Your best friend or sister just had a new baby. What better way to celebrate this joyous event than with a gift of flowers? A flower arrangement is a traditional and thoughtful way to honor the new baby, but you may be wondering what type of flowers to send and when to send them.
Tradition dictates that you may send flowers to the hospital. However, most moms today only stay a night or two. In the hustle and bustle of going home, your gift may be forgotten. Instead, wait a week, or even two, to send flowers. Better yet, deliver flowers along with a simple, home-cooked meal for an extra thoughtful gift. Call before you drop by since the new mom is likely very busy.
A good florist can help you select flowers. Many florists offer unique and creative arrangements, such as flowers arranged in a small, toy baby stroller or a watering can. Some arrangements incorporate stuffed animals, toys or bath products. These gifts are useful and charming. Avoid somber flowers or those traditionally associated with funerals, such as lilies. How about a useful diaper cake made from disposable diapers and flowers? If you’d like to make your own arrangement, you’ll find more ideas below:
Carnations. Carnations are widely used in baby arrangements because they’re long-lasting and sturdy. They’re available year-round and they can be dyed blue or pink to reflect the baby’s gender.
Cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms are synonymous with spring and new life in Japan. Cut a few graceful branches and place them in a glass or frosted vase for a meaningful and lovely gift. In winter, force blooms. Cut a few branches and bring them indoors two weeks before the expected birth of the baby. Place them in a container with tepid water and replace the water every day. The warm temperatures trick the branches into opening early.
Daffodils. Nothing says spring like a bouquet of daffodils. Bring a baby born in the spring a cheery bouquet or planted pot of daffodils. Another option would be to bring a small bag filled with high-quality daffodil bulbs. Offer to plant them in the family’s garden to memorialize the baby’s birth. Every spring, the sight of the emerging daffodils will remind mom of her child’s special day.
Delphiniums. Delphiniums look lovely grouped in a glass or ceramic jar. Combine them with lilacs or trailing flowers for a lovely display.
Gerbera Daisies. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more cheerful, welcoming flower. Gerbera daisies are large, extravagant flowers in vivid hues of pink, orange, yellow and green.
Hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are fun for new babies because they come in either pink or blue so you can customize your bouquet. Make an elegant arrangement in a white pottery container or a more playful arrangement in a watering can or wicker container.
Living plants. Living plants make a wonderful baby gift because mom can keep the plants to remember the special day. Houseplants, such as ferns, African violets or cyclamen, make lovely gifts. Or consider a perennial for the garden, such as rose, clematis or hydrangea plants. Another option, if you’re very close to the family, is to buy a small tree to be planted in the family’s yard. Check with the family beforehand though and offer to plant the tree.
Pom Mums. These flowers look like large pom poms set atop sturdy stems. They’re often incorporated into fruit or cookie bouquets. They have a cheery, casual look and come in a variety of bright, neon colors, such as hot pink, lime green, bright yellow or orange.
Roses. Husbands often give their wives roses after the arrival of a new baby. Roses express appreciation, love and devotion. Send red or pink roses. Tiny baby or miniature roses are especially beautiful. For a permanent memento, hang the roses upside down in a dry, cool place. Allow them to dry for 2 to 3 weeks before storing or displaying them.
For more baby flower ideas visit the following sites:
Flowers for New Baby from Flower Shopping
New Baby Flowers and Gifts from Teleflora
When she’s not writing about gardening, food and canning, Julie Christensen enjoys spending time in her gardens, which includes perennials, vegetables and fruit trees. She’s written hundreds of gardening articles for the Gardening Channel, Garden Guides and San Francisco Gate, as well as several e-books.
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