floral denial?

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and I'm left wondering what an anti-capitalist like myself is supposed to do for his better half. Like me, she doesn't like the idea of spending money on unnecessary things. Flowers are traditionally a great choice for occasions like Mother's Day, but in my wife's case, she'd prefer to receive something that isn't going to die, and perhaps serves some sort of purpose (other than looking pretty). Fortunately, there are other options aside from cut flowers.

Even floral shops have clued in on this trend in frugality, and are now offering lots of alternatives to the typical six day blossom. With about 35 years of experience under their belt, one such shop is Flowershop.com, where in addition to Mothers Day flowers one may find a fair selection of sweets, plants and other luxury gifts. Unfortunately, I have never been one to pay $59.99 for a dozen large strawberries, regardless of what type of fancy chocolate you drizzle on top.

For women like my wife, I would really like to see some other options for nice looking potted plants that also serve a purpose, like an herb garden that is tastefully decorated and potted. Unfortunately, the potted plant section at Flowershop.com is fairly limited to orchids, one small dish garden and a bromeliad. Their cut flower section is bit more varied, and I really like the look of their Mother's Day tulips, but again - my wife doesn't want me to spend so much on something that is going to die within a week or so.

According to Flowershop.com, "Eighty-three percent of people like to receive flowers unexpectedly." I guess that my wife falls into the realm of the other seventeen percent. Then again, she doesn't mind receiving flowers unexpectedly from relatives. She just doesn't want it to come out of our budget. On the bright side, when you're on a budget (or living with a strict budget-minded woman), you can always find some interesting gift ideas by visiting these types of sites. For example, I happen to know that I can pick up a large produce pack of strawberries and a few perfectly meltable Hershey Symphony bars and play chocolate chef for about $10.

For those of you without the creativity, time, and budget constraints, don't wait until the last minute and pick up a crappy looking bouquet from Wal-Mart on your way home from work. you better fess up, pay for some convenience, and get her something nice from a reputable florist like Flowershop.com.