Good Ezines

Flowers for birthdays shouldn’t look as though they were purchased at the local convenience store. Birthday flowers should look like a thoughtfully presented gift, not something you threw into the shopping cart. Here are some tips to keep as a guide when picking out that birthday bouquet. Once you have these down, you’ll find flower-giving the most effective and attention-grabbing gift for all occasions!

Wrapping and cards

There are so many unique wrapping options and gift cards available to finish off your gift with. You have so many options other than just plain paper and a free enclosure card.

Picking out what THEY like, not what you like

When picking out flowers, think about the colours the special birthday person likes. The gift does not have to be your preferences. Do they like scented flowers or is fragrance a problem? (In case they have allergies).

Customization: yes, you can ask to have it done!

Customize the bouquet and ask the florist to make something fresh. Don’t just pick up the first bunch you see in the bucket. Explain to the florist who the recipient is and how important the gift is. Birthday gifts should be festive so don’t try to be too safe with colours.

Pre-ordering to get unique varieties and elaborations

Order ahead and have the florist order in special flowers or have them deliver a basket with a special bottle of wine. For the gardener imagine seeds, tools or a pot that can be incorporated into the gift. Sometimes a flowering plant of bulb pot will be most appreciated. Include paint brushes for the artist, a note book for a writer or mixing spoons for the budding pastry chef. Provide a small photograph that your florist can incorporate in to the gift.

Creative bouquets

Some florists can make a flower arrangement in the shape of a cake or box of cupcakes. This is going to be the gift that everyone at the party will be talking about. These custom arrangements can even include birthday candles.

Flower arrangements vs. cut flowers: a measure of impact

Consider sending a very special flower arrangement rather than cut flowers. The recipient will not have to hunt around for an appropriate size vase. Sometimes a few special blooms elegantly wrapped or in a vase will make more of an impact than a wild mix of flowers and colours. Five stems of orchids can make more of a statement than a dozen common blooms.

Don’t forget the greens!

Even the greenery can say a lot about the quality of your gift. Rather than a bunch of fern try some eucalyptus or a few larger tropical leaves. Even curly willow branches can be incorporated into your gift to customize it.

A service to remember….

Creating a gift as unique as the recipient is a recipe for success. Speaking of recipes, once you have figured out what people like, write it down. You can even ask your florist to record it and then just order a selection of their favorites. Ask your florist to send you a reminder when the birth date is approaching. Remembering that your boss likes yellow roses and your accountant prefers birds of paradise will make you a winner at gift giving time.

Think of birthday gifts as an investment rather than a requirement and give them some extra thought. Remember that a seventy-five dollar bouquet of favorite flowers will certainly last much longer than a seventy-five dollar meal and the recipient has the vase to remember you by.

Rob Jennings is a Victoria florist in B.C. Canada. He is a fourth-generation florist, having been raised in the industry and now runs Victoria’s oldest florist shop, Jennings Florists.