The first thing you need to do is to set up a calendar of special dates. At the beginning of each month, you should check what occasions and events are coming up so you will have plenty of time to prepare and pick the right gifts. You can ask your florist or gift supplier to help you be recommending you when a special date is approaching. They will usually call you and suggest what gifts they have in stock and that are popular with other customers. Florists can also let you know what kind of gift or flower you sent the previous year. This helps you to be fresh and new with every gift you send.



Next, make a list of what your loved one or friend's likes are. Take into consideration their personality, their hobbies, their job, and their style. Here are some tips you can consider when making your list:

What kind of items do they use in their hobby? For instance if they enjoy pottery, consider giving them locally thrown pot as a vase for their flowers. When the flowers are gone, they still have the pot to add to their collection.

Does the person on your list like a certain artist or musician? You could include tickets to a concert or a small piece of art in a gift basket. Include a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant to top off the gift.

Does the person on your list like to take long baths? Consider adding spa or bath items to a special spa at home basket. This can include bubble bath, bath salts, a facial mask, and a sponge.

In addition to holidays, consider life celebrations such as anniversaries, birthdays and graduation days. These are days that gifts are usually given, but not received. Try to make these days special by picking the perfect gift. You can also send gifts on non traditional days such as , I miss you, Have a great day, good luck on your first day of work or school, thanks for your friendship or congratulations on completing a large project. It is these days, when a gift is a surprise that can be the most special.

The five most common reasons that people send flowers are thank you, I am sorry, Congratulations, Sympathy and get well. Here are some suggestions for each of these occasions to make them extra special.

Thank You

Make sure you spend the time to say something extra special. Pick an arrangement that is simple, may that contain wild flowers, so they look like you picked them from a field.

I'm Sorry

Pick flowers that have warm colors and contain pink and lavender shades. You should follow up with a personal, I am so sorry, call. They may just forgive you for your thoughtful gesture.

Congratulations

Give them a container that they can reuse. A popcorn bowl is a container that will be used often. Another good idea is to select a container that relates to why they are being congratulated. If they have a new home, a laundry basket full of house supplies is always a welcomed gift.

Sympathy

A death of a loved one is a very hard and sometimes awkward time. Flowers are often sent to the funeral to provide some color and cheer in an obviously sad situation. It is recommended that condolences should be sent in lieu of flowers if the death was sudden.

Get Well

Cool colors, greens and blues are recommended colors for someone who is not feeling well. You can add items such as a book from their favorite author or magazines to pass the time. Try to get the correct information about where your loved one is, and what room they are staying in if they are in a hospital so that the local florist will know where to send the flowers and gift.