8 Thoughtful Gift Ideas to Send Instead of Flowers

Don't get us wrong, we love flowers! The sight of fresh blooms in the garden let us know that spring is on the way, summer meadows burst into life with glorious wildflowers and seeing all of the bees at work whilst wandering through public gardens is a joy to witness.

Yet, despite being the classic go-to gift, sending a bunch of flowers does have it's drawbacks. IF they arrive in great condition, they can look stunning, but flowers demand a lot of care and attention to keep them looking and lasting their very best. Some even say that you need to trim the stems on a daily basis... who has time for that?! They are usually expensive to buy and unfortunately they don't last all that long either. Flowers have sadly become the 'easy gift' option, meaning it requires very little thought when choosing and sending a bouquet. 

What can I send instead of flowers?

If you're looking for an alternative to flowers, try a curated gift box, pamper hamper, chocolate treat, house plant, or even a monthly subscription. These options are longer-lasting, more personal, and perfect for birthdays, thank yous or just because – especially when beautifully packed and ready to send.

While a bunch of flowers might be the “safe” option, it’s rarely the most memorable – especially when we’re all so busy and short on time. Choosing a thoughtful gift that suits the occasion and the person can feel like a challenge… but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re marking a birthday, sending love after a tough week, or just reminding someone they matter, these thoughtful alternatives to flowers are beautifully packaged, ready to send, and guaranteed to make someone smile – without the need for a vase.

So, get creative with your gift choices and hopefully something here will get you back to being excited to send presents to friends, family and loved ones.

1. Pre-Filled Gift Boxes

Yep, naturally that would be our first suggestion but only because we think it's an awesome one! Gift boxes that have been chosen and filled for you are a fantastic choice when time is short, making finding, buying and sending a gift stress-free, quick and enjoyable as it doesn't take a huge amount of effort.

 

These curated gifts are usually filled with a lovely selection from lots of small businesses and the beauty of that is that you are not only supporting them when you buy your gift but you are getting word out to others about them and helping to get them more recognition. This is so important in a world where the big guns usually win hands down.

This featured gift box comes pre-packed, ready to be sent straight to the recipient (or simply to treat yourself), and has been thoughtfully designed and packed to show kindness and compassion. Containing lots of self-care products, this gift box show that your special someone is in your thoughts and you get to give the best present with minimal effort. 

2. Candles

The gift of a candle is perfect for so many reasons and there aren't many people who wouldn't like receiving one as a present.

Candle Benefits:

- they have the ability to add a beautiful calming glow to any room, creating a space that feels warm, cost and inviting.

- they are proven to soothe and calm the mind with the slightly mesmerising flame and the soft warm glow helping us to feel relaxed and comfortable.

- gently scented candles not only leave rooms smelling gorgeous but they can transport you to a whole other place. Coconut scented candles really remind me of warm summer days spent lazing by the beach, whilst cotton scented ones remind me of childhood and the divine fresh scent of clean washing hanging on a line.

- they are perfect for any occasion, happy or sad, and some have the option to personalise with a message of your choosing. They can also be paired with another self-care gift, such as an eye mask or bath salts, to make someone feel extra special.

- they last a long time and they look great on a shelf combined with other beautiful ornaments and photos.

3. A Self Care Hamper

If you’re looking for a comforting gift that lasts longer than flowers and feels just as thoughtful, this self-care pamper hamper is a lovely choice. It’s filled with soothing treats from small UK businesses, including a pair of soft wool socks and a silky eye mask from Arthur Betsy, calming Pukka tea, a hydrating face mask, and beautifully fragranced bath and body products from Wild Olive. Designed for cosy evenings in, this gift is all about helping your loved one unwind and feel cared for, whether they’re navigating a tough time or simply deserve a little TLC. With everything hand-packed in the UK and ready to be delivered straight to their door, it’s a brilliant option for friends, mums or colleagues when you want to send something that’s more personal (and longer-lasting) than a bouquet.

You can Build Your Own Pamper Hamper here →

4. Gift Cards

Gift cards give the recipient the freedom to pick out exactly what they want, without you having to spend hours and hours trawling the shops or the internet for the perfect present. They can either buy something outright or use it to contribute to something a bit bigger. Other friends or family members can also be part of the present by topping it up leaving the recipient with a good chunk to spend.

Some might think that gift cards are a bit of a cop out but they really can make ideal gifts, especially for those who are super tricky to buy for. You also shouldn't get that dreaded sinking feeling when you realise that the gift you've just spent hours choosing is a gift that they really don't want or even like - we've all been to that place and it's not one any of us would like to repeat any time soon!

5. Create Your Own Gift Bundle

Just like the curated boxes but with more control over what goes inside, building your own gift allows you to tailor your gift to the recipient, especially if you know their likes and dislikes. This is a great option for when you want to give a really lovely personalised mix of products but don't have the time to visit several shops trying to choose them all. Not only does it give the recipient lots of wonderful gifts to enjoy but it also introduces new brands to them that they may not have heard of and gives them the opportunity to try them out. 

Why send something other than flowers?

While flowers are pretty, they don’t last long and often lack a personal touch. A thoughtful gift – like a curated box, pampering treats or handmade chocolate – feels more considered, lasts longer, and can be chosen to truly match the moment.

6. Chocolates

We're going to let you into a little secret... chocolate has super powers! It has the amazing ability to provide comfort and happiness and it delivers just the right amount of feel-good chemicals that you need. It's like getting a big hug in one little hit.

Chocolate is great for literally any reason except one and that would be if they aren't a chocolate fan. If your friend is feeling sad, chocolate will most definitely cheer them up a little - it's like a hug, remember. When you have someone's birthday coming up, chocolate is your answer. If a loved one receives some good news, you got it, celebrate with chocolate. There is even seriously delicious non-dairy chocolate out there for anyone who is a vegan or a non-dairy lover, such as Raw Halo who use organic and ethically sourced ingredients, creamed coconut and coconut sugar, to naturally sweeten their chocolate.

7. House Plants

Ok, so these do require a little maintenance but, unlike flowers, they can last a lifetime and living plants have far greater benefits than cut flowers do. They assist in purifying the air by naturally removing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen during the day which is even more beneficial in environments where there is little to no ventilation. They add colour and visual interest to rooms and  house plants are also known to reduce stress, boost moods and relieve tension. Now who wouldn't love all of that as a gift?!

8. Subscription Boxes

We are big fans of subscription boxes. There is so much choice out there and it's a really great gift idea for those harder to buy for friends and loved ones. They are also brilliant gifts that never stop giving - well, until the subscription ends that is.

If your recipient is a skincare lover you could opt for a beauty based subscription box, if they have a penchant for sugary treats why not opt for a chocolate or sweets themed subscription, or if they love all things stationery there are lots of lovely themed boxes out there that contain letter writing sets, list pads, notebooks, and pens.

Choosing something a little more personal than the usual bouquet can make all the difference. From curated gift boxes and chocolate treats to subscription surprises and pampering hampers, these gifts don’t just say “I’m thinking of you” – they show it.

Whether you’re just down the road or sending love from overseas, we make it easy to brighten someone’s day. Every gift box is carefully packed right here in the UK, includes a handwritten message from you, and is delivered straight to their doorstep – beautifully wrapped and ready to open.

Thoughtful, effortless gifting? It starts here.

How can I send a gift to someone in the UK?

It’s easy! Simply choose a gift box online, add a personal message, and we’ll hand-pack it with care and deliver it straight to their doorstep – anywhere in the UK. Whether you're sending from within the country or overseas, we make thoughtful gifting beautifully simple.

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Other Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I order from outside the UK?
Yes! If you're based overseas (like the US, Australia or Europe), you can absolutely place an order through our website, as long as the recipient's address is in the UK.

Do you deliver across the UK?
We sure do. From London to Leeds and everywhere in between, we deliver to homes, workplaces, and student halls all over the UK.

Will the recipient know who it’s from?
Absolutely. Whilst we don't include any receipts or packing notes, every gift box includes a handwritten greetings card with your personal message, so they’ll know it came straight from you. 

Do you offer gift wrapping?
All of our boxes are thoughtfully packaged and designed to feel like a real treat to open, complete with beautiful (optional) wrapping and a sprinkle of confetti.