If you want to let a friend know you’re thinking of them at a difficult time, but don’t want to send flowers, there are many other amazing treats you can send them to make them feel loved and special. So instead of sending flowers, consider options like a potted plant, fruit box, meal delivery service, grazing board, or a meaningful card. Here’s what to give instead of flowers.
Whilst a beautiful bunch of flowers is a lovely gift to receive, their beauty can be short-lived. Once the flowers have withered and turned brown, your loved one must dispose of them. This can be magnified if they’re receiving lots of flowers at a difficult time in their life.
If you’re looking for an alternative to sending flowers, there are many lovely gift options to consider. Discover what to give instead of flowers.
Potted plant
A potted plant is a beautiful alternative to sending flowers. An orchid, peace lily, or anthurium are great options, as they look gorgeous and are also very low-maintenance.
“Wait a few days and send a Peace Lily in a pot. I was given one when my brother died, and it’s still going so strong. All the other flowers we were gifted were so beautiful but we didn’t have anywhere near enough vases to put them in.” – Anna
‘A flowering tree. They can plant it on his memory and track/watch it grow.’ – Yael
Fruit box
Another alternative to sending flowers to a grieving friend is to send a bright & healthy fruit box.
This Sweet Temptations hamper from Snow Goose is a joy to give and an absolute delight to receive. It features an irresistible selection of sweet, artisanal discoveries and sensational orchard flavours of the finest fruit, plucked from trees just 48 hours prior.
‘I personally send a fruit basket on these occasions as it’s more useful. In times of grief there are usually a lot of people in and out of the house and you don’t have time or energy to shop for food or take care of yourself. Fruit is easy to grab and go.’ – Alicia
Meal delivery service
Classic Pork and Veal Lasagne from Food St
A meal delivery service is the perfect practical gift to give someone going through a challenging time – whether that’s a new, sleep-deprived mum, someone recovering from surgery or illness, or someone grieving the loss of a loved one. The gift of not having to worry about creating a nutritious meal is priceless!
‘Send them something really useful like a voucher for ready-to-heat meals, so they don’t have to think about cooking.’ – Laura
‘Ready made meals was the best thing I was sent after my Dad passed suddenly. Cooking was the last thing I wanted to think about.’ – Lauren
The best meal delivery services are the ones that offer ready-made meals – frozen meals that you defrost and heat up when you need a wholesome & nutritious meal. Ideally, one that doesn’t involve following recipe cards and chopping up ingredients! The less effort, the better.
Grazing Boards
Grazing Box from Boujee Boards
A grazing board is a perfect way to bring a much-needed smile to someone’s face when they are going through a challenging time. There are so many delicious options to choose from, all packed full of a variety of treats, so you can find something for everyone. If you’re looking for an alternative to flowers, these are a great choice. They can be shared with loved ones to enjoy some quality time together when things are difficult.
North Shore businesses offer a wide range of options to choose from. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to put a smile on someone’s face.
Looking for a Grazing Board supplier? View 10 local Grazing Board companies to try.
Something thoughtful
If you have a friend who is grieving, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to show you care. Often, the most appreciated and meaningful gift is the gift of words.
‘Write down your favourite memory of the person on a beautiful piece of paper and give it to them. Lasts longer and is more meaningful than flowers. – Eva
Some thoughtful ideas…
- Write down your favourite memory of the person on a beautiful piece of paper and give it to them.
- A photo of your favourite memories
- A poem
Donation to a charity
If you’re looking to show you care to a friend who has lost a loved one, donating to a relevant charity is a really thoughtful and impactful gift. When considering alternatives to flowers, charity is a great option. Here are just a few ideas:
- Cancer Council
- Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation
- The Heart Foundation
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia
- The Heart Research Institute
- Starlight Children’s Foundation
- Make-a-Wish Foundation
- Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Black Dog Institute
- Beyond Blue
