Zimbabweans Use Money Bouquets, Recycled Metal for Valentine's

In Harare, Zimbabwe, as Valentine's Day nears, couples are embracing unconventional tokens of affection that blend romance with economic necessity and environmental ingenuity, from bouquets crafted from U.S. dollar bills to heart-shaped gifts made from recycled scrap metal.

Florists and artisans across the capital are seeing a surge in demand for these inventive gifts, which reflect Zimbabwe's challenging economic landscape where cash holds immediate value. At a bustling flower market that has operated for decades, Tongai Mufandaedza, a veteran florist with 30 years of experience, carefully assembles money bouquets by folding crisp $50 notes into cone shapes using adhesive and bamboo sticks, then weaving them among stems of white roses. He wraps the arrangements in bright red ribbons, anticipating a rush of customers on February 14. "The market has improved because of the money bouquets," Mufandaedza said. "On Valentine's Day, we are going to have more, more, more customers, because this is something which is trending. Everyone wants to impress."

The trend, popularized on social media platforms like TikTok, has young people leading the way, though Mufandaedza notes it is gaining...