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A little something different is usually the request when it comes to teens expressing their affections on Valentine's Day.
While roses are "always the mainstay," many teens ask for Mylar balloons, candy and singing stuffed animals to be delivered to their sweeties on Feb. 14, said Dave Bartz, owner of Bartz Floral.
"You know the ones that say, 'I love you,' or sing, 'Wild thing, you make my heart sing,'" Bartz said of the stuffed toys. Actually, he sang the "Wild Thing" line.
A lot of the store's younger customers, and many adults, too, ask for a half dozen roses mixed with other flowers, such as lilies or tropical blooms, he said.
This year, for those who like to march to a different beat, Bartz is offering an arrangement that includes a small pineapple.
"We also do a lot with birds of paradise," he said.
When it comes to delivering flowers, balloons and other goodies to Grand Island's high school students, Bartz said he suggests delivering items to the student at home rather than at the school.
At least two of the city's high schools have tables set up for flower deliveries, and Bartz said trying to match gifts to students can cause a lot of extra work for office employees.
Grand Island Senior High Principal Kent Mann sent a letter to florists about deliveries.
Senior High doesn't have school on the 14th but will be allowing florists to "reserve" tables in the commons area on Feb. 13 to use as a staging area for deliveries. Students who have deliveries can stop by the tables after school dismisses at 2 p.m. to pick up their flowers. It is the florists' responsibility to get a message to the student about the delivery, according to the letter.
The table has to be manned, and Bartz said that can make for even more work during a busy time of the year.
"It's crazy," he said of school deliveries.
Grand Island Central Catholic has a similar system. Deliveries can be left in the lobby on tables that are visible from the office.
Central Catholic senior Megan Bombeck said Valentine's Day is a big deal for couples, and there are balloons, candy and flowers given out.
"We don't see much dropped off at school," she said. "We're poor high school students."
For students without a steady significant other, the day can be made special with a trip down memory lane.
"A group of my friends gave each other those corny little valentines with candy," Bombeck said. "Like last year, I got Barbie and Pirates of the Caribbean."
For those taking the day a little more seriously, Bombeck suggests roses, such as she's received in the past.
"If girls want flowers, they want roses," she said.
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