Valentine’s Day is almost here — and for many, that means the time is also fast approaching when they will buy a bouquet of roses for their loved one. It’s estimated that over 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day alone, making it the biggest day for the floral industry.
However, as Doniz Pauillac, COO of The Million Roses explains, Valentine’s Day isn’t the only date when roses are a must-buy gift. By being mindful of other holidays when roses are expected, you can ensure that your loved ones feel valued and appreciated throughout the year.
1. New Year’s Day (January 1)
“One of the best days to give roses is actually the first day of the year,” Pauillac says. “The New Year is a time of renewal and looking forward to the possibilities of what the coming year might bring. White roses often symbolize new beginnings, making them a charming way to start off the new year.”
If you’re worried about the potential effect that cold temperatures could have on your roses, don’t fret — fresh flowers are typically refrigerated at 32 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Roses and other flowers actually last longer in cool temperatures, which makes the winter a surprisingly good time to give and receive flowers.
2. Valentine’s Day (February 14)
As noted previously, Valentine’s Day is the biggest day for flower gifting in the United States, and roses have long been associated with love and romance. While a bouquet of fresh roses remains the go-to option for many, Pauillac notes that preserved roses can make the holiday even more meaningful.
“Luxury preserved roses undergo a distinct preservation process that enables them to last up to three years without the need for water or other special care,” he says. “This allows for exciting gifting opportunities, like boxed arrangements that can become a charming centerpiece for the coming months and years.”
3. International Women’s Day (March 8)
Though not as widely celebrated in the United States as in other countries, International Women’s Day is another holiday when roses can serve as a meaningful gift. International Women’s Day has been historically associated with advocacy for a variety of women’s rights issues, but in recent years, it has also increasingly become viewed as a day to celebrate all women.
As such, International Women’s Day is a time when roses can be gifted to women beyond romantic partners, such as mothers, sisters, friends and even work associates. Yellow roses are a good option for International Women’s Day since they often represent strength.
4. Mother’s Day (May 11, 2025)
“Mother’s Day is another popular day for floral gifts because we see people giving roses and other flowers to mothers, wives and other important women in their lives,” Pauillac says. “Obviously, roses aren’t the only flowers that are gifted on Mother’s Day, since people love to buy their mothers’ favorite blooms as a gift. But a bouquet of roses or an arrangement of preserved roses in your loved one’s favorite color is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday.”
Of course, you should make sure that your mother gets some quality time with her loved ones to go along with the floral gift. Even when you’re geographically distant, sending a rose floral arrangement and making a phone call will help her feel special and appreciated.
5. International Friendship Day (July 30)
“Roses aren’t just for romantic partners, which is why International Friendship Day is a great day to give roses to your friends — one of the most important groups of people in your life,” Pauillac says. “After all, your friends provide support and encouragement through the ups and downs of life, and it’s only natural that you should tell them how much they mean to you. Yellow roses and other yellow flowers are a popular symbol of friendship, making them an especially good way to show your appreciation for them.”
If you’re looking to add extra meaning to the rose gift that you give to your friends, you could consider giving 13 roses — a number commonly associated with forever friends.
6. Christmas and Hanukkah (December 25 & Dec. 14-22, 2025)
Christmas and Hanukkah are associated with gift giving, and quite often, those gifts include roses and other flower arrangements. White and blue flowers are most popular for Hanukkah celebrations, while red and white are popular Christmas flower colors.
“Red and white are common colors for roses, making them an excellent gifting option as part of holiday floral centerpieces,” Pauillac notes. “However, we’re now able to provide preserved roses in a broad range of colors, including blue, green or gold, making it easy to find an arrangement that is a perfect match for the rest of the recipient’s holiday decor.”
Roses for All Seasons
As Pauillac’s examples reveal, roses can be given as a gift for a wide range of holidays throughout the year — not to mention other special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. By giving the gift of roses, you can show others just how much you care and how much they mean to you. Giving roses on days other than Valentine’s Day can be an exciting surprise that helps others feel loved and appreciated. And of course, they can make a great gift for yourself, as well.
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