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Mini Chocoflanes, Queer Latino-Owned Flower Shops, and More: Your Last-Minute Guide to V-Day Gifts in L.A.

Real ones know that Trader Joe's is arguably one of the most affordable and convenient places to grab a bouquet of flowers. But given the pandemic's devastating impact on small businesses over the past two years, it feels more important than ever to support local florists this Valentine's Day.

Here is an L.A. TACO-approved list, curated by our newsroom as well as our loyal readers, of florists to support. From MacArthur Park to East Los to Southbay and Long Beach, we’ve identified spots in all corners of L.A.

Highland Park Florist 

If you’re in NELA, get your special someone a bouquet at the Highland Park Florist. This Mexican-owned shop has been around for a little over 30 years. The arrangements are beautiful and if you really want to impress, they do deliveries. Quick tip: Grab a jugo or a licuado from the shop next door, owned by the florist’s brother, you won’t regret it. 

5731 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

 

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Patty’s Flower Paradise

A small, neighborhood florist that is POC women-owned known for their affordable yet bountiful bouquets. Patty also sells a few artesian items from Mexico as well a few household items, which make for a great accompaniment to your flowers.

2916 E. Anaheim Ave, Long Beach, CA 90804

 

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Plantitas

Queer Latinx-owned plant nursery located in the heart of the Belmont Heights community of Long Beach. They have a great selection of houseplants to choose from and always go the extra mile to accommodate whatever specific plant occasion you are looking for.

4003 E 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90814

Love’s Flowers 

Latinx Mother-Daughter-owned shop in East Los Angeles offers all the colorful essentials. 3554 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90063 

Chocoflan and Flowers Pop-Up in Huntington Park  

It doesn’t get more Valentine’s Day in L.A. than a father and daughter-owned pop-up selling flower arrangements and mini-chocoflan desserts. Yes, that is exactly what it sounds like: a double-decker chocolate cake and flan hybrid that is absolutely indulgent and delicious. This is a very original gift! 

Send them a DM at @chocoflancitos_evelyn. 

Flower World & Wedding

This low-key spot in Koreatown always comes through real fast when needed, a reader tells us.

3805 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Outside Century Flowers.
Outside Century Flowers.

Century Flowers

A family-owned flower shop that’s been in the same Inglewood storefront for more than 20 years, recommended by a reader. You can’t miss their colorful hand-painted awning on Century Blvd.

4701 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90304

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