Valentine's Day gift box with hanging paper hearts

7 Reasons Not to Send Flowers This Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day fast approaches, so does the pressure to find the perfect present, and while flowers might seem like the quintessential romantic gesture, let's face it, they've become a little predictable. Yes, they may look pretty at first but as we all know, flowers soon wilt and lose their appeal fairly quickly. So this year, maybe it's time to ditch the easy go-to bouquet and opt for something more memorable and long lasting.

Whether you're celebrating a new love, a long-term romance or simply treating that special someone who means the absolute world to you, why not think outside the box this year and get something that shows just how much you know, love and care for them. Don't settle for boring - here's why...

1. Flowers Are Too Predictable

We've said it before and we'll say it again, flowers are not original. They've become the gift that people choose because they have no idea what else to buy or they've left it last minute. If your partner values originality, they would probably prefer a present that stands out and reflects their personality.

Alternative Gift Idea:

If you're short on time and stuck for ideas, how about sending a ready-made gift box that is filled with treats and can be sent direct to the door. The options are endless, they are packaged up and all ready to go and they contain a variety of items to be enjoyed over time. Leaving you with more time to spend with your loved one doing the things you both enjoy.

2. They Have A Short Life Span

Flowers might brighten someone's day initially but they soon wilt and their colours fade. Walking into a room with a bunch of withering foliage is not the prettiest or most uplifting sight. Flowers can leave your loved one with a present that feels fleeting rather than long-lasting and the memory of your Valentine's gift will soon fade just as fast.

Alternative Gift Idea:

If your partner really loves nature and the sight of colourful blooms makes their heart sing, how about a gift full of Spring treats? This garden themed gift box is perfect for keen gardeners with wildflower seeds all ready to plant, a notebook to jot down all of their favourite plants, a flask for a warming drink on the go, hand cream to keep their skin moisturised and nourished and finally, some protective lip balm. It really is a long lasting gift that keeps on giving.

Spring themed gift box filled with treats for the keen gardener

3. There Is Limited Personalisation

Flowers are a one-size-fits-all kind of gift. Sure, there are colours to choose, specific flowers to pick from that you know they love and maybe a tiny business card sized note that comes with them, but they don't really scream thoughtfulness or careful attention to your partner's loves and interests.

Alternative Gift Idea:

How about really taking your gifting game up a notch with a completely personalised and tailored gift that shows how much you really know and love them? Building your own box of gifts gives you total control over what to include, from the box packaging itself and the gifts inside, to the notecard and your personal handwritten message. Nothing says 'I Love You' more than a present full of their favourite things!
Gift box filled with a variety of treats, from socks and candles to chocolates and sweets

4. Flowers Can Be A Hassle

Flowers need looking after. Flowers need love and attention to stay looking their best for as long as possible. Flowers can be hard work and can be more of a chore than a treat! They require trimming, arranging, watering, feeding and ongoing care, not to mention a beautiful vase to put them in.

Alternative Gift Idea:

Chocolates don't need looking after! They can be enjoyed immediately, or later if you're restrained. But pairing them with other thoughtful items makes for a lasting gift. Chocolate pairs well with candles and socks for a warm and cosy evening in. If they're not a chocolate fan but have a sweet tooth, how about some delicious cocktail inspired gummy sweets instead.
Valentine's Day gift idea alternatives to flowers

5. Flowers Are Overpriced During Valentine's Season

Regardless of the ever rising costs of gas, electricity and general living expenses, florists typically take advantage of this time of year and up their prices often way more than twofold. February is also not the typical time for the most popular flower of choice at Valentine's - the Rose. English roses usually bloom in early summer and, if you're lucky, again in late summer/autumn. Demand for roses during February is high, as is the cost to import them, making the cost of true love just too much for many people to afford.

Alternative Gift Idea:

If a romantic gesture is your thing, opting for a dine-in meal for two can make for a cosy and intimate evening. Avoiding the over-crowded restaurants, packed with diners all having the same Valentine's idea, not only saves some cash but you can make the evening your own. Dimming the lights, lighting scented candles around the room, putting on some music that brings back fun and loving memories and choosing your partner's favourite food is a fantastic option that shows a huge amount of thought.

6. The Environmental Impact

Do you know how many miles most flowers travel to get to your doorstep? So many varieties are imported from distant locations specifically for Valentine's Day, requiring significant transportation, refrigeration and packaging. Often, these very flowers are loaded with pesticides and doused in chemicals just so they can survive during transit, looking fresh and at their absolute best. Think about the plastic film the florists use to lovingly wrap the bouquets in, not forgetting the floral foam the flowers sit in, ending up in landfill at the end of its use. These processes can result in a hefty carbon footprint, often killing any romantic gestures off for good!

Alternative Gift Idea:

At Woodbury Blue, all of our products are made here in the UK. We use other small businesses who care about their impact on the environment and their customers. Each gift is chosen thoughtfully and every gift box is put together with care and consideration. We recycle and reuse packaging where we can and we only ship to the UK. Choosing a curated gift box over flowers shows originality, effort and care which speaks straight to their heart.
Curated gift box filled with treats perfect for Valentine's Day

7. Flowers Can Feel Impersonal

And that is not something you want to be conveying when expressing your love for someone. In longer relationships, where you might know your loved one inside out, opting for a generic bunch of flowers might be considered as lazy. If you know them so well, why not gift them something guaranteed to make them smile. If you're gifting someone you're still getting to know, flowers might feel like an unremarkable fallback, rather than a meaningful choice. When it comes to the heart and reactions to romantic gestures, you want to be aiming for 'swoon', not feelings of gloom!

Alternative Gift Idea:

Gift experiences are a fantastic choice for Valentine's - there are so many that can be enjoyed together, with new interests and memories being shared and made. Spending quality time together can be really romantic and it doesn't have to cost the earth either. A romantic walk in the woods, breakfast in bed, laying out some fluffy blankets and cushions with pizza in front of a roaring fire or indulging in a bubble bath for two (glasses of fizz in hand, maybe) - treat your special someone to some of these and you're sure to win their heart and give them an experience they will remember for years to come.

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