Ready to change a hum-drum Valentine's Day gift to a rockin' one? I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but let me tell you a secret: I don't like red roses for Valentine's Day, and a quick poll of my friends and acquaintances on Twitter and Facebook showed that I'm definitely not alone. Sure, these Valentine's Day gift stand-bys are pretty, and they smell lovely, but they're overdone, overpriced, and, as far as I'm concerned, just over. Let's explore some more interesting options, shall we?

I know what I like, but I turned to a couple of experts in the field to find out what's hot for this year's Valentine's Day flowers and gifts. Jes Gordon, author of "Party Like a Rock Star" and event planner for celebrities like Martha Stewart, Madonna, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum and Sarah Jessica Parker, has plenty of great ideas (including some that don't use flowers at all!).

"Try a more off-the-beaten-path kind of bloom like a mini black calla lily or a tiger-striped orchid," Gordon tells Holidash. "It doesn't even have to be a bloom! Some interesting long grass, cotton branches, feathers or sculptural looking stones can be just as striking as a dozen long stem roses, but they're a little more fun!"

"Get your craft on by fashioning printed paper, colorful buttons and pipecleaners into delicate buds to create a lovely arrangement that's whimsical, unique and extra special," Gordon says (see above, top left), noting that an orchid bloom in a shallow vase is simple and stunning. The bright colors and happy daisies on the fake lawn (bottom left) hold love notes, and, if you must do a bouquet of roses, opt for one of Gordon's favorite: "Antique amnesia roses accented with vibrant peacock feathers have a rockstar touch!"

Tic-Tock Couture Florals is another top name in the business, catering to clients like Mariah Carey, the Kardashians, Kate Walsh, Lisa Kudrow, Selma Hayak and Gene Simmons. Creative director Eddie Zaratsian tells Holidash, "The hottest will be either ... [an] all black container with rich jewel tone blooms in a modern presentation, or a very old world feeling with vintage container filled with blooms like hydrangeas, sweet peas and garden rose."

Are you sending flowers this Valentine's Day? If so, are you a traditionalist, or will you opt for something more modern?