Instead of flowers, treat a special person 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.
The tradition may also have originated in the East where hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers, bestows every bloom with an emotion or sentiment. A bouquet thus becomes a coded message of love.
Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, used white carnations to celebrate her mum, embedding flower-giving into the traditions of this particular occasion.
I love giving and receiving flowers – but I also love tweaking tradition!
Gift something different that will make you stand out!
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, and that is considerate to the world as a whole.
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 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)
By contrast, there are lots of lovely small businesses who create beautiful things which make thoughtful, long-lasting, and environmentally-considerate presents for special occasions.
(And they'll give you the edge when it comes to gift-giving credentials too!)
14 ideas for what to give instead of flowers
I’ve handpicked ten 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 someone please send these gift ideas to my husband...!
Dried flower gift bouquet from The Happy Blossoms
Image credit: The Happy Blossoms
I know they're still flowers, but aren't they extraordinarily beautiful? And they won't wilt within the week!
Happy Blossom dried flower bouquets are made by hand in Dorset and are 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!)
So, gift a bouquet that puts a spin on tradition and will last and last!
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
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 special present.
Gift voucher for luxury garden furniture from Armadillo Sun
Encourage your special person to relax, and take some time for themselves, with a gift card for a luxury garden bean bag or outdoor cushions from Armadillo Sun.
The gift of sinking into an ultra-comfortable bean bag is 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.
As the founder and designer at Armadillo Sun I'm biased, but 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!
Her new range of tapestry kits, catering to all skill levels, turn 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 paper flower making. Paper florist Bee Watson has turned her enchanting designs into DIY craft kits at Wild Hive. Each kit would be a special and thoughtful gift and a relaxing and mindful activity... or give the craft kit to yourself and the pretty paper bouquet you create to your loved one!
Dahlia collections & homeware from Dahlia Beach
Dahlias are having something of a renaissance and, with their showy blooms in a huge range of hues, I understand why! Choose from six collections of dahlia tuber varieties, carefully curated and beautifully packaged by the brilliant, and ever-adventurous, Andie. Or find something they'll love in the new Dahlia Beach embroidery and homeware collection.
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 combination of art and practicality – admire it on the table and 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 even plants! Each box comes with advice and tips for planting 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 craftmanship 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
Published in February 2023 this book is a treasure trove of beautiful language; moments captured; and thoughts to sit and ponder on.
I also absolutely love 'Why Women Grow' by Alice Vincent.
Why not encourage your loved one to sit down, read and relax – ideally on a garden bean bag! Perhaps add a lambswool throw at this time of year to stay cosy while enjoying the emerging spring flowers.
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 favourites are “Floriography” and "The Timeless Collection".
Personalised gift box from Don't Buy Her Flowers
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.
Sewing course from You Stitch
To add just one more idea... I've started a new venture (I've been thinking about it for years and am so excited that You Stitch is live!) and am running personal sewing tutorials from my workroom in Kent. For those who love being creative and designing their homes just the way they want them, a cushion or curtain-making course would be a stand-out gift.
I hope this list of flower gift alternatives has inspired you to choose a different type of present. Subscribe to the Armadillo Sun newsletter for more ideas and tips from me, Caroline Lomax.
If you'd like to give a bouquet as well, please choose a bunch from our incredible British flower farmers: find your closest flower grower in the Flowers from the Farm directory, You won't 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!