plant care articles

Gift Advisor

BIRTHDAY

Birthdays call for gifts that evoke festivity and celebration. A gift plant is beautiful, ever growing, suits just about any decor and keeps your heartfelt wishes for a happy birthday alive for months to come. What other gift offers so much?

BIRTHDAY GIFT TIPS:

Send it on time! A small gift sent early or on time means more than a big gift sent late. Set an alarm on your computer calendar with your email service, or use the giving plants.com reminder service.

Send it to work. If the birthday recipient works, consider sending the birthday gift plant to his or her office. It will make the workday more enjoyable and perhaps even inspire their co-workers to share birthday wishes. They can choose whether to keep it at their workplace or bring it home.

Consider the preferences of your recipient.If she loves color, she will enjoy an azalea or other flowering plant. If he appreciates abstract art or modern decor, a bonsai might be unexpected, but fits perfectly with his environment. If she is sophisticated, an orchid will suit her exquisite taste.

Include a personalized note. Sample plant gift messages:

  • Happy Birthday!

  • Long lasting wishes for a great birthday!

  • Have a great birthday!

GET WELL

When somebody is sick, he or she is often isolated, lonely and feels out of touch. Not to mention feeling just plain bad! A gift plant is a great way to let someone know you care, even if

you can't be there in person.

In addition to being beautiful, plants have been proven to support healing and elevate mood, and reduce stress. Plants give off oxygen, thus creating even more healthful air to breath. In addition, plants absorb toxins, and can literally clean the indoor environment. Studies further demonstrate that keeping plants in one's physical environment can reduce the stress. What other gift offers so much?

Get Well Gift Tips

Follow Hospital Policy.When sending get-well gift plants to the hospital, call the hospital before placing the order to make sure a plant gift is allowed.

Get the delivery right.Make sure you have the name and address of the hospital, name of the patient, and your phone number in case there are any problems.

Choose a gift that is easy to care for. When sending plant gifts to a sick person's home, consider the condition of the recipient. If the recipient is very ill or bed ridden, then make sure your get-well plant gift is easy to care for. A larger tropical plant like a bromeliad offers a big cheerful display and minimum maintenance. A pothos or mother in law tongue add beauty and interest to the environment, yet need minimal care.

Keep it small. A tall, slim orchid, or compact flowering plant like an azalea or mini rose offers a burst of color for tight spaces. An orchid or small green plant can be placed on a nightstand for intimate enjoyment and easy watering.

Send a personalized gift message:

  • We miss you at the office! Get well soon.

  • Hope these brighten your day and lift your spirits.

  • Sending you my love and prayers.

  • I hope you're back on your feet soon.

  • Our prayers are with you, hope you feel better soon..

  • Sending you all the healing thoughts in the world.

  • Sending you sunshine and cheer!

  • I hope this brightens your day!

SYMPATHY

When words alone cannot express your feelings, a beautiful gift plant is a sensitive and beautiful expression of sympathy. Delivered to the funeral home, church or residence, a gift plant shows your loved ones that you care.

GIFT PLANT TIPS: These tips can help you give a gift that is just right.

It is perfectly appropriate to send a gift plant directly to the funeral home, or to the family's residence. If you would like your gift plant to be part of the memorial, then send it immediately upon hearing of the passing, directly to the funeral home.

For a more intimate expression of sympathy, send the gift plant directly to their home. Consider sending a gift plant a week or even a month after the passing. So often, the family experiences an immediate outpouring of sympathy and receives many floral memorials. A gift sent a bit later, when the flurry of attention subsides, can be especially appreciated.

If a colleague from your workplace, loses a loved one, then consider a group gift. By sharing the cost, a group can send a large, memorable gift that will be cherished and appreciated for months and years to come.

Consider tradition when sending a sympathy gift plant. A white flower in a white ceramic container is considered appropriate in just about every culture. A peace lily, or white orchid, reflects sensitivity and respect.

Also consider the character of the family or of the deceased. If the deceased loved flowers, then a colorful flowering plant like an azalea can be especially appreciated. If the deceased loved adventure, or traveling to exotic locations. then a colored orchid, a bonsai, or a tropical plant might be the most appropriate expression of sympathy.

For your close relatives or friends, writing a detailed, intimate note is a wonderful way to reach out. Share a memory or story about the deceased to emphasize their importance to you. An original or inspiring poem or prayer can bring comfort in this difficult time.

In writing gift messages for business associates and acquaintances, keep it simple. A simple "I am sorry for your loss," or "our prayers are with you" gently indicates your heartfelt condolences.

Some sample plant gift messages include:

  • I am sorry for your loss.

  • You are in our thoughts.

  • We are praying for you during this difficult tim- Our heartfelt condolences for your loss.

  • We are praying that you find peace

  • We loved ____ and will keep a special place in our heart for his/her memory,..

  • We have made a donation to (name charity) in his/her honor. Hope this plant offers our hopes

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a sympathy gift any time the occasion calls for it.

CONGRATULATIONS

When somebody receives a promotion or achieves an important personal goal, recognition can remind them that they are appreciated and inspire them to work harder and reach even higher.

Giving a gift plant is a wonderful way to show the important people in your life how much you value them and their achievements.

GIFT PLANT TIPS: These tips can help you give a gift that is just right.

Recognizing the achievement of a business associate or client is a great way to build a relationship, but must also be sensitively handled in order not to appear self-serving. A gift plant is always appropriate - a gestured that will be remembered - without seeming too extravagant.

If you are recognizing the achievement of a business associate or client, make sure there are no prohibition on accepting gifts. Some companies have no-gift policies, in which recipients are required to return any gifts.

If a friend or relative achieves a personal goal, such as finishing an important work project, quitting smoking, losing weight or passing the bar exam, they deserve a gift of recognition. A gift plant shows that you appreciate them and their achievements.

Consider the needs, preferences and environment of the recipient. For a professional relationship, chances are they will display their plant gift in their office. Is their sufficient light? Do they have a space with natural sunlight, or are they in a cubicle? Do they travel frequently - will they have the time to maintain their plant gift?

Keep business gifts memorable with a plant that lasts long and strong. A green plant such as a pothos, croton or mother in law tongue will thrive even in harsh office conditions.

Offer best wishes for good luck in the future. Lucky Bamboo is a traditional symbol of prosperity, as is the Money Tree.

For the flower lover, nothing cheers more than bright blooms. An azalea, mini rose or orchid are great cut flower substitutes that will thrive for months.

Send a personalized note to convey your intentions. Here is some Suggested Gift Card Messages:

  • Congratulations on a job well done!

  • You made it!

  • We are very proud of your achievement. Congrats!

  • Your hard work paid off in your success - congratulations!

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a congratulations gift any time the occasion calls for it.

HOUSEWARMING

Send a gift plant as soon as you receive a change of address card. Your loved ones will appreciate your responsiveness and thoughtfulness.

If somebody invites you to their new home, share your best wishes by bringing a gift plant. If they invitation is to stay as a houseguest, send a plant before you arrive as a way to show your appreciation in advance.

Moving to a new home is exciting - a fresh start - but also stressful. Research demonstrates that plants have healthy benefits - they clean the air of toxins, reduce stress and add beauty to the indoor environment.

In the ancient practice of Feng Shui, a plant placed in a dark corner or unused space can help bring love and harmony to the life of the homeowner. Some plants, such as Bamboo and the Money Tree are associated with good luck and prosperity.

When a loved one starts a new job, offer a warm welcome to a new desk or office with a gift plant.A small compact plant that thrives indoors, such as the pothos or mother in law tongue, is perfectly suited to the typical office environment.

Send your gift plant with a personalized gift message. Sample plant gift messages:

  • Welcome to your new home!

  • Best wishes for a wonderful life in your new home.

  • Congratulations on your move

  • Enjoy!

  • A token to bring harmony and prosperity to your new home

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a housewarming gift any time the occasion calls for it.

ANNIVERSARY

Giving plants is a wonderful way to celebrate a love that grows with time. Whether congratulating the happy couple or expressing your own love for your own spouse or significant other, a gift plant can blend traditional and innovative gift-giving

into a timeless expression of love.

TIPS: These tips can help you decide on the perfect anniversary plant.

The traditional flowers that mark major marriage milestones are:

  • Carnations or Pansies for the 1st Wedding Anniversary

  • Daisy for the 5th Wedding Anniversary

  • Daffodil for the 10th Wedding Anniversary

  • Day Lily for the 20th Wedding Anniversary

  • Iris for the 25th Wedding Anniversary

  • Violet for the 50th Wedding Anniversary

Other Ideas!

  • Give a bonsai tree that's the same age as the marriage being celebrated! This is a wonderfully novel way to celebrate the strength and beauty of marriage.

  • A flowering perennial of the appropriate name or color is a great way to symbolize a bronze, silver or gold anniversary.

  • Roses are traditional gifts for lovers - long lasting mini roses are perfect way to say "I love you" everyday for months to come.

  • Flowering perennials such as gardenias a great cut flower substitute. They are beautifully scented and can be replanted for years of rebloom can wonderfully symbolize a love that will last forever.

Include a personalized gift message with your gift plant. Some ideas include:

  • May this anniversary reflect all the special moments you/we have shared, and all the wonderful moments still come.

  • Happiness is not perfect, until it is shared. Best wishes on your anniversary.

  • My love for you grows with each passing year.

  • "True love is friendship set on fire." (French Proverb)

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a anniversary gift any time the occasion calls for it.

BABY

How wonderful! Fresh flowers for the hospital room. A pretty planter for the "Welcome Home!" Choose what and where, and we'll deliver with care. A baby's first gifts get kept forever, and your choices for the bundle of joy include cuddly stuffed animals, safe and easy handprint kits, personalized gifts and more.

Giving a plant is the perfect way to express your wish for a long, happy and healthy life. Commemorate a new birth, and say "welcome baby" with a great alternative to cut flowers - a gift plant lasts after the hospital stay and will grow alongside baby.

TIPS: These tips can help you get it just right!

  • When sending get-well gift plants to the hospital, follow the rules regarding the delivery of gift plants. Call the hospital before placing the order to make sure a plant gift is allowed. Make sure you have the name and address of the hospital, name of the patient, and your phone number in case there are any problems.

  • Plant a tree or perennial! Their longevity makes them the perfect gift for commemorating the birth.

  • A happy mom usually has a happy baby. A beautiful flowering plant is cheerful and will keep mom's mood high in the busy days (and nights) after baby is born.

  • Don't forget grandparents! Congratulate grandparents with a growing gift plant that will help them remember your best wishes.

  • Keep life simple for new parents with gift plants that will last long even if they are too distracted to water them. Most of our green plants will remain healthy with a once-per-week watering.

Include a personal message that reinforces your good intentions!

  • To the shiny new star in our sky! With love...

  • Here's to many happy days (and nights) ahead! Love

  • Welcome to the world, little one. Love

  • Nothing is more precious than a babe.

  • Life's little miracle - welcome!

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a new baby gift any time the occasion calls for it.

THANK YOU

It is wonderful when somebody is especially generous or kind. Perhaps you are thanking an attentive hostess or a friend who did you a great favor.

Signal your gratitude with a plant that conveys your heartfelt appreciation - - its your way of returning the favor!

Here are some key reasons to give gift plants.

  • Send a gift plant to emphasize your great appreciation. Plants make wonderful gifts and are constant reminders of your gratitude. Send a green plant, mixed flower basket or topiary to make someone's ordinary day extraordinary.

  • If you are a houseguest, send a plant before you arrive as a way to show your appreciation in advance. Or send after you leave to say "thank you for your hospitality."

  • Thank-you gifts are very common in the professional world, often given when someone goes above and beyond their business obligations to be helpful or kind.
    • Situations in which a gift is appropriate include an introduction to a promising client or helpful contact, providing professional services at no charge, and working at night or on the weekend.

  • Thank you gifts are also a great way to show appreciation to your clients. For example if you are an insurance agent or real estate broker, sending a gift plant says thanks - and helps them remember you!

Include a personalized gift message. Some sample messages include:

  • A gesture of my eternal gratitude. Thank you!

  • To the team for all of their hard work - thanks!

  • Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you.

  • You are the best!

  • You shouldn't have...but you did and I appreciate it!

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a perfect business gift any time the occasion calls for it.

JUST BECAUSE

just because

CORPORATE

Giving plants is smart.

Corporate gift giving is a key part of many business relationship. Consider gift plants to thank and foster loyalty among your most prized customers and partners. Or, to reward your most productive assets - your employees - for a job well done.

Gifts, both large and small, help strengthen relationships that take a lot of time and resources to build. Managers all agree that the cost of keeping customers and employees is much less than the cost of having to recruit new ones.

Gift plants are ideal for business gift giving. Not too extravagant, not likely to be misinterpreted as personal, and appropriate for any occasion. Also they are a long-lasting reminder of your best intentions for a positive professional relationship.

Here are some key reasons to give gift plants for business reasons.

  • To launch or maintain a business relationship

  • To show appreciation

  • To encourage or motivate

  • To celebrate or congratulate

  • To enhance the image or reputation of your company

  • To promote your brand, products or services

Here are some tips for getting it just right!

Before sending gifts to clients or vendors, check the corporate policy guidelines on gifts, so the gift doesn't end up getting returned.

Consider company hierarchy. A Chairman or CEO should get a gift of higher value than a Vice President, and so on down the line. Also if you are recognizing a team, make sure the gift message is addressed to the entire team instead of one individual.

Clearly state your intentions for gift giving in order to avoid misunderstanding. For example, make sure your gift message indicates the reason "for a great job," "congratulations on your award," or "for winning that big account." Otherwise the gift might be misinterpreted as a personal gesture, or perhaps as a ploy to gain favor.

Send gifts to business relations to commemorate key personal situations, like sympathy, wedding or new baby. In many cases, a gift from your "team" offers a chance for maximum goodwill, yet allows all the individuals to contribute based on their financial comfort level.

Consider the preferences and the physical environment of the recipient. A flower lover with a sunny office will enjoy a flowering gardenia or orchid, while a cubicle dweller will be better off with a pothos.

For somebody beginning a new project or a new job, bamboo is a traditional symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Include a personalized gift message. Some sample messages include:

  • Good luck in your new venture

  • Thank you for your help pulling the presentation together

  • Congratulations on your promotion - you deserve it!

  • To the team - thanks for your hard work!

  • To our dear colleague - hope this gift offers some comfort in this difficult time.

Gift plants come in a wide variety of choices, so there is a perfect business gift any time the occasion calls for it.