Celebration Inspiration Archives

Find Inspiration and Share Advice in the Celebrations Community

“Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. In this article, learn about the new Celebrations Community recently launched by 1-800-Flowers.com.

Making the most of special occasions adds excitement to our lives. From birthday parties and graduations to weddings and retirements, celebrations give us an opportunity to engage with people while uniting us through common experiences.

But making the most of celebrations is easier said than done. That’s why the 1-800-Flowers.com family of brands recently expanded Connection Communities — its online peer-to-peer support portal for life events — to include a Celebrations Community.

Like the seven other groups, the Celebrations Community helps people through life events by connecting them with others who have walked the same path. The Celebrations Community offers tips for all of life’s celebratory moments — whether it’s planning a birthday party, hosting special guests, or welcoming a baby.

The Celebrations Community offers tips and a whole lot of inspiration. Questions are answered by people who have experienced similar challenges and can offer advice. Its goal is to create a sense of belonging, encourage us to go outside our comfort zone, and have fun along the way.

Says Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.: “Our 1-800-Flowers.com Connection Communities exemplifies the distinctive brand experiences we are creating to deepen our relationships with customers and further our vision to inspire more human expression, connection, and celebration.”

Advice for life’s most cherished moments

The Celebrations Community is a natural extension of 1-800-Flowers.com’s mission of fostering expression, connection, and celebration, Becker says. For years, each of the company’s brands has created content around celebrations.

“Our new Celebrations Community builds off our early success through our Connection Communities but pivots to an area that focuses on our expertise,” says Brian Becker, Vice President of Content & Innovation at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

“We regularly publish trends, tips, and profiles around birthdays, anniversaries, and even the celebration of life amid grief-focused events,” he adds. “We want to make it easier for our customers to reach others who are going through similar moments and who want to lean on the ideas of others.”

Celebrations Community: Father and daughter hugging at graduation

From discussing ways to make anniversaries memorable to sharing tips on how to celebrate a promotion, the Celebrations Community is already buzzing with ideas from its members.

One user, Rochelle, asked the community for suggestions on how to celebrate her 33rd wedding anniversary. She said she and her husband typically go out to dinner but were looking to do something different this year. Suggestions from the community included playing “tourist” in her hometown, renting a house for the weekend, and recreating dishes from her wedding at home.

Another user, Brooke, asked for recommendations on how to celebrate her brother’s promotion from afar. Responses from the community included sending wine and mailing a box of treats with a personalized note.

Other popular topics include milestone birthday celebrations and tips for showing loved ones you care.

Benefits of joining Connection Communities

We want to make it easier for our customers to reach others who are going through similar moments and who want to lean on the ideas of others.

Brian Becker

Vice President of Content & Innovation

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

As an integral part of the Connection Communities, the Celebrations Community is all about making the most of momentous occasions. As with the other communities within the Connections Community, the Celebrations Community provides a place to make new friends, speak to people who have experience in certain situations, and plan for the future.

To become part of the conversation, visit the Celebrations Community and sign in with your 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. or Connection Communities account. If you haven’t signed up, creating a new account is easy and free for the first three months.

From birthdays to anniversaries and every milestone in between, spread inspiration and share your wisdom in the Celebrations Community. In this joyous journey that we call life, there’s always something to celebrate!

9 Best Birthday Gifts for Sisters

If you are lucky enough to have a sister (or two…or three), you know the joys of growing up together, strengthening the bond between you two, and facing life together. From basking in the joyful moments to persevering through the tough times, sisters are irreplaceable companions that are there for us when we need them most.

A sister’s birthday presents a unique opportunity to let her know just how much you appreciate her. And because of how close the two of you are, getting her a gift that expresses your feelings for her and what she means to you shouldn’t be all that hard. After all, you know her better than anyone else does, and you know what kind of birthday gift will bring her the most happiness.

Regardless of whether she enjoys cooking, eating, gardening, or just pampering herself, you’ll find something she’ll love in our list of the best birthday gifts for sisters. And by signing up for the Celebrations Passport, you can be sure your gift-buying experience will be as easy as the relationship you share with your sister.

Best birthday gifts for sisters

birthday gifts for sister: birthday spa kit

The ‘Escape’ Artist

Your sister could use some time to rest and unwind. Give her the gift of a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a birthday spa kit. It includes everything she needs to turn her home into a soothing oasis full of greenery, sensuous scents, and relaxing water in which to soak. Consider it a one-way ticket to nirvana that she can enjoy time and time again.

birthday gifts for sisters Birthday Wine Gift

The Epicure

If your sister has a preference for the finer things in life, this tin of gourmet foods is the perfect gift to elevate her day of decadence. It includes everything from fine charcuterie and wine to delectable shortbread cookies — and a birthday cake! Just what she needs to help her indulge on her special day.

birthday gits for sisters birthday gift tin tower

The Dessert Devotee

No birthday is complete without dessert. While cake is the classic crescendo to a birthday meal, you don’t have to go the traditional route. For the sister who enjoys a little variety in her life, there’s the Birthday Gift Tin Tower. This assortment of cookies, chocolates, candy, and more (and, yes, that “more” does include a mini birthday cake) will satisfy your sister’s sweet tooth and is sure to be the life of the party.

Birthday gifts for sister: cactus dish garden

The Green Thumb

For the sister who loves natural beauty, the outdoors, and getting her hands dirty, few gifts are better than the ones that keep giving. Lean into your sister’s passion for plants by giving her a living birthday present (or one she can use to make things come to life). Whether it’s succulents and cacti, a stunning azalea bonsai, or a rustic herb garden, the lasting nature of your gift will remind her year after year how much you care for her.

The Food Lover

A delicious birthday dinner is one of the best, most classic ways to celebrate. Treat her to a special meal with a sirloin dinner and cheesecake. Or, if she likes a little seafood with her meat, there’s also a surf and turf dinner meal to die for.

Of course, you don’t want her cooking on her birthday, but if your sister fancies herself a home chef, you can get her a personalized accessory that facilitates and fuels her passion. From high-quality aprons to timelessly elegant drinkware engraved especially for her, these reminders of your sisterly bond will be cherished every time she uses them.

birthday gifts for sisters Fruit and Dipped Delights

The Sweet Snacker

Looking for a different twist on birthday sweets? Try a selection of delicious fruits. With natural, toffee-covered, and chocolate-dipped versions of strawberries, melons, oranges, apples, and more, your sister will appreciate each mouthwatering option. You can even opt for a sprinkling of other gourmet foods, such as mixed nuts, rich chocolates, and cheeses and meats, to complement nature’s bounty.

birthday gifts for sister: floral bouquet

The Fresh Flower Fan

Your sister may have only one birthday a year, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit your show of appreciation and love to a single day. Giving her the gift of a monthly flower subscription will ensure that her home — and her heart — are filled with vibrancy long after her birthday has come and gone.

birthday gifts for sisters Birthday Bar Truffles

The Chocoholic

Like most of us, your sister loves chocolate, so why not give her what she craves? With a festive birthday card made of chocolate and 16 artisan truffles, the Simply Chocolate birthday collection is the perfect selection for the sister who can’t get enough of that sweet, rich confection.

birthday gifts for sister: flowers and dipped strawberries

The Extra Special Sister

Really want to make an impression on your sis? Don’t just pick one present — go with two! A delightfully paired combination of flowers and sweet treats can show your sister you really care. Whether you opt for something exotic and bright (like a Sweet Citrus Bouquet with Strawberries) or a gift that’s a little more sentimental (like a Love Rose Plant), there’s a t(w)o-die-for combo for any kind of sister.

Picture of vertical animated birthday ad

Get Organized With a Printable Holiday Checklist

Between Christmas gift purchasing, holiday party planning, and preparing for visitors, the busy holiday season is in full swing. To help keep everything — and everyone — organized, we’ve created this easy-to-follow printable holiday checklist. It’s broken into four categories: Prepare Your Home, Prepare for Parties, Prepare Your Gifts, Prepare for Guests.

download Holiday checklist

This holiday checklist will help you bring the holiday spirit into your home with wreaths and candles, and a signature cocktail, while calmly creating a welcoming setting for out-of-town guests. That even includes your mother-in-law.

We even have something to distract your children from looking in every nook and cranny of the house for presents — Christmas coloring pages! Hopefully, these printables will give you enough time to finish your gift wrapping. If not, well, there’s always that cocktail we mentioned.

How to Host a Virtual Birthday Party

“Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or going all out for a holiday, we’re here to share decorating tips, gifting advice, and fun, festive ways you can make a lasting impression!

Looking to make the most out of a loved one’s birthday despite social distancing? Big birthday parties might be canceled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! From decorating and sending out invitations to singing “Happy Birthday” and mailing gifts, virtual parties can be lots of fun! To help, we’d like to share our virtual birthday party planning checklist. It will keep you organized when hosting the big day!

Make a Virtual Birthday Schedule

As with any gathering, sticking to a schedule is important. Depending on how many people are attending, you can get surprisingly busy, and you don’t want to veer off track. With so many activities planned, such as singing “Happy Birthday” and opening gifts, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to interact with everyone while enjoying all that’s planned.

Select a Video Chatting Software

Before sending out invites, test multiple video chat platforms to see which is best for your group. Remember, the software should be compatible with the number of guests you’ll be having. From Google Hangouts to Zoom, you’re sure to find an app for your party! Below is a list of common video chat platforms.

Send Virtual Invitations

Don’t forget to send the invitations! Remember, invitations are the first impression your guests will have. So, set the tone of the event by making your invitations welcoming and exciting! Plus, you’ll want to get RSVPs so you know how many people to expect.

Birthday Decorations and Themes

Virtual birthday party or not, decorations are a must! It helps to have a theme while decorating, so sort that out before getting crafty. With a mermaid theme or Star Wars theme, for example, you can decorate with matching banners and streamers. If you want to go simple, choose a calmer scene, such as a black and white theme. You can also be silly and have a pajama theme, where everyone signs on with their pillows and blankets. Whatever you choose, everything will come together nicely if there’s a theme to decorate around. If you choose not to have a theme, at least have some balloons or wear birthday hats!

Children’s Birthday Ideas

Letting your imagination run wild for a child’s virtual birthday party can be so much fun. Perhaps you want to do a Disney theme for your little one’s party, where all the kids enter the virtual chat dressed up as their favorite characters. Be sure to decorate with balloons, banners, streamers, and party blowers that match the theme. Another idea sure to surprise them is to have their favorite character send them a video. Although Rapunzel or Sheriff Woody can’t make a physical appearance, search for a company that provides this service and ask if their characters can send a video message.

Being in a virtual room filled with children, you’re going to want to keep them entertained. Here are some games and activities that are sure to hold their attention:

Simon Says
A one word at a time story
I Spy
Would You Rather
Trivia
What’s in Your Room? (like What’s in Your Purse?)
Dance party
Fashion show
DIY crafts

Sing “Happy Birthday”

There’s no catchier tune than the well-known “Happy Birthday.” Even social distancing can’t take that away from us! When the cake comes out (and you should have a cake), it’s time to sing. Make sure everyone at the party has something sweet to eat after the guest of honor makes their wish.

You Can Still Send a Birthday Gift

What’s the best part about birthday parties? Opening gifts! This is totally optional, but if you plan ahead, you can still send birthday gifts to friends and family. Whether sending birthday flowers, a plant, birthday cake delivery, gift baskets, or any other gift the birthday boy or girl may like, it’s thoughtful to consider their preference as you shop for the perfect present. Then, during the celebration, have them unbox their gifts as everyone oohs and ahhs.

Play Birthday Party Games or Ask Ice Breaker Questions

If you want to make this celebration one they won’t stop talking about, get ready to play exciting party games! There are so many you can play virtually, such as I Spy, Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, and Charades. Or, you can have a costume contest!

It’s also fun to mix in some ice breaker questions, such as:

What’s your favorite food combination?
Who’s the most talented superhero?
How did you meet the guest of honor?
What do you admire most about the guest of honor?

Have you thrown a virtual birthday party

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa: The First Fruits, Family, & Friends

Kwanzaa is right around the corner, which means it’s time to brush up on your understanding of this unique celebration. Whether you’re planning to celebrate for the first time or the 50th time, this article will shine some light on how and why to celebrate Kwanzaa this year.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday that embraces and honors African culture, reaching back centuries. It started in 1966, when professor Maulana Karenga of California State University, Long Beach, created the holiday to reconnect African-Americans with their cultural roots and traditions. The name “Kwanzaa” is an adaptation of the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits of harvest.”

This seven-day holiday is observed every year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Families gather to celebrate, paying special homage and attention to seven core principles that honor pan-African culture. Kwanzaa is a one-of-a-kind holiday that celebrates prosperity and highlights individual family traditions.

Celebrate Kwanzaa with mambo yote mazuri

Kwanzaa captures mambo yote mazuri, or “all things beautiful.” During Kwanzaa’s week-long celebration, families take time to reflect on the richness of the past, the potential of the present, and the promise of the future.

Each night of Kwanzaa includes a family gathering dedicated to a different principle of the Nguzo Aba and lighting the corresponding candle on the kinara. Then the night unfolds with stories (often related to the principle), poetry, art, gifts, and food.

The Seven Principles of Nguzo Aba and ideas for how to celebrate them

Unity (Umoji): Tell stories of achievements that could not have been accomplished alone.
Self-determination (Kujichagulia): Consider snacking on caramel-covered apples to prompt a discussion about looking into the core of the self and finding strength within.
Collective work and responsibility (Ujima): This is the perfect night for a potluck. Everyone’s contribution shows the culmination of a few adds to something bigger, better, and more meaningful.
Cooperative economics (Ujamaa): Remember to support black businesses, and one another. Choose a black-owned business for tonight’s meal.
Purpose (Nia): This is a great time to focus on community and outreach. Consider inviting neighbors and serving baked treats, coffee, and tea, or baking a loaf of bread for a friend who could use a pick-me-up.
Creativity (Kuumba): This is often the most exciting day. It’s all about color, music, eating, and dance.
Faith (Imani): This is often a day of self-reflecting that ends with the distribution of gifts. Focus on all that came before you, all that is around you, and all that will come after you.

Getting ready and decorating

Traditional Kwanzaa celebrations center on a table set for the occasion. To create your own Kwanzaa table, you will want to:

Cover your table with your favorite African cloth.
Place a mkeka, or mat, on the table.
Center your kinara on the mat with your mishumaa saba ready to light.
Arrange your “first fruits” around the kinara. Fresh pears are a lovely addition to the Kwanzaa table. You will also want to include one ear of corn per child in the family. If you don’t have kids, you’ll still include one ear for the idea of social parenthood. Popcorn is also a great contemporary take on this tradition!
Place artisan-made, uplifting gifts on the table.
Don’t forget your kikobe cha umoja, a wooden cup used to remind us to give thanks to our ancestors.

Make it your own

One of the most exciting aspects of Kwanzaa is that your celebration should reflect you and your family. Cook your favorite meals, whether that’s a cozy chicken noodle soup or something that incorporates fruit that you can easily share with visitors, such as this pear chicken. You can decorate the room with ancestral elements like art, masks, and beadwork. You can also add elements like fresh tropical flowers that inspire the spirit, the joy, and a contemporary take on harvest. Amaryllises are a South African native that will add a pop of color to your Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is a great opportunity to make memories and celebrate all the beauty in the black community. Happy Kwanzaa, and have a bountiful year!

9 Retirement Ideas for a Coworker

Retirement is a big deal. Most of us work our entire lives with the goal of one day retiring, so why not celebrate the occasion in a big way?! While many people throw themselves a party with friends and family after their last day, more and more companies are honoring their retirees in the office as well.

Congratulate the retiree in your life with these nine ideas.

retirement ideas for coworker with coworkers toasting

1. Throw a party

You don’t have to rent a hall to make your coworker feel special. A catered party in the break room or happy hour at a local bar after work might not sound like a big deal, but it shows your coworker that their time with the company has been appreciated.

2. Coordinate a retirement gift

Instead of everyone getting their own gift, most coworkers pool their money in order to get something truly special — and to avoid duplicate gifts! Flowers, gift baskets, or a spa experience will make any retirement just a little easier.

3. Have everyone sign a goodbye card

Whether you write about your favorite memory, first impression, or wish them luck in the next chapter of their life, a card is a thoughtful and effective way for everyone to share their well wishes. Plus, it’s something they can treasure forever.

4. Mark the date with something permanent

Over the years, you’ve probably taken dozens of pictures with the retiree. Now is the time to get them off your phone and to give them to your coworker. Even better — throw a few in a personalized picture frame and have it engraved with their retirement date or the name of the company.

5. Make a memory scrapbook

If time allows, create a scrapbook of all the memories you’ve shared while at work. Give each person in your department a page and let them decorate it with pictures, quotes, and stories from the retiree’s time at the company. Then, present it to them on their last day.

6. Give a speech about the retiree’s accomplishments

After 10, 20, maybe even 30 years at a company, the retiree is bound to have made some pretty significant contributions. Go through a few past projects they spearheaded and let everyone, especially those who are newer to the company, know how much the retiree has accomplished over the years.

7. Make a “history box”

Want to really put their time at the company in perspective? Do a little research and find out what the number one movie, book, song, etc., was the year your coworker started. On their last day, present them with everything you found.

8. Book them a day trip

Now that their weekdays are free, why not send them on a little retreat? A beachy getaway or trip to a winery is the perfect way to kick off this new chapter of their life.

9. Honor them with an award

Take into consideration the retiree’s personality, how long they were with the company, and what position they held, and honor them with a commemorative plaque.

15 Thoughtful Celebration Ideas for Wife Appreciation Day

Husbands, mark your calendars: Sept. 17 is Wife Appreciation Day!

Observed every year on the third Sunday in September, it’s a day for husbands to show their wives how thankful they are for everything they do…especially all the little things that sometimes get overlooked. From cooking mouthwatering meals to getting the kids to their many after-school activities — all while holding down a demanding job and showering you with love — your wife has a lot on her plate, and she deserves to be celebrated.

Why celebrate Wife Appreciation Day?

Close up of african couple toasting with red wine

Celebrating your wife won’t just give her a special day — it will also strengthen your relationship. A lack of appreciation is a common problem in many marriages, says clinical psychologist Dr. Chloe Carmichael.

“Wives often feel taken for granted or unseen,” Carmichael says. “It can be hard to notice or acknowledge when someone does a lot for you.” She refers to this as “appreciation blindness,” when someone gets so used to the other person that they can’t recognize what that individual does for them. It can be hard to look for the things your wife does every day that go unnoticed and acknowledge them out loud.

By showing your wife that you understand and appreciate all that she does for you, she will know that you care deeply about her and don’t take her love for granted. That trust is essential to strengthening your relationship.

How to celebrate Wife Appreciation Day

Show your wife your gratitude for all her hard work by surprising her with a thoughtful gesture or gift. These 15 Wife Appreciation Day celebration ideas will really make her feel cherished.

1. Spoil her with her favorite gift

Whether she loves the fresh scent of beautiful flowers or the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a box of gourmet chocolates, treat her to some indulgences that she doesn’t usually get to enjoy (what with her busy schedule and all). Make her feel extraordinary by sending a bouquet of flowers to her office or wowing her with a box of heavenly chocolate-covered strawberries.

wife appreciation day women receiving roses

2. Tackle her to-do list

Give her a break from juggling her everyday errands and be her personal assistant for the day. Take on a few of her chores that you normally don’t like to do — like, say, doing the laundry or pulling weeds — and also do those household tasks of your own that you’ve been putting off. She’ll be so excited to see things getting done — without her having to lift a finger.

3. Make dinner reservations

Celebrate your spouse with a romantic dinner at her favorite restaurant. Call ahead to reserve a special table for the two of you, and arrange to have a bottle of champagne (or sparkling wine) and flowers waiting there when you arrive. She’ll be excited to spend some special one-on-one time with you.

4. Cook dinner for her

Does your wife prefer a homespun meal? Then bring the restaurant to her! To set the mood, light some candles and take out the good china. After dinner, curl up on the couch together and watch a movie she’s been wanting to see. She’ll surely be happy to spend one night out of the kitchen, but the best part of the night for her will be cuddling with you.

5. Treat her to a spa day

Who doesn’t love a spa day? Give your wife the chance to unwind by booking her a day at the local spa. Handle all the chores in the house while she gets a relaxing massage. Your wife will love the experience and will appreciate the hard work you put in while she’s away.

wife appreciation day wife relaxing on couch

6. Throw her a party

Invite your nearest and dearest to the Wife Appreciation Day celebration! Bring in your wife’s friends and family to show her how much you all care. A party can give your wife the chance to kick back and hang out with her loved ones. You can include a delicious dinner and sweet treats like cake and cookies.

7. Give her quiet time

Sometimes the simple things can be the best gift. Give your wife some quiet time at home and take the kids out for a day. Let her relax, read a book, watch TV, or do whatever she wants while you take care of everything. She’ll appreciate the chance to forget about her responsibilities and enjoy her favorite activities.

8. Get her something personalized

Looking for a simple gift that will make her smile? Try something personalized, such as a tote, blanket, robe, or makeup bag. It will be something she can use every day and remind her that you are always looking out for her.

9. Create something

The best way to let someone know you love them is to speak from the heart. Write a poem or song to let her know how you feel and how much you appreciate everything she does for you. Not a writer? Check out the MomVerse for some AI-inspired poetry.

10. Breakfast in bed

Valentines weekend ideas with watching movies

Few things are more relaxing than breakfast in bed (at least for the person who doesn’t have to clean up afterward). Have your wife wake up to the delicious smell of English muffins and pastries, and enjoy a beautiful meal. Make the morning even better by letting her sleep in and wake up to a scrumptious surprise.

11. Movie night

A movie night with your wife can be the perfect romantic activity. Let her pick the movie, and get some tasty snacks, such as popcorn and chocolate, and sit back and enjoy the film. Your wife will love the chance to relax and share some QT together.

12. Jewelry

Give the diamond of your life some diamonds for Wife Appreciation Day! Jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings are great gifts for your wife and are sure to brighten her day.

13. Make a list

Write down everything you love about your wife. From her mellifluous laugh to her quick wit and beautiful smile, there is an endless list of things to admire about the woman you love — remind her what they are.

14. Give her a girls night

You and your wife have a special bond, but you aren’t the only important person in her life. Buy her and her best friends tickets to their favorite show or a trip to the spa, or make them a reservation at a beloved restaurant. Your wife will love the chance to see her friends and enjoy a night with the other people she cares about.

15. Make a coupon book

Why stop with just one gift? Write down as many gift ideas as you want and make it into a coupon book. Whenever your wife is stressed or wants some adventure, she can use a coupon and get a treat, such as a spa day or free dinner. A coupon book will show her that Wife Appreciation Day is a never-ending holiday for your relationship.

Turn every day into Wife Appreciation Day

Appreciating your wife shouldn’t be restricted to one day on the calendar. Just adding tiny acts of appreciation every day can deepen your relationship. Set a daily reminder on your phone to compliment your wife every day. Regularly schedule fun activities for the two of you, whether it’s a nice dinner or simple walk in the park. These activities will bring you closer together and show your wife that you always appreciate her.

Wife Appreciation Day gift ideas

If, even after all this, you’re still not sure how to celebrate your wife on this day, here are some can’t-miss gifts that will more than get the job done.

wife appreciation day I Love You Assorted Roses — I Love You Assorted Roses

wife appreciation day Godiva Gold Ballotin Chocolates Box — Godiva Gold Ballotin Chocolates Box

wife appreciation day Cherry Blossom Spa Gift Basket — Cherry Blossom Spa Gift Basket