Say it with flowers
Whether you’re looking to congratulate, console, or just say, “I’m thinking of you,” it’s hard to go wrong with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Flowers, flowering plants, and flower-related gifts are perfect for almost any occasion and for every person in your life. With online flower delivery services available throughout the country, there are literally thousands of choices for special-occasion bouquets and gifts. So don’t just wait for Valentine’s Day to send flowers! Surprise that special someone for Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day!), graduation, a big promotion, or with a thoughtful gift for her—just because. We guarantee fresh flowers will put a smile on the recipient’s face.
Best overall: FTD
Things have come a long way since 1910, when FTD telegraphed floral orders from city to city—that “T” once stood for “telegraph,” now it’s “transworld.” Depending on the product ordered, FTD.com guarantees same-day online flower delivery to most areas of the country. Bouquets and plants start at around $40, and there are options galore—choose your occasion, color scheme, price point, or type of flower, or shop for combinations grouped by color and season, like this cheerful Sunlit Meadows Bouquet. For reliability, consistent quality, and fast delivery, they’re a sure bet as a gift for your wife any day of the year.
Most versatile offerings: Urban Stems
Not sure you want to send fresh flowers? With Urban Stems, you can also choose between dried flowers, plants, and subscription boxes, making it the true one-stop shop for all your floral needs. And if that wasn’t enough, their gift selection includes extras both delightful and functional, including olive oil, self-watering pots, candles, essential oil diffusers, and hot sauce. Talk about a unique gift combination!
Best flowers on a budget: Amazon
Of course, Amazon does online flower delivery too! Through its various online partners, Amazon offers nearly 200 different bouquet options, starting as low as $20 for two dozen roses (offered through Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market). Delivery on this bouquet is free for Amazon Prime subscribers with orders of $35+ and promised within two hours of the time you place your order (available in select locations only). Flowers aren’t the only thing you’ll want to be buying from Amazon.
Best for a housewarming gift: Home Depot
Whether your friend has moved near or far, an indoor plant is always a welcome gift. Home Depot couldn’t make it any easier to order flowers and plants online; countless varieties are available from their partners, many with free shipping. This blooming anthurium plant from Costa Farms arrives planted in a white ceramic pot and is bound to match any decor.
Best for those working from home: Lively Root
Spruce up their desk (or corner of the kitchen table) with an easy-to-care-for plant that will bring some energy-boosting green into their work-life orbit. Whether you’re congratulating the recipient on a promotion or saying thanks for a job well done, you can’t go wrong with an air-purifying white stripe dragon tree with dramatic and beautiful shiny dark and white stripe leaves. It prefers medium light but can handle low light, just like these 15 other low-light houseplants that thrive in near darkness.
Best luxury choice: H.Bloom
For a special occasion gift that will really leave an impression, choose an arrangement from luxury online florist H.Bloom. They work with premium florists and suppliers across the country to ensure the freshest, most unusual bouquets, all of which come in an attractive glass vase. Choose all roses as a romantic gift for her, or a mixed bouquet like this vibrant Bright Luxe, with roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, and orchids. This could also serve as a great gift for your grandma.
Most eco-friendly flowers: The Bouqs
It’s no big secret that with pesticides, water consumption, and transport costs, the mainstream fresh-cut flower industry is not so great for the environment. Enter The Bouqs, which partners with eco-friendly flower farms that use recycled water and practice sustainable growing methods. Give the gift of seasonal, farm-fresh flowers without passing on the guilt—a thoughtful touch for an eco-conscious friend who still loves her flowers! Here are more eco-friendly gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Best for the DIYer: Bloomscape
There’s a tremendous satisfaction that comes from nurturing and growing plants. And Bloomscape allows you to share that joy with their customizable Bloomkits (like this cheerful red and yellow dahlia starter kit). Kits come with “baby” flowering plants, one or more eco-friendly recycled pots, and potting soil, plus care instructions. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and one that lasts a lot longer than a bouquet. These are more of the best flowers and plants to send on Mother’s Day.
Best for good health: PlantX
Plants are nature’s lungs, and just like forests (albeit on a smaller scale) indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. So deliver a breath of fresh air—quite literally—with a green or flowering plant from PlantX, which also sells a range of health foods and supplements. We like the looks of this rose-painted Calathea with its pretty variegated leaves. Detailed care instructions help you keep your little air purifier looking green and healthy.
Longest lasting bouquet: Venus et fleur
Even the most beautiful fresh flowers wilt eventually—unless they’re part of a bouquet from Venusetfleur.com. The company ships just-bloomed Ecuadorian roses to its New York facility, where they are bleached, dyed one of many colors, and then treated with a non-toxic, non-allergenic wax that preserves them for up to one year. (They have to remain in their luxury gift box in order to guarantee longevity.) Before you select from the 24 color options, you’ll want to learn about rose color meanings and what they symbolize. A single boxed rose is $44. Or for $1,999, you can impress with an arrangement of 250 “eternal” roses—wow!
Best for a good cause: From You Flowers
Give a bouquet that gives back a little, like this pretty, customizable bouquet by From You Flowers, with a pleasing, multicolor mix of carnations, mums, and roses. A portion of sales from each of these bouquets goes to fund the lifesaving work of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Talk about spreading good cheer! Here are more gifts that give back to great causes around the world.
Best for saying “I’m sorry”: ProFlowers
If you’ve screwed up, you need to fix it—fast. Look no further than stalwart ProFlowers, with its range of attractive choices and same-day delivery service on many selections. If you’re really in the dog house, it can’t hurt to throw in some sweets, too—this beautiful bouquet of two-dozen red roses comes with a box of gourmet chocolates. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be forgiven.
Best flower subscription service: Bloomsy Box
If you want online flower delivery that makes a lasting impression, consider gifting a floral subscription from BloomsyBox.com. They’ll deliver weekly or monthly bouquets sourced from eco-friendly, fair trade farms. Flowers are delivered in paper, not plastic, which reduces both cost and waste. We love this monthly bouquet inspired by the New York Botanical Garden. Plus a percentage of each order supports research in plant science and conservation.
Best for kids: SendFlowers.com
Getting a surprise delivery of flowers is sure to make a child feel extra special. So mark Valentine’s Day, a birthday or a great report card with a fun bouquet from SendFlowers.com, like this sunny selection that comes with a keepsake smiley face mug. For something really celebratory, you can add on balloons, chocolate, or a teddy bear.
Best for the man in your life: Manly Man Co.
What says “I love you” better than beef jerky? That’s the premise behind Manly Man Co’s “Man Bouquets” of assorted flavors of beef jerky formed into long-stemmed flowers. Many are served in a pint beer glass or mug. If your guy loves roses, chocolate, and bacon, he’s in luck—they also make candied bacon roses dipped in chocolate or caramel. But consider yourself warned—these usually sell out ahead of major holidays, so order in plenty of time for Valentine’s Day or Father’s Day.
Best delivery range: Teleflora
No matter where you’re looking to send flowers, Teleflora has likely got you covered. This California-based company has more than 10,000 member florists in North America and 20,000 affiliated florists in 60 other countries, so there’s bound to be one in the neighborhood. Arrangements start at just $36, come in a keepsake vase, and may be delivered the same day you order them. As a feel-good bonus, the company supports The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Make Someone Smile Week.
Best for allergies: 1800Flowers.com
Let’s say your big sister has a milestone birthday coming up, but she also suffers from allergies. Consult the list of hypoallergenic flowers at 1800flowers.com. Who knew that tulips, lilies, and roses were allergen-free? So are orchids. Or if you really want to play it safe, choose a colorful cactus garden. This could be a great anniversary gift!
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