Flowers are a great way to celebrate any special occasion. But sometimes, it can be tricky to determine the best flower types of flowers for birthday celebrations. This essential guide is here to help. From classic roses to cheerful tulips, this list will help you determine the best blooms for every birthday gifting occasion.
Table of Contents
- Do Flowers Make a Good Gift for Birthday Celebrations?
- When Should I Give Birthday Flowers?
- The Best Types of Flowers to Give for Birthday Gifts
- Can I Send Birthday Flowers to Men and Women?
- Are Plants a Good Option for Birthday Gifts?
- What If I Can’t Be There?
- Popular Online Florists for Birthday Flower Delivery
Do Flowers Make a Good Gift for Birthday Celebrations?
The answer to this question may depend on who you ask. Some people love receiving flowers for their birthday. However, others may prefer a different type of gift.
Here are a few factors to consider if you’re unsure whether your recipient would enjoy receiving flowers:
- Allergies: If the person has allergies to pollen, they may not appreciate flowers.
- Fragrance sensitivities: If the person doesn’t like the smell of flowers, they may prefer another gift.
- The person’s age: Younger children may not appreciate receiving flowers as much as adults do.
- The type of celebration: For example, flowers may be more suitable for a dinner party than an active birthday celebration.
- Your budget: Now, you can find flowers for any budget. However, they may not be the most cost-effective purchase since their vase life is limited.
When Should I Give Birthday Flowers?
The best time to give birthday flowers depends on what will make the recipient happiest. If they love getting surprise gifts, sending flowers on their birthday may be the best option. However, if the recipient likes to know what to expect before their birthday, it might be better to send flowers a few days early.
The Best Types of Flowers to Give for Birthday Gifts
Which flowers make a great choice for birthday celebrations? In the Victorian language of flowers, also known as floriography, the following blossoms symbolize meanings such as friendship, admiration, joy, achievement, and success. Consider these flowers when giving a gift to the birthday celebrant in your life.
1. Roses
Roses are one of the most popular flowers given for birthday gifts, and it’s no wonder why. Roses symbolize love and appreciation, so they’re perfect for showing how much you care.
Roses come in many colors, each with its own meaning. For example, red roses symbolize love and passion, while yellow roses symbolize friendship. Pink roses symbolize appreciation, while white roses symbolize purity and innocence.
Any rose color works well in a birthday arrangement. However, it can be fun to learn about the different rose color meanings to choose one that works best for the recipient and occasion.
2. Peonies
Peonies make wonderful birthday gifts, given their beauty and color variety. Peonies symbolize riches and honor, both lovely wishes for a birthday.
The most popular peony colors for birthdays are pink and red. However, white and yellow peonies are also excellent options. Pink peonies often represent love and marriage, and red symbolizes love and respect. Yellow peonies mean new beginnings, while white conveys a sense of lasting beauty.
3. Carnations
Carnations make a great gift because they come in many colors. So, you can find the perfect shade to match the recipient’s personality, favorite color, or party theme.
Carnations symbolize love, friendship, and appreciation. This makes carnations a heartfelt choice for a friend or loved one’s birthday.
Some of the best color options include dark red for love or pink or light red for friendship. White carnations are also suitable for any recipient, as they signify good luck.
4. Tulips
Tulips come in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find a hue that suits your friend’s or loved one’s personality. Plus, the tulip flower symbolizes perfection and love, so it’s a great way to show how much you care.
When choosing a tulip color for a birthday gift, there are a few things to keep in mind. Red tulips symbolize true love, so they’re an excellent choice for a romantic partner or close friend.
Yellow tulips are associated with happiness and sunshine. So, they’re ideal for someone who brings you joy. Orange tulips are often a symbol of appreciation. So, they’re a good choice for someone you’re grateful to have in your life.
5. Dahlias
The dahlia is a bright and cheerful flower that comes in a wide range of colors. Dahlia flowers symbolize wealth, strength, and enduring love, all great wishes for someone on their special day.
Some of the best dahlia colors for birthdays are red, pink, and purple. Red dahlias represent love and passion, so they work as a romantic birthday gift. Pink and purple dahlias signify kindness and service. So, these would be great for a friend, family member, or even a coworker.
6. Irises
Irises make an elegant, sophisticated choice for a birthday bouquet. Iris flowers symbolize wisdom, hope, and faith, and they’re also the birth flower for February.
The best color choices for irises as birthday flowers are blue and purple. Blue irises symbolize royalty, and purple irises represent royalty and wisdom. So, both of these options are perfect for making a loved one feel special on their birthday.
Yellow is another unique choice for birthday irises. They signify hope, and they give off a cheerful energy. This option makes a great gift for coworkers or friends.
7. Geraniums
Geraniums are a lovely birthday flower because they symbolize happiness, well wishes, and good health. They come in several colors, like apricot, lilac, white, red, yellow, pink, and orange.
Some of the best geranium colors for birthdays are pink, red, and white. Pink and red geraniums symbolize love and romance, so they’re great for a romantic partner. On the other hand, white geraniums represent celebration and innocence. So, they’re a great choice for a friend or younger recipient.
8. Gardenias
Gardenias make a perfect birthday gift because their symbolic meaning is joy. Some of the best color options for a birthday include white, pink, and red. Each of these colors takes on a different meaning that may be suitable for a friend or loved one’s birthday.
White gardenias symbolize purity of love and relationships, so they work well for someone you share a close bond with. Pink gardenias represent emotional support and trust, so they’re a good pick for close friends or loved ones. Red gardenias symbolize passionate love, so they’re best for a romantic partner.
9. Camellia
Camellias are some of the best flowers for birthdays because they symbolize gratitude and admiration. They offer the chance to show someone you care, whether you’re friends, colleagues, or romantic partners.
Pink, red, and white camellias are all wonderful birthday gifts. Red camellias symbolize love, so they’re best for a loved one or romantic partner. Pink represents appreciation, so it works well for friends and colleagues. White camellias represent purity and innocence, so they’d be nice for a younger recipient.
10. Marigolds
Marigolds make lovely birthday gifts because they have many positive symbolic meanings. Marigold flowers symbolize happiness, strength, and good luck.
You can find marigolds in shades of yellow, orange, red, and even brown. So, it’s a great choice for brightening birthday decor or contributing some cheer to a happy day.
Yellow and gold marigolds are perfect for friends, as they represent happiness, warmth, and positive energy. Orange marigolds represent strength, so they’re great for someone who has recently faced a challenge or achieved a goal. Red marigolds represent optimism and good luck, making them ideal for any recipient on their special day.
11. Hydrangeas
There are several reasons hydrangeas make an excellent birthday gift. For one, they are beautiful flowers with cheerful, abundant blooms. Additionally, this flower has a range of unique colors, from deep blue and pale green to soft pink and white.
Generally, hydrangea flowers symbolize gratitude and heartfelt emotions. However, they take a deeper meaning depending on the color you choose.
For example, green hydrangeas represent new beginnings. So, they’re a thoughtful choice for someone starting a new chapter in their life. Pink hydrangeas signify gratitude and appreciation, so they work well for a parent, teacher, or mentor.
12. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the perfect gift for birthdays because they bring brightness and joy to any occasion. The most popular sunflower color is yellow. However, you can also find this flower in colors like cream, red, and even purple.
As their appearance suggests, sunflowers symbolize happiness and positivity. This makes them a suitable choice for nearly anyone on their birthday. However, if you know your recipient has unique tastes, you could opt for a beautiful red or purple variety.
13. Gladiolus
Gladiolus is an ideal choice for birthdays. This is because they’re fairly inexpensive compared to other flowers. Plus, they have a long vase life, so your recipient can enjoy them in the weeks after their special day.
You can find gladiolus in almost any color, including white, pink, purple, red, and yellow. The flower represents several sentiments, including strength, love, and honor.
These meanings make gladiolus a suitable birthday gift for someone you admire and respect. Purple and yellow are suitable for birthdays, representing charm and joy.
14. Stargazer Lilies
Stargazer lilies are a fun choice for someone who appreciates a bold statement. This flower has a striking look, so it’s sure to contribute to the birthday decor.
Pink stargazer lilies symbolize abundance, wealth, and wellness. So, this flower pairs well with the wishes you’d have for someone on their birthday.
Remember, stargazer lilies can also have a romantic meaning. They make a great gift for anyone, but they may be best for a romantic partner or love interest.
15. Ranunculus
Ranunculus make fantastic birthday bouquets for their charming appearance and variety of colors. Some of the best colors for birthday gifts are pink, yellow, and orange.
Pink ranunculus flowers symbolize love and admiration, so they work well for close friends and loved ones. The yellow and orange varieties symbolize happiness and positive energy, working well for nearly any recipient.
If you’re buying for a romantic partner, you could also consider red ranunculus. This color represents love, romance, and passionate feelings.
Can I Send Birthday Flowers to Men and Women?
Yes, you can send birthday flowers to anyone. In fact, sending flowers is a great way to show your loved ones how much you care.
However, some people are more receptive to receiving flowers than others. If you’re unsure if flowers are a wise choice for your recipient, try asking someone who knows them well. That way, you can be sure they’ll be happy to receive them before placing your order.
Are Plants a Good Option for Birthday Gifts?
Plants make great birthday gifts if you know the recipient enjoys them. They are unique, thoughtful, and customizable enough to fit the person’s personality. Plus, plants are living gifts that will continue to thrive long after the birthday celebration is over.
Flowers are always a popular choice for birthdays, but they may only last a few days. On the other hand, a potted houseplant is a gift your recipient can enjoy well into the future.
Here are a few plants that would make great birthday gifts:
- Succulents
- Bamboo plants
- Peace lilies
- Potted flowering plants
- Snake plants
- ZZ plants
- Pothos plants
- Jade plants
What If I Can’t Be There?
If you can’t be there when your recipient receives their flowers, you’ll want to include a card with a message. This way, the person knows who sent the flowers and can appreciate the gesture even more.
Popular Online Florists for Birthday Flower Delivery
Whether you can’t be there on the day or looking to send flowers for a birthday celebration, these popular online flower delivery specialists curate a wide variety of birthday flower arrangements for celebrations throughout the year:
UrbanStems ($$)
UrbanStems is a leading online florist based out of Washington, D.C. The company offers a wide range of fresh and dried birthday flower arrangements in stylish and modern styles.
Prices for this flower company start at just $35. They reach up to $175 or more, depending on the arrangement. Delivery is available across the United States. Additionally, they have next-day options across the US. Same-day delivery is available for orders to New York City and Washington, D.C.
UrbanStems has a birthday collection with a wide range of creative and stylish bouquets. You can sort through options by color, size, or price range.
See More at UrbanStems
From You Flowers ($)
From You Flowers is another excellent option for your birthday flower delivery. They’re based out of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, but deliver to addresses in all 50 of the United States.
This company’s prices start at just $19.99 for a small bouquet and go up to $200 or higher for more extravagant arrangements. They offer generous discounts and a wide variety of delivery options to ensure your flowers arrive on time.
You’ll find a nearly endless selection of birthday flowers and plants on this company’s birthday flowers page. From You Flowers also sells gifts like chocolates, teddy bears, balloons, and other customizable gifts.
See More at From You Flowers
The Bouqs Co. ($$)
The Bouqs Co. is an excellent choice for friends who prioritize sustainability. This California-based company works with eco-friendly growers to create beautiful, farm-fresh birthday bouquets.
Prices range from $40 to $80, and plenty of birthday flower arrangements are available. This company delivers to all 50 United States, but there may be limitations on orders to Hawaii and Alaska.
This company has a birthday flowers page filled with vibrant bouquets and gifts like candles, jewelry, and potted plants. You can also choose a flower subscription for your recipient so they can enjoy fresh blooms all year.
See More at The Bouqs Co.
Ode à la Rose ($$$)
Ode à la Rose is a luxurious French flower company with local ateliers in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. They have a romantic, elegant style with plenty of classic bouquet designs.
Prices range from $55 to $360 or more. Ode à la Rose can complete orders within the contiguous United States. They offer same-day delivery in NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, LA, and DC, as well as next-day delivery options nationwide.
Ode à la Rose has a birthday collection featuring everything from extravagant bouquets of roses to potted orchid plants. You could also choose a subscription or let your recipient choose their own flowers with an Ode à la Rose gift card.
See More at Ode à la Rose
Teleflora ($$)
Teleflora is a popular nationwide flower delivery service. They offer everyday arrangements, so they’re a great go-to option for any occasion or recipient.
Additionally, Teleflora’s prices are reasonable, with birthday bouquets starting at just $35 and going up to $280 for larger arrangements. This company provides same-day delivery for most addresses in the US and Canada.
In Teleflora’s birthday collection, you’ll find arrangements to suit any taste. Options range from extravagant garden bouquets to flower arrangements shaped like birthday cakes. You can also add a gift with your order, like a birthday balloon or a Happy Face coffee mug.
See More at Teleflora
Flowerbx ($$$)
Flowerbx is an elegant online florist that centers around luxury, single-variety bouquets and vase arrangements. Their style is simplistic yet modern, with stylish bouquets for decor and gifting.
Their prices start at $52 and go up to around $140. Same-day birthday flower delivery is available in New York City and Los Angeles and the next day across much of the United States.
Flowerbx has a birthday collection featuring bouquets for various tastes and color preferences. You can throw in a candle with your flower delivery or buy a gardening kit for the green thumb in your life.
See More at Flowerbx
Floom ($$$)
Floom offers an artisanal collection of birthday bouquets with contemporary designs.
This company’s prices range from around $55 to $90, depending on the bouquet you select. This company works with local, independent florists across the US. That means you can request same-day delivery on select products, depending on the recipient’s address.
Floom’s birthday flowers page lists their best sellers, like a friendship bouquet of yellow roses and a unique calla lily spray. Additionally, if you’re unsure which arrangement to choose, Floom suggests flowers for your recipient’s birth month.
See More at Floom
Proflowers ($$)
Proflowers is a well-known online flower shop for fast and affordable flower delivery for every occasion. They feature fresh arrangements for everyday gifting and other items like gift baskets and food products.
This company has affordable birthday bouquets for as low as $20. On the other hand, their more elaborate designs can run as high as $200. You can order from this company throughout the United States and Canada. Same-day delivery is available in these locations as well.
This online florist has several birthday collections to help you find the perfect gift. They sell bouquets with various styles and flower varieties. They also have alternative gifts like chocolate-covered strawberries and potted plants.
See More at ProFlowers
Wrapping Up
If in doubt, it’s best to go with a birthday flower arrangement that reminds you of your recipient. Buying flowers that make you think of them adds a personal touch to your birthday gesture.
However, any of the blooms we’ve listed will make someone feel special on their big day. Whether it’s a last-minute gift or ordered in advance, your floral gift is sure to brighten the recipient’s celebrations.
Brandy Wells
Contributing Editor | brandy@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio
Brandy Wells is an American copywriter and content writer living in Spain. From hiking in her hometown near the Smoky Mountains to digging in the dirt in rural Oregon, she has always put a love of nature at the heart of her endeavors. These days, you’ll catch her writing content, and of course, taking breaks to tend to her growing houseplant collection.
Spread the love
