. Add them to your cart or throw a few in your basket while shopping in the seasonal aisle for a quick and easy gift.
Mary, we couldn't agree more.