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, and if you’d like to send something that lasts longer, feels more thoughtful, and is beautifully stress-free to arrange, there are plenty of alternatives that make just as big an impact, if not more.

In this article you'll find:

• Why look for an alternative to flowers
• What to send instead of flowers
• 8 thoughtful alternatives, from candles to curated hampers
• Quick comparison: gifts vs flowers
• FAQs on sending gifts in the UK

Why look for alternatives to flowers?

Flowers can arrive looking stunning when they’re at their best, but they demand time and care to keep alive, they’re costly, and they rarely last longer than a week. Some even say that you need to trim the stems on a daily basis... who has time for that?!  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. And no vase required!

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.

8 thoughtful alternatives, from candles to curated hampers:

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.

Explore our curated gift boxes →

2. Are candles a good alternative to flowers?

Yes, candles are one of the most versatile gifts. They create a calming glow, add warmth to a room, and scented versions can spark comforting memories. From uplifting citrus to soft florals, a candle feels both thoughtful and long-lasting, making it a brilliant gift for almost any occasion.

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. Why choose a self-care hamper instead of flowers?

A self-care hamper offers the same “wow” moment as a bouquet but lasts much longer. Think cosy socks, calming teas, bath treats, and face masks, perfect for winding down after a long week. Every item feels indulgent and personal, making it a particularly good choice when someone deserves a little TLC.

Build Your Own Pamper Hamper here →

4. Gift cards for flexibility

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. 

6. Why chocolate is a great alternative to flowers

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 that last longer than flowers

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 for a gift that keeps giving

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.

Quick comparison: gifts vs flowers

Gift type	Lasts a long time	Personalised	Stress-free to send
Flowers	✗	Sometimes	✓
Gift box/hamper	✓	✓	✓
Candle	✓	Sometimes	✓
Chocolate	Sometimes	✗	✓
House plant	✓	✗	✓
Subscription box	✓	Sometimes	✓

 

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 starts here.

---

FAQs on sending gifts instead of flowers

What is the best gift to send instead of flowers?

Curated gift boxes and hampers are among the best alternatives because they combine lasting treats with personal touches. They’re beautifully packaged, easy to send, and suit almost any occasion.

Can I send a hamper instead of flowers?

Yes. A pamper hamper, chocolate hamper, or self-care box is a brilliant alternative to flowers. They last longer, feel more thoughtful, and are delivered ready to enjoy.

What gifts last longer than flowers?

House plants, candles, subscription boxes, and curated hampers all last much longer than a bouquet, making them memorable and practical options.

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

It’s simple, choose a gift box online, add your personal message, and we’ll hand-pack it with care. Delivery is available across the UK, whether you’re ordering locally or from overseas.

Will the recipient know who it’s from?

Yes. Every Woodbury Blue gift includes a handwritten notecard with your message, so the recipient will know it came directly from you.