From crafting kits to garden bean bags, treat your special person to something different with one of our gorgeous handpicked gift ideas
Gifting flowers to someone you love, whether for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday or an anniversary, dates back to the times of chivalric knights and beautiful maidens.
Some say that the tradition of flower giving may have originated in the East, where hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers, ascribes an emotion or sentiment to every bloom.
Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, used white carnations to celebrate her mum, thereby embedding flower-giving in the traditions of this occasion.
Now, I love giving and receiving flowers – but I also love tweaking tradition, so here are my top alternatives to giving flowers.
Gifts that show you care
When we choose a present for someone special, we want it to be thoughtful: a gift that has been carefully selected with the individual specifically in mind. But in my book, you get bonus points if the gift you choose is planet-friendly too.
Did you know that most of the flowers we buy – especially for occasions like Valentine's Day in February or Mother's Day in March – will have been flown thousands of miles into the UK from countries like Kenya, Colombia, and Ethiopia?
An imported bouquet will often have the highest carbon footprint of anything else in the supermarket (Data from 'How bad are bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything' by Mike Berners-Lee)
Not to mention the heavy use of single-use plastics to wrap the flowers and pesticides used to grow them.
By contrast, there are lots of lovely UK gifting businesses that create beautiful, thoughtful, long-lasting, and environmentally considerate presents for all special occasions.
13 ideas for what to give instead of flowers
I’ve handpicked 13 gorgeous 'no-bouquet' gifts that still give a flower-filled nod to tradition.
I would be delighted to receive any of these floral bouquet alternatives.
Now, will someone please send these gift ideas to my husband and kids!
Dried flower gift bouquet from The Happy Blossoms
Image credit: The Happy Blossoms
A bouquet of flowers that won't wilt within the week? Yes please. A bunch of dried flowers can be extraordinarily beautiful.
Happy Blossom dried flower bouquets are handmade in Dorset and carefully delivered in recyclable or compostable packaging. All the flowers are sourced from two British suppliers, and the bouquet will last up to a year (although I have a bunch that is well into its third year!)
The stunning dried blooms from The Happy Blossoms come in a wonderful array of colours so you can select the perfect bunch for your special person.
Natural skincare gift sets from Dalia Botanique
Image credit: Dalia Botanique
You can choose to give the gift of flowers in skincare form with a nourishing bundle from Yorkshire-based Dalia Botanique.
Formulated with British wildflower botanicals (and absolutely no 'nasties'), these luxury products will give the person you love a rejuvenating 'spa' moment every day.
Limited edition art print by Emma Campbell
Image credit: Emma Campbell Art
Irish artist Emma Campbell creates colour-filled, nature-inspired pieces that blend contemporary art with an appealing splash of whimsy.
With a love for wildflowers, bees, and butterflies, she describes her paintings as a 'visual daydream for the viewer to get lost in or find themselves in.'
A print from her curated gift collection makes a thoughtful and special present.
Year-round outdoor living from Armadillo Sun
Encourage your special person to relax and take some time for themselves outside whatever the weather with a cosy, super-soft lambswool throw. There’s nothing better than snuggling up outside with a cup of something hot.
Or if it’s a really special occasion, why not go the whole hog and treat your giftee to the best seat in the garden (or house!)
Our outdoor bean bag armchair is ultra-comfortable and demands total relaxation. The perfect present for those who love their garden and outdoor entertaining – and they'll thoroughly enjoy choosing their favourite fabric designs from the wide range available.
In my opinion, any gift that asks you to sit down and relax can't be anything but appreciated!
Tapestry kit of an award-winning Lucy Tiffney design
Image credit: Lucy Tiffney Shop
Lucy Tiffney's home decor designs are fresh, colourful, and happy, with a unique interpretation of the natural world.
I have a blanket in her Lagoon pattern which I absolutely love.
And her range of tapestry kits, catering to all skill levels, turns her award-winning designs into the ultimate crafting gift.
Paper flower craft kits from Wild Hive
If your loved one enjoys being creative, encourage them to find a comfy seat and get lost in the beautiful craft of making paper flowers.
Paper florist Bee Watson has turned her enchanting designs into DIY craft kits at Wild Hive.
Each kit would be a special, thoughtful gift and a relaxing, mindful activity... or give the craft kit to yourself, and give the pretty paper bouquet you create to your loved one!
Chunky china from Marigold and Lettice
Choose from bowls, mugs, and vases decorated with Bronwen's distinctive, stylish blooms.
Handmade in her shed, this chunky china tableware is the perfect blend of art and practicality – admire it on the table, then pop it in the dishwasher!
Flower-growing subscription from The Rose Press Garden
I rely on Lizzie from The Rose Press Garden to help me get my garden ready for spring.
With her flower-growing subscription, every month you’ll receive an exciting delivery of seeds, bulbs, bare roots, and sometimes plants.
Each box comes with planting advice and tips so that creating a beautiful garden is a joy (and doesn't become overwhelming). This subscription would make a very special gift.
Pot stems from A Blackbird Sang
These decorative pot stems make a very sweet addition to indoor plant pots.
I love the craftsmanship of all the outdoor accessories from A Blackbird Sang, and think they'd make a wonderful gift that's just a little different.
Why not choose the silhouette of the receiver’s favourite flower or bird?
"To Stand and Stare - How to Garden While Doing Next to Nothing" by Anthony O'Brien
This book is a treasure trove of beautiful language; moments captured; and thoughts to sit and ponder on.
I also love 'Why Women Grow' by Alice Vincent.
And for the reader in your life, why not include a bean bag Kindle or iPad stand.
Seed collection box from Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden
If you are buying for someone who loves growing their own flowers, one of Melanie's seed boxes would be a lovely and thoughtful gift. My favourite is “Floriography”.
Personalised gift box from Don't Buy Her Flowers
And if you’d rather not gift anything floral, Steph at Don’t Buy Her Flowers has created a hamper of goodies and treats you can carefully personalise for your loved one.
Still set on giving flowers?
If you'd really like to give a bouquet, please consider choosing a bunch from our incredible British flower farmers: find your closest flower grower in the Flowers from the Farm directory. You might not be able to find a British rose in February for Valentine's Day... but you could have an exquisite British tulip from Smith & Munson instead!
Small businesses need our support at the moment, so please do have a browse through all the beautiful gift collections linked above. I’m certain that you’ll find something you – and your special someone – will love. Let me know what you choose!
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