Think about the gifts you've received in your life. Is there one
that stands out more than any other? Why was that gift so
special? I'll bet it was one that just really fit you-your
personality, your interests, something that makes you uniquely
you. And, who was it that gave you that gift? Your mother,
father, sibling, significant other?
A recent survey of men and women from all over America answered
all sorts of questions about our favorite gifts, who gives them,
and when we like to receive them. Of course, we florists were
thrilled to see that flowers are among the most favored gifts
received and the most often given. Take a look at these
interesting results:
* Best "I love you" gift: 37% flowers/houseplants, 34%
jewelry, 5% perfume or cologne.
* Gift most likely to make you smile: 26% jewelry, 23%
flowers/houseplants, 12% event tickets.
* Gift most often given to apologize: 49% flowers/houseplants,
10% jewelry, 8% event tickets.
* Gift that makes you feel most special: 33% jewelry, 24%
flowers/houseplants, 10% clothing.
* Gift most often given: 38% clothing (also the most frequently
returned gift at 65%), 12% flowers/houseplants, 10% food.
* Favorite occasion to receive flowers: 30% no special occasion,
20% Valentine's Day, 14% Anniversary, 12% Mothers' Day, 10%
Birthday.
* Percentage of people who gave flowers in the last year: 58%
(35% of women surveyed gave flowers to men last year).
* Who gives the best gifts: 56% significant other, 11% mother.
* Best gift to get from a business associate: 34% tickets, 16%
flowers/houseplants, 10% food.
So why do flowers rank so highly on our gifts to give and
receive? Probably because people enjoy gifts that fit their
personalities or the personalities of the people they're
giving them to. There's a great emphasis in America today
on individualism and flowers are very easy to individualize
because they come in so many colors and varieties.
Want some more great news? Your florist is an expert in creating
unique and personal gifts with just a little bit of information
from you. You simply need to tell him or her who the gift is
for, what your relationship is to the person, and describe the
recipients personality and any special interests. From just that
information, your florist can choose the right kinds of flowers,
perfect colors, accessories to include with the flowers, and
present them in a way that is sure to please anyone in your life.
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Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a
successful multi-million dollar business that was established
in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists'
Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit
Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at http://www.800wesleys.com .