Gifting

Each February 14, Americans send more than 200 million flowers to loved ones. Around December 25, Americans spend nearly 1 billion dollars on flowers — but this probably isn’t coming as much of a surprise to you.

Holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas are some of the most popular days to send and receive flowers. But what about a day like, say, June 11, or November 14? No, they’re not holidays or special observances (though we can’t guarantee it’s not your birthday or anniversary), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be sending flowers to the ones you love.

Sending flowers “just because” is a simple way to show someone you love them, were thinking about them, or just want to put a smile on their face. This year, send flowers to someone because…

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From what to wear to wondering if you can bring your kids, navigating the world of weddings can be difficult. But perhaps the most stressful part of being invited to a wedding is deciding what you’re going to get the happy couple. You want to get them something personal yet practical, and luxurious but cost-effective. So what’s a guest to do? While there’s not one simple answer, we’ve outlined 7 of the most common conundrums gift-giving guests come across, and how they’ve persevered.

1. You Don’t Have to Stick to The Registry

The registry gives guests a general sense of what the couple is looking for. It’s in no way a mandatory list of required gifts. If you’re close to the couple and want to get them something funny or personal, don’t let a registry deter you from doing so!

2. Forget the “Cover Your Plate” Rule

How much you spend on a gift should depend on your relationship to the person, not how lavish their wedding is. Typically, a good rule of thumb to follow is:

• Coworkers or Distant Relatives: $50 – $100.
• Friend or Relative: $100 – $125
• Close Friend or Close Relative: $150 – $250

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Gift giving is so much more than just handing someone a wrapped object — it’s the way we communicate with one another. It’s how we tell someone “I’m happy for you,” “I was thinking of you,” or “I hope this makes you feel better.” But the rules of gift giving aren’t as rigid as they may seem. Across all cultures and decades, the way we express our love and gratitude through gifts is different. Looking back just a decade or two ago, below are a few of the most extreme ways we’ve changed the way we give gifts.

More Meaningful

Today more than ever, people want to see that there was thought behind a gift. Perhaps the bouquet you get for someone’s birthday is filled with the flower that corresponds to their birth month. Or maybe you give a loved one a personalized gift at their housewarming party, like a sign or blanket. You could even have jewelry personalized with important names or dates.

You Don’t Need an Occasion

It used to be that you gave and received gifts only on important days — your birthday, anniversary, or the holidays. Today, gift giving isn’t quite so structured. In fact, people tend to appreciate gifts more when they’re not necessarily required, but just because their loved one was thinking of them.

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You can never go wrong with fresh flowers. They’re beautiful, meaningful, sentimental, and most importantly — they fit every occasion. From celebrations to more sorrowful events, flowers have the ability to touch the lives of every person who receives them and, regardless of the situation, put a smile on their face. Whether you already have an occasion in mind that you need to get a gift for or you feel like making someone’s day brighter, just because, below are a few reasons why fresh flowers are always the right gift choice.

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For the thousands of students heading off to school this month, it’s probably the first time they’ve ever been away from home. So needless to say, they’re going to need a little bit of help from mom and dad. Enter: care packages — the foolproof way to let your loved one know you’re thinking about them.

Whether it’s their first year or their last, here are a few care package ideas that will help any student survive the school year.

Home Goods

It can be hard to make a dorm room feel like home, so personalized items are a must! From welcome signs to wreaths and picture frames, add some character to your home away from home.

Flowers

Since most dorm rooms and apartment complexes won’t let you paint the walls or hang anything up, students have to find other ways to add some color to their bedrooms. That’s where flowers come in! Even a small bouquet can add new life and a pop of color to any room. Continue Reading…

Few moments are more exciting than moving into a new home. Every empty room marks a fresh start and promise of new adventures. So it’s only natural that everyone christens their first night in a new house with a housewarming party! Whether you were the friend helping out on move-in day, are the new, next-door neighbor, or a long-time family member, these are a few gifts that will land you the title of ‘best guest ever.’

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