Mother’s Day will be coming up before you know it, and while we love getting fresh cut bouquets of flowers, there are other options! Consider these flower bouquet alternatives for Mother’s Day that will last way past the big day.
Yes, it may seem a little early, but hey, it’s something to look forward to these days. (And they also make thoughtful Easter gifts, too.)
From a gorgeous floral wreath to a DIY kit for planting her own herb garden, I think any mom will love these gifts that will remind her of you for months — and maybe even years after those once beautiful roses have ended up into the compost bucket.
But remember, none of these gifts let you off the hook – you still have to call her on the regular.
– This post has been updated for 2021 –
This post contains affiliate links, and purchases may generate a small commission that helps support our work at no additional cost to you.
Hanging Air Plant
A beautiful hanging succulent would be perfect in a mom’s living room, right next to that picture of you. You can order a tillandsia ionantha succulent (“air plant”) or similar, ready-planted in a delicate glass sphere or a simple heart hanger. If I were sending this I wouldn’t be able to resist adding in a tiny gnome found on Etsy as a surprise. ($18, ZnJ Design for heart hanger and plant; unfortunately the top product is no longer available)
PS You can also check out this post from a past CMP holiday party, that includes links and tips for making your own air plant hanging terrarium if you’re DIY-er. It’s easy! But if you’re shipping, leave it to the pros.
Succulents in a Wood Planter
Moms are busy, so why give her more work to do? These succulents require little water or care so she can spend more time at her online Zumba lessons, overseeing Zoom school, or you know, running after all those kids. Maybe all three. Planted in a box made of reclaimed wood, these little treasures will last through all the seasons. ($59-$79.99, Harry & David)
Related: 20 of our favorite self-care gifts for mom this year. She needs them!
A Starter Edible Garden… Made by You!
Join Kristen and Liz in spring 2021 as they embark on a “We Time” project, taking an online course in food gardening together — it’s even free for a limited time! The course isn’t live, so you can watch whenever it works for you, then join them on Facebook Live to chat about your progress. A tiny starter container garden grown by your very own hands, for either outdoors or an apartment windowsill — what a magical Mother’s Day gift alternative to cut flowers. This one really comes from the heart. (Course is free for a limited time with special offer from our sponsor, The Great Courses Plus; you provide the supplies)
Grow-Your-Own-Herbs Kit
A DIY herb-growing kit would be the perfect flower alternative on Mother’s Day for any gourmet mom or grandma in your life. The kit above is no longer available, but we did find a comparable kit with everything you need to grow basil, parsley, thyme, coriander, and dill, including some herb scissors.
If you want to get a little fancy, include some pretty mason jars, whether you paint them or not. ($23.06 for starter kit, Urban Sprout Store)
Dried Wildflower and Lavender Spring Wreath
As a flower alternative for Mother’s Day that still feels springy and bright, this wreath could be perfect gift to hang on a door or fill up that empty space above the fireplace. This lovely wreath is handcrafted from a variety of air-dried wildflowers, plus lavender and lemon mint to give it a lovely scent. The shop gets high marks on Etsy, and we can see why. ($76, Gathering Garden)
Related: 19 of the best subscription boxes for moms this Mother’s Day, so they can feel the love even longer
Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree
Doesn’t every mother want a tiny, gorgeous tree in her home? I know I do! I feel calm just gazing at the photo of this bougainvillea bonsai, but it’s also perfect for a gardening enthusiast who likes to show off her artistry by styling and shaping their plants. It comes planted in a striking blue ceramic container, which makes sense since “Bonsai” literally means “planted in a shallow container” in Japanese. Feel free to use that at cocktail parties. ($79.99 Harry & David)
Blooming Bulb Basket
If she loves real, fresh flowers but you still want an alternative to the ephemeral Mother’s Day bouquet, this stunning basket of blooming bulbs is a wonderful idea. Just be warned, this beautiful arrangement of pink tulips, fragrant blue hyacinth and white scilla could make it impossible for you to ever send her a regular, old bouquet ever again. ($52.95, Gardener’s Supply Company)
Potted Plant from The Sill
These modern planters and plants are super stylish, just like the mom in your life. We’ve had excellent luck with plants from New York City-based plant design and delivery shop The Sill, and they’re especially beautiful in those modern, handcrafted pots.You can even chat with customer service to find the best plant for her north-facing, low-light window. (Ask us how we know!) This flower alternative for Mother’s Day is a gift that really keeps on giving. ($21 and up, The Sill)
Related: 18 meaningful Mother’s Day gift ideas for the far-away mom or grandma you really miss.
Meyer Lemon Tree
The fragrance from this tree alone makes this one spectacular gift. This sweet little tree can grow indoors or outdoors and provides Meyer lemons all year long. She’ll never have to go to the store for lemons ever again. And hey, just think of all the lemon bars or homemade lemon curd she’s going to be feeding you! Ooh. ($74 and, The Magnolia Company)
