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In such consumerist worldSometimes buying a gift for someone can feel overwhelming, impersonal, and like you’re contributing to something that doesn’t quite feel right.
The gifts are great. It is the “unwanted things” that cause pain. There is a lot of great ways to give gifts to people that don’t involve purchasing products that will end up in the landfill or at Goodwill.
Offer food, experiences, time, second-hand items and homemade items are a great way to show your care. Gifting a houseplant could also be a great choice.
A houseplant is alive. In the unfortunate event that the new parent neglects it, it can at least return to the land (no waste). It can bring a lot of joy and health in a space. It can be inexpensive to purchase and even cheaper to maintain.
Houseplants can make great gifts, but there are a few things to consider. What if your recipient is a frequent traveler, allergic to pollen, or lives in a small house? Not all plants are suitable for every person or space.
Check out this list of things to consider when gifting someone a houseplant. These might be things you just hadn’t thought of.
1. Know the plant recipient’s space
Source: Jungle Haven/YouTube
If you know your friend lives in a small house, don’t give them a plant that has a two-foot span and climbs to foot height. If you know your recipient doesn’t get a lot of light in their place, don’t give them a plant that depends on the sun.
Find out if your friend goes on an extended business trip or is on vacation a lot. Either they’ll let this plant die of thirst, or they’ll have to call in plant caretakers! You could buy your friend a burden.
If you know your friend has a sunny windowsill or the perfect spot for a hanging vine, purchase accordingly. Read the plant’s ticket to find out its water needs and how big it can grow. There will be a plant for everyone.
2. Don’t Ignore Allergies
For many, a houseplant is a great place to collect dust. If you know that your recipient has household dust galleries, choose a plant whose leaves are easy to clean.
Additionally, some people have a strong pollen allergiesso plants that flower prolifically may not be the best idea.
3. Does your recipient have a green thumb?
Source: Plants made in Sheffield/YouTube
If your friend has absolutely no experience caring for a plant, or has a reputation for being good and killing it (by accident, of course), then don’t offer something that is notoriously delicate or capricious.
For this friend, there are so many almost indestructible plants, such as succulents, cacti, spider plants, jade plants or aloe vera. Give them a gift that will inspire them to grow.
4. Give the gift of knowledge
Be sure to include care instructions with the plant. This could be the one that comes with the plant, or you could research it yourself and make it an artistic part of the gift.
Write at least one website address on the gift card that guides your friend to vital and appropriate plant care information.
5. Think about who lives in space
Source: Harli G/YouTube
You might not give your plant as a gift to a friend who lives alone. Maybe they have young children or pets who might be intrigued by a new plant friend in their home.
Do some research on which houseplants are pet-friendly and which are toxic if accidentally consumed. You should not only be wary of toxic substances. Cactusfor example, could offer a nasty surprise to curious little fingers or wet noses.
In this case, a hanging plant may be a good choice. This way it can stay out of reach.
6. Keep Your Gift Low Waste
Source: PLANTERNIA/YouTube
If you think your houseplant gift needs to be decorated before giving it, consider choosing a second-hand plant pot to put it in. You can find them on thrift stores and site sales.
You can also wrap the plastic pot in paper or a pretty fabric that can be reused.
It’s also possible that you don’t need to purchase your gift at all and can take a clipping from a plant you already have. Many houseplants reproduce prolifically and benefit from thinning.
Take a look at the plants you already have in your home and see if they propagate easily. This will also help you reduce waste and save money.
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