Find Your Did you know that you can find a lot more than just flowers at your neighborhood flower shop? A couple of issues ago, we began talking about some of the other floral products and services that are being offered by many professional florists, and today we’ll continue that discussion.
For example, baby gifts are a popular item, since many people like to send flowers to congratulate the parents of the new arrival. Besides the traditional stuffed animals like teddy bears and such, some florists carry more unique baby gifts … things like bibs and blankets and baby books, rattles or mobiles for the crib, little plastic drinking cups and wee silver spoons, even diminutive jewelry. Many of the baby gifts can even be personalized to make them more unique. Consider sending a gift basket full of baby gifts and essential supplies, like baby powder, lotion, terry washcloths and tiny T-shirts.
You don’t have to be a baby to enjoy stuffed animals. All kids between the ages of 6 months and 66 years enjoy having a furry companion at times. Most flower shops have a considerable selection of stuffed animals to appeal to the kid in all of us. Everybody needs someone to squeeze! They can be delivered with or without flowers, or even carrying a box of candy.
Candy is a perfect complement to a gift of flowers… especially if it’s chocolate candy! Who among us doesn’t like chocolate? Some flower shops are carrying unique lines of chocolates and other candies that aren’t available in other stores and which can be easily delivered alongside a fresh bouquet just to sweeten the experience. Your candy loving friends and relatives will relish it! Of course, it’s not too soon to start thinking about Valentine’s Day, and your beloved will certainly enjoy receiving a special box of chocolate candy with those roses. Most florists augment their usual inventories of candy with a more varied selection of tempting choices in advance of this holiday for sweethearts.
Greeting cards make up another category of gift items being stocked by many flower shops. You’re likely to find more unique and unusual types of greeting cards at the florist than at some of the other outlets, including hand-made styles and inspirational greeting cards, that are suitable for all occasions. Every florist supplies a small enclosure card with each flower delivery, but why not personalize your gift by having a larger and nicer greeting card included with your order? The recipient will surely be impressed.
And, if you’ve gotten a little bored by the ordinary daisies, carnations and roses, check out the more unusual tropical flowers that many florists are offering. Bold in form and bright in color, tropical flowers have become increasingly popular as they’ve also become more readily available, and they really make an impressive show in a stylish flower arrangement. Select from varieties such as anthuriums, heliconias, birds of paradise, proteas, and all kinds of orchids. Some flower shops specialize in floral designs made with tropical flowers, which can be quite dramatic and sculptural and which aren’t often seen in other kinds of stores. One thing to remember about caring for tropical flowers is that they are native to warm, humid areas of the world, and because of that they will appreciate being misted frequently with tepid water. Never refrigerate tropical flowers; instead, keep them above 55F° to avoid damage from chilling.
As you can see, the choices to be found at today’s flower shops are greater than ever before. And your neighborhood florist has the expertise and the ability to provide you with personalized service that you won’t find at the mass-merchandisers, including same day delivery and the ability to have a gift delivered in another part of the country within 24 hours or less. Stop in at your local flower shop soon to discover what other delights await you.
