Last Minute Gifts: Where to Buy Flowers

Buying Flowers Online: Last Minute Online Flowers

Buying flowers online is a great way to obtain that last minute bunch of flowers, not only can the giver purchase the flowers from the comfort of the office. Online florists will usually offer a variety of extras including cards and soft toy gifts. Standards are usually pretty high and the recipient will never know that the gift was anything other than a well planed thoughtful idea.

On the downside, buying flowers online can be expensive and most online florists will need at least 24 hours to ensure that the flowers are delivered on time. Additionally, whilst standards tend to be high, one can never be 100% sure of what is being purchased from the pictures seen online. This may be a concern where the recipient is particular about presentation or the fragrance of their flowers.

Buying Flowers from the Shop

    The Supermarket – Supermarket flowers have come a long way in recent years, many supermarkets now offer a variety of flowers from single variety bunches of bulb based flowers, such as tulips to elaborate bouquets. The best selections are available in the morning, but long opening hours make the supermarket a good source for last minute flowers at any time of the day.

    The Garden Center – Better known for living plants than cut flowers however, many garden centers now have extended opening hours and sell a range of cut flowers and presentations. In addition, garden centers are often a great source of artificial flowers and other floral gifts such as dried or framed flowers.

    The Garage – The source of last resort, if all else fails then the late night garage may be the place of last report. Whilst quality can be varied many garages are open around the clock and will have a small selection of flowers. Better offerings may be found at garages linked to a supermarket or garages incorporating a mini-market.

Whatever the event, be it a missed birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s Day, last minute flowers may be the answer. Whether buying flowers online or picking up a bunch on the way home from work, no one ever need know and there are many options beyond the cliché bunch of flowers bought at the garage on the corner.

Last Minute Birthday Gift Ideas

If life were perfect, we'd have all the time in the world to scour for the perfect birthday gift for our friends and lovers. Unfortunately, the Gods of scheduling don't always allow this. Birthdays often creep on us before we've even managed to think about gift-buying. For those times, here are some heartfelt last-minute gift ideas to save you.

Baking Mixes

For foodie friends, gourmet baking mixes are a total treat. If your neighborhood grocery store doesn't have any pre-made sets, you can put together your own in the time it takes to run to the store. Grab some gourmet cocoa powder, quality chocolate chips, nuts, food coloring, whatever your pal digs most. Toss them in a basket with a ribbon and ta-da.

Prints

In the digital world we live in, having pictures printed feels like a luxury. We don't often do it for ourselves, as much as we say we will. Print out some snapshots of your happiest memories with your friend and splurge on a frame or two for them.

Art kits

For crafters, having an art kit is a seriously fun creative outlet. Most craft stores have drawing sets stocked with quality charcoals and pencils, scrap booking materials, stationery sets etc. An art kit is a one-stop-shop for creative expression.

Your favorite book

Sharing your favorite read with someone you love is always a heartfelt move. Grab a copy with a funky bookmark.

Plants

Who doesn't want to fill their apartment with cool exotic potted plants? They're not typically something you buy for yourself, but they do wonders for breathing life into rooms.