Why Living Gifts Are the Most Meaningful Presents
Forget flowers that wilt in a week. The best gifts grow stronger over time, just like your relationships. This holiday season, give a living gift that brings joy for years to come. But here's the secret: the most beautiful plant isn't always the best gift. The plants that truly delight are the ones that thrive in your recipient's actual home—not just on Instagram.
We've curated this guide to help you choose plants that will flourish, impress, and create lasting memories. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned plant parent or someone who's never owned a houseplant, we've got the perfect green gift.
For the Beginner: Foolproof Plants That Build Confidence
The worst gift? A plant that dies within a month, leaving your recipient feeling guilty. These selections are virtually indestructible and perfect for building a new plant parent's confidence.
Golden Pothos: The Gateway Plant
If you only buy one gift from this guide, make it a Golden Pothos. This trailing beauty forgives forgotten waterings, tolerates low light, and grows fast enough to provide instant gratification. It's the plant that converts skeptics into enthusiasts.
Perfect for: College students, busy professionals, anyone who claims they "kill every plant"
Care level: Beginner-friendly
Wow factor: Lush, cascading vines that look expensive but are easy to maintain
Snake Plant 'Laurentii': The Indestructible Classic
The Snake Plant 'Laurentii' is the ultimate low-maintenance gift. It thrives on neglect, purifies air, and adds architectural interest to any space. This is the plant for the person who travels frequently or forgets to water.
Perfect for: Frequent travelers, minimalist décor lovers, office spaces
Care level: Easiest plant you'll ever own
Bonus: NASA-approved air purifier
New Plant Parent Bundle: The Complete Starter Kit
Can't choose just one? Our New Plant Parent Bundle takes the guesswork out of gifting. It includes a curated selection of beginner-friendly plants that work well together and provide variety without overwhelming a newcomer.
Why it's the perfect gift: Removes decision paralysis, provides instant collection, better value than buying individually
For the Experienced Plant Parent: Unique Finds That Impress
Shopping for someone who already has a jungle? These distinctive plants will earn you serious gifting points.
Rare Plant Bundle: For the Collector
Plant collectors crave the unusual, and our Rare Plant Bundle delivers exactly that. These aren't plants you'll find at big box stores—they're conversation starters that show you put thought into your gift.
Perfect for: The friend who has "all the common plants"
Exclusivity factor: Limited availability—these sell out fast during the holidays
Gift presentation: Arrives beautifully packaged and ready to impress
Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer': Statement Plant with Personality
The Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer' is pure drama with its distinctive foliage and compact size. It's for the plant parent who appreciates something special and has the skills to care for a more particular plant.
Perfect for: Tropical plant enthusiasts, Instagram-worthy plant collections
Care level: Intermediate (but worth it)
Impact: Guaranteed to be the star of their collection
For Pet Owners: Beautiful AND Safe
Pet parents shouldn't have to choose between their furry friends and their plant passion. These gifts are completely safe for curious cats and dogs.
Spider Plant 'Bonnie': Curly, Fun, and Pet-Safe
The Spider Plant 'Bonnie' brings playful energy with its curled leaves and cascading baby plantlets. It's non-toxic, easy to care for, and produces adorable "pups" that can be shared with friends.
Perfect for: Cat owners (cats love the dangling babies!), hanging basket displays
Bonus gift potential: Produces free baby plants to share
Safety: 100% pet-friendly
Pet Friendly Variety Bundle: The Safe Collection
Our Pet Friendly Variety Bundle is the ultimate gift for the pet-loving plant enthusiast. Every plant is carefully selected to be non-toxic, so they can enjoy greenery without worry.
Why pet owners love it: Peace of mind + beautiful plants
Variety: Multiple safe species for visual interest
Gift message idea: "For your jungle—furry friends approved!"
Want more pet-safe options? Check out our complete guide: Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats.
For Small Spaces: Big Impact, Compact Size
City dwellers and apartment residents need plants that don't take over their limited square footage.
Red Fittonia: Tiny but Mighty
The Red Fittonia packs incredible visual punch in a small package. Its vibrant, veined leaves add color and texture to desks, shelves, and windowsills without demanding much space.
Perfect for: Desk plants, terrariums, small apartment dwellers
Size advantage: Stays compact while looking lush
Visual appeal: Striking patterns that rival any flower
Low Light Bundle: For Dim Apartments
Not everyone has south-facing windows. Our Low Light Bundle is specifically curated for spaces that don't get much natural light—perfect for city apartments, basement offices, or north-facing rooms.
Solves the problem: "I don't have enough light for plants"
Includes: Plants that actually thrive in shade
NYC-tested: Perfect for urban living
For the Person Who Has Everything: The Gift of Discovery
Mistery Indoor Plant Subscription Box: The Gift That Keeps Growing
Why give one plant when you can give a year of botanical surprises? Our Mistery Subscription Box delivers hand-selected plants monthly or quarterly, each one a new discovery.
Perfect for: The impossible-to-shop-for person, long-distance relationships, ongoing appreciation
Subscription advantage: Extends the joy beyond the holidays
Customization: Choose frequency and plant types
Gift presentation: Beautiful announcement card for under the tree
Pet-Friendly Plant Subscription: Safe Surprises All Year
For the pet owner who loves variety, our Pet-Friendly Plant Subscription delivers safe, beautiful plants on a regular schedule. Every selection is vetted for pet safety.
Why it's brilliant: Combines the excitement of subscription boxes with pet safety
Frequency options: Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly
Value: Better pricing than one-time purchases
For the Décor Enthusiast: Plants That Make a Statement
Monstera Bundle: Instant Tropical Vibes
The Monstera Bundle brings that coveted tropical aesthetic without the wait. These iconic split-leaf beauties are design magazine favorites for good reason—they transform any space into a lush retreat.
Perfect for: Design lovers, Instagram enthusiasts, anyone renovating or redecorating
Style factor: Instantly elevates any room
Growth potential: Becomes more impressive over time
Peace Lily: Elegant and Air-Purifying
The Peace Lily is sophistication personified. Its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms bring a sense of calm and luxury to any space, while actively cleaning the air.
Perfect for: Minimalist décor, bedrooms, meditation spaces
Bonus feature: Blooms indoors with proper care
Air quality: NASA-approved air purifier
Care indicator: Dramatically droops when thirsty, then perks right back up
Budget-Friendly Bundles: Maximum Impact, Smart Pricing
Easy Care Variety Bundle: Best Value
Our Easy Care Variety Bundle is the smart shopper's secret weapon. You get multiple plants for less than buying individually, and every selection is beginner-friendly.
Value proposition: More plants, lower per-plant cost
Gift strategy: Split among multiple recipients or give as one impressive package
Variety: Different textures, colors, and growth habits
Popular Indoor Plant Bundle: Crowd Favorites
Can't go wrong with the classics. Our Popular Indoor Plant Bundle includes the plants that consistently earn five-star reviews and happy repeat customers.
Why it works: These are popular for a reason—they thrive and delight
Risk-free gifting: Proven winners with thousands of happy plant parents
Presentation: Arrives gift-ready
When You're Not Sure: The Flexible Gift
Gift Cards: Let Them Choose Their Perfect Plant
Sometimes the best gift is choice. Our gift cards let your recipient select exactly what they want, when they're ready, and in the size that fits their space.
Perfect for: Long-distance gifting, when you're unsure of their space/light conditions
Delivery: Instant digital delivery or physical card
Flexibility: Never expires, works on entire store including bundles and subscriptions
Browse our complete Giftables collection for even more curated gift options.
Gift-Giving Tips from Plant Experts
Presentation Matters
All our plants arrive beautifully packaged and ready to gift — no extra wrapping needed. You can make your gesture even more special by adding a personal note that we’ll send directly to their email or phone. Tell them why you chose that specific plant and what it means to you. While we deliver the plant straight to their door, your heartfelt message will arrive right in their inbox, making the surprise even more meaningful.
Timing Your Order
Plants are living gifts that need time to travel safely. Order at least one week before your event to ensure fresh, healthy arrival. For holiday gifting, we recommend ordering by December 15th for guaranteed delivery.
Include Care Resources
Set your recipient up for success by pointing them to our care guides. We have detailed articles for popular plants like Pothos Care 101 and Parlor Palm Care Guide.
Consider Their Lifestyle
The best plant gift matches their reality:
- Travels often? Snake plants, ZZ plants, or succulents
- Low light apartment? Visit our Low Light Collection
- Has pets? Stick to our Pet Friendly options
- Loves attention to detail? Rare plants that reward careful care
- Wants instant jungle? Easy-Care Plant Options
Why Plants Make Better Gifts Than Flowers
Cut flowers last a week. A well-chosen plant lasts years and grows more beautiful over time. Every time your recipient waters their plant, they'll think of you. As it grows and thrives, it becomes a living reminder of your thoughtfulness.
Plus, plants offer ongoing benefits that flowers can't match:
- Purify indoor air quality
- Reduce stress and boost mood
- Improve focus and productivity
- Create a sense of accomplishment as they grow
- Can be propagated and shared with others
Learn more about the health benefits in our article: Can Indoor Plants Help Prevent Colds and Boost Recovery?
Special Occasion Pairings
Housewarming Gifts
New home = new plant family. The Popular Indoor Plant Bundle helps them fill multiple rooms at once.
Thank You Gifts
Show lasting appreciation with a Peace Lily—elegant, meaningful, and easy to care for.
Holiday Gifts
Spread cheer that lasts beyond the season with our Premium Subscription Box—the gift that keeps giving all year.
Valentine's Day Alternative
Roses die. Love grows. Give a Neon Queen Pothos with a note: "Like this plant, my love for you keeps growing."
Last-Minute Gifting Solutions
Forgot someone on your list? We've got you covered:
- Digital gift cards: Instant delivery to their inbox
- Subscription boxes: Send the announcement card now, plants arrive on schedule
Questions about gifting? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Houseplants or reach out to our plant experts. We're here to help you choose the perfect living gift.
Happy gifting, and may your presents grow as beautifully as your relationships! 🌱
