gift guide: say it with (mostly fake) flowers
gift guide: say it with (mostly fake) flowers
Monday reading #22
Monday Reading is my weekly recommendation of something I’ve found thought-provoking or fascinating. Sometimes it is about something I have read. Sometimes it is about television or food or music or projects I care about supporting. Sometimes I do not send it on Monday. Please share with anyone who might like the vibes!!
A couple of weeks ago I shared my gift guide of five perfect things that look like other things. In that spirit, here are three options for giving someone (fake) flowers & two options for (real) flowers that don’t involve giving Big Floral Delivery your money.
Lego Icons flowers, about $40-$50
Various varieties: wildflowers, succulents, orchids, florist-style bouquet. Depending on your recipient, the true gift might involve a) letting them assemble them alone, b) building them together, or c) assembling them yourself.
Paper flowers from Lovepop or Unwilted, price points from $10-200
BlueQ Flat Flowers (DIY), free
The design and gift company BlueQ launched in 1988 with a Flat Cat and followed up with a Flat Dog and then Flat Flowers. A few months ago, I found an unopened Flat Flowers at my local creative reuse company. I was devastated to learn they no longer sell them, but they provide printables and instructions for making your own!
Paper white bulbs, about $1-2 each
If you’re sending holiday packages, throw in a couple of paper white bulbs. You can force them in a vase or glass with water, so they’re easy and satisfying to grow. Here’s ten for $20. Here’s a $10 kit that includes a variety that isn’t as strongly scented. You can also do this with hyacinths & daffodils!
Grocery store flowers via same-day grocery delivery, price varies
If your recipient lives within Instacart delivery range of a fancy grocery store, send flowers (and a couple of treats!) that way. Because the flowers are often cheaper than those in a floral shop, you can send a ludicrous amount of them. Two dozen grocery store roses for $22 and some Polar Seltzer have absolutely hit for me before. (I was dating someone who lived near a Wegman’s.) Also recommend the $8 ten-stem bunches of tulips, except … order five bunches. Go big, my guy.
Easy!!
See you Monday.