Safeway stores stay open late on Valentine's Day (hours vary by location) and receive fresh flower shipments through February 14th. You can walk in after work and leave with roses, chocolate, and a card. For pickup or delivery, you'll need to plan a bit more ahead since time slots fill up fast around the holiday.

A Note About "Last Minute"

Last-minute shopping on Valentine's Day comes with trade-offs. Walking into a store gives you immediate access to whatever is on the shelves, but popular items may be picked over by afternoon. Online ordering guarantees your items before you arrive, but delivery and pickup slots can fill up days in advance.

If you're reading this on February 14th, in-store shopping is likely your best option. If you're reading this a few days before, you still have time to order online, but don't wait.

What Actually Works Last-Minute

The goal with a last-minute gift is looking like you didn't wait until the last minute. Some combinations pull this off better than others.

Flowers plus one other thing. A bouquet by itself can look like a gas station stop. A bouquet with a box of chocolates or a card with a real message written inside looks like a complete thought. The second item signals you put something together rather than grabbed the first thing you saw.

Chocolate-covered strawberries. These read as more intentional than a heart-shaped box of assorted chocolates, even though they take the same amount of effort to buy. Safeway makes them fresh in the bakery section. They sell out quickly, so call ahead or order online if you're shopping on February 13th or 14th.

Wine and chocolate together. A bottle of red wine with a chocolate bar or small box of truffles costs around $20 and looks like a paired gift rather than two random items.

A card with actual writing in it. A blank card with just your signature looks worse than no card. If you're buying a card, write something specific. Three sentences about why you appreciate the person beats a generic "Happy Valentine's Day, love [name]."

Gift Ideas by Recipient

Romantic Partner

Safeway's rose prices vary by arrangement and location. Single stems run a few dollars each. A dozen roses in a basic sleeve is the most affordable option. Roses in a vase with greenery and filler flowers cost more. Premium arrangements like the Debi Lilly collections are at the higher end. Check your local store or safeway.com for current pricing.

For something beyond flowers, pair them with chocolate-covered strawberries or a bottle of wine. This combination covers the traditional Valentine's bases without breaking the budget.

If flowers feel predictable for your relationship, consider a dinner-at-home gift instead. Two ribeye steaks, a bottle of wine, and bakery dessert costs less than a restaurant dinner and gives you something to do together. Add candles from the home aisle.

Kids

Classroom valentines come in packs of 20-30 cards in the seasonal aisle. Many include candy or stickers. These disappear from shelves by February 13th, so don't wait.

For your own kids, heart-shaped cookies from the bakery, a small stuffed animal from the seasonal display, and their favorite candy make a morning surprise without spending much.

Friends and Galentine's

A bottle of wine with a nice chocolate bar creates a complete gift without spending much. This works for Galentine's exchanges or as a host gift.

For Galentine's gatherings, charcuterie supplies travel well. Grab a wedge of brie, some salami, crackers, and grapes. Arrange them on a board when you arrive.

Coworkers and Teachers

Keep these simple and appropriate. A small box of chocolates, a single flower stem with a card, or a gift card all work.

For an office where you want to share with everyone, a bakery cookie platter feeds a group. Less awkward than giving individual gifts to some coworkers but not others.

Choosing Rose Colors

If you're buying roses and wondering whether color matters, here's the short version:

Red is the default Valentine's choice. It signals romantic love without ambiguity. You can't go wrong with red for a spouse, partner, or serious relationship.

Pink works for romance but also for appreciation and gratitude. It's a safe pick for newer relationships, friends, or family members like your mom.

White suggests purity or new beginnings. Sometimes used in mixed arrangements to add contrast.

Yellow traditionally means friendship, not romance. Save these for friends unless you're sure your partner likes yellow.

Orange and lavender are less common. Orange reads as enthusiasm or energy. Lavender suggests uniqueness or enchantment.

For most people, red or pink is the right call. If the recipient has a favorite color and you know it, that's worth considering. Otherwise, red roses communicate exactly what Valentine's Day is supposed to communicate.

What's in Stock Through February 14th

Flowers: Safeway brings in extra inventory leading up to Valentine's Day. Red roses are available by the dozen, half-dozen, or single stem. Mixed bouquets, carnations, and tulips give you options if roses are picked over. Prices range from a few dollars for single stems to higher amounts for premium arrangements. Check safeway.com or your local store for current pricing.

Candy: Heart-shaped boxes from Ghirardelli, Godiva, Russell Stover, and Whitman's fill the seasonal aisle. Mid-range boxes hit the sweet spot between cheap and trying too hard. Conversation hearts and chocolate hearts in foil work for kids or as add-ons.

Cards: The selection thins out by February 13th. Shop earlier in the week if you want options. By Valentine's Day afternoon, you're choosing from what's left.

Chocolate-covered strawberries: Available in the bakery section, usually in boxes of 6 or 12. Prices vary by location. These sell out on Valentine's Day. Call your store's bakery or order online to guarantee availability.

Wine: Sparkling wine and champagne move fast. Buy these a few days ahead if possible. Red wine (Cabernet, Merlot) pairs with steak dinners and chocolate desserts. Ask the staff for recommendations if you're unsure.

Bakery: Heart-shaped cakes, decorated cupcakes, and frosted sugar cookies. Ready-made options work for same-day purchases. Custom cake orders need 24-48 hours advance notice.

Same-Day Options

In-Store

Walk in, shop, leave. This is the most reliable last-minute option because it doesn't depend on slot availability. Check your store's hours online first since they vary by location.

Drive Up & Go

Order on safeway.com or the app, pick up without leaving your car. Orders are ready in as little as 3 hours after checkout. The catch: pickup slots fill up around Valentine's Day. If you're planning to use this on February 14th, check availability now. Same-day slots may already be taken.

Same-Day Delivery

Order in the morning for afternoon delivery, or early afternoon for evening delivery. Delivery fees typically run $4-10 depending on time slot and order size.

Like pickup, delivery slots are limited and fill up fast around Valentine's Day. Don't assume you can order at 2 PM on February 14th and get evening delivery. Check slot availability before counting on this option.

Flash Delivery

Available in some areas, Flash delivers in as fast as 30 minutes. It's only available from 8am to 5pm and has a 35-item limit. Smaller selection than full delivery, but covers flowers, chocolates, and wine. Check availability at your address on the Safeway app.

Flash is your best online option for true last-minute orders, but only if you're in a service area and ordering during available hours.

Gifting Feature

Send a Valentine's gift directly to someone else's address. Shop online, enter their address at checkout, add a message. Same delivery slot limitations apply here. If you're sending a gift for Valentine's Day delivery, book the slot early.

Budget Guide

Budget-friendly: A card, chocolate bar, and single rose. Or a small box of chocolates with a card. This works for coworkers, casual friends, or kids.

Mid-range: A mixed bouquet or basic dozen roses, plus a card. Or wine and chocolates together. Solid for most relationships.

More substantial: Flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a card. Or flowers, wine, and chocolates. This covers the complete traditional Valentine's gift without going overboard.

Premium: A nicer flower arrangement in a vase, better bottle of wine, higher-end chocolates. Add candles, a stuffed animal, or other extras.

Prices vary by location. Check safeway.com or visit your local store for current pricing.

What Sells Out

Red roses in premium arrangements go first. By late afternoon on February 14th, single stems and smaller bunches are what's left. If you want a specific arrangement, shop before noon or order ahead.

Heart-shaped chocolate boxes from name brands (Godiva, Ghirardelli) sell faster than store brands. If you wait until February 14th, you might be choosing between whatever remains.

Valentine's cards thin out starting February 12th. The good ones with funny jokes or actually touching messages disappear. Generic cards with just "Happy Valentine's Day" in script last longer because fewer people want them.

Chocolate-covered strawberries have limited quantities. The bakery makes what they make. Once they're gone, they're gone for the day.

Online delivery and pickup slots are the other thing that "sells out." These aren't unlimited. If everyone in your area is trying to get Valentine's Day delivery, slots fill up. Check availability a few days ahead.

Common Questions

Does Safeway have flowers on Valentine's Day?

Yes. Stores receive shipments leading up to and on February 14th. Selection is best in the morning and thins throughout the day.

Can I order online for same-day pickup?

Yes, but slots may not be available. Use Drive Up & Go on safeway.com or the app. Orders are ready in as little as 3 hours. Check pickup availability before assuming you can get a same-day slot on Valentine's Day.

What time does Safeway close on Valentine's Day?

Hours vary by location. Check your specific store's hours on safeway.com before planning an evening trip.

Does Safeway have chocolate-covered strawberries?

Yes, in the bakery section. They sell out, especially on February 14th. Call ahead or order online to make sure they have them when you arrive.

Can I send a gift to someone else's address?

Yes. Use the gifting feature at checkout when ordering online. Enter their address and include a message. The same delivery slot limitations apply, so book early for Valentine's Day delivery.

What if roses are sold out?

Mixed bouquets with roses and other flowers often remain when straight rose arrangements sell out. Tulips and carnations are also available. A mixed bouquet can actually look more interesting than a dozen roses.

What's a good Valentine's gift on a budget?

Wine plus a chocolate bar works well. Or a mixed bouquet with a card. Both look complete and intentional without spending much.

Can I get delivery on Valentine's Day if I order that morning?

Maybe. Flash delivery (where available, 8am-5pm only) can deliver in as fast as 30 minutes. Standard same-day delivery depends on slot availability. Check the app or website early in the day. If slots are full, in-store shopping is your backup.

What if online slots are all taken?

Go to the store in person. This is why in-store shopping remains the most reliable last-minute option. You're not competing for limited delivery windows.