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In such a consumerist world, sometimes buying a gift for someone can feel overwhelming, impersonal, and like you are contributing to something that doesn’t feel quite right.
The gift-giving is great. It’s the ‘unwanted stuff’ giving that causes the pain. There are lots of great ways that you can give gifts to people that don’t involve buying tat that will end up in the landfill or at Goodwill.
Gifting food, experiences, time, second-hand items and homemade things is a great way to show you care. Giving a house plant could also be a great choice.
A house plant is living. In the unfortunate event that the new parent neglects it, it can at least go back to the earth (no waste). It can bring much joy and health to a space. It can be inexpensive to buy and even cheaper to maintain.
House plants can make great gifts, but there are a few things to think about. What if your recipient is an avid traveler, allergic to pollen, or lives in a tiny house? Not every plant is going to suit every person or space.
Check out this list of things to think about when gifting a house plant to someone. They might be things that you just hadn’t thought of.
1. Know the Plant Recipient’s Space
Source: The Jungle Haven/YouTube
If you know that your friend lives in a tiny house, don’t get them a plant that has a two-foot reach and climb to heights of the feet. If you know that your recipient doesn’t get much light in their place, don’t get them a sun-reliant plant.
Find out if your friend goes on lengthy business trips or is often on holiday. They are either going to let that plant die of thirst or they’ll have to get plant-sitters! You might be buying your friend a burden.
If you know your friend has a sunny windowsill or the perfect place for a hanging, vining plant, buy accordingly. Read the plant’s ticket to learn about its water needs and the size it can reach. There will be a plant to suit everyone.
2. Don’t Ignore Allergies
For many, a house plant is a great place for dust to collect. If you know that your recipient has household dust galleries, choose a plant whose leaves can be easily cleaned.
Also, some people have strong pollen allergies, so plants that are prolific bloomers might not be the best idea.
3. Does Your Recipient Have a Green Thumb?
Source: Sheffield Made Plants/YouTube
If your friend has absolutely no experience taking care of a plant, or who is famously good and killing them (by accident, of course), then don’t gift something that is notoriously tricky or temperamental.
For this friend, there are so many plants that are almost indestructible, such as succulents, cacti, spider plants, jade plants, or aloe vera. Get them a gift that will inspire them to grow.
4. Give the Gift of Knowledge
Make sure that you include the care instructions with the plant. This could be one that came with the plant, or you could do some research yourself and make it into an artistic part of the gift.
At least write a website address on the gift card that guides your friend to some vital and appropriate plant-care information.
5. Think About Who Lives in the Space
Source: Harli G/YouTube
You might not be giving your plant gift to a live-alone friend. Perhaps they have small children or pets around who might be intrigued by a new plant friend in their house.
Do a little research about pet-friendly house plants and ones that are toxic if accidentally consumed. It’s not just the toxic ones to watch out for. Cacti, for example, could offer a nasty surprise to curious little fingers or wet noses.
In this case, it might be that a hanging plant is a good choice. That way, it can be kept out of reach.
6. Keep Your Gift Low Waste
Source: PLANTERNIA/YouTube
If you feel that your house plant gift needs to be fancied up before you give it, think about choosing a second-hand plant pot to put it in. You can find these at thrift stores and yardsales.
You can also wrap the plastic pot in paper or some pretty fabric that can be reused.
There is also the chance that you don’t have to buy your gift at all and can take a clipping from a plant you already have. Lots of houseplants reproduce prolifically and benefit from being thinned out.
Take a look at the plants you already have in your house and see if they are easily propagated. This will help to cut back on waste and save you some money, too.
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