{"id":1065,"date":"2017-01-18T12:50:22","date_gmt":"2017-01-18T12:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/aboutflowers1.wpengine.com\/?page_id=1065"},"modified":"2017-01-18T12:50:22","modified_gmt":"2017-01-18T12:50:22","slug":"christmas-gifts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/safnow.org\/aboutflowers\/holidays-occasions\/christmas\/christmas-gifts\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Gifts"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section admin_label=”Section” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

Why We Give More Gifts Than We Receive<\/h1>\n

University Research Reveals Why Flowers are the Perfect Gift to Express Thanks<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

From neighbors and teachers to coworkers and even therapists, a nationwide poll reveals the unsung heroes in our lives and communities \u2013 beyond traditional family and friends \u2013 who Americans believe deserve their holiday thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ranking atop the list of those who deserve end-of-year appreciation, cited by 53 percent of respondents, are neighbors, who throughout the year pick up our mail, keep an eye on our kids and ground our community roots.\u00a0 Coming in close behind \u2013 not surprisingly \u2013 are teachers at 51 percent.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the poll, the overwhelming majority of the American public, 70 percent, also say that they give more gifts than they receive during the winter holidays.\u00a0 According to M.J. Ryan<\/span>, author of books such as Random Acts of Kindness<\/i> and Attitudes of Gratitude<\/i> and her newest book, Adaptability<\/i>, the exchange of gifts widens our network of friends and builds stronger interpersonal connections, which we inherently desire, particularly in times of stress and uncertainty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are powerful implications of expressing gratitude and appreciation through gifting, no matter how simple and easy,\u201d says Ryan.\u00a0 \u201cThe influence of personal exchanges is even more meaningful today, as we rely on more virtual ways of connecting with one another every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to expressing gratitude, Ryan believes flowers are one of the most meaningful gifts to share with important people in your life when simply saying \u2018thank you\u2019 isn\u2019t enough.\u00a0 \u201cThere is something special about giving a gift of beauty that shows truly how much you care,\u201d says Ryan.\u00a0 \u201cFlowers are attractive, cheerful and are visibly displayed as a constant reminder of your appreciation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Interestingly, following teachers on the list of daily unsung heroes are coworkers who 50 percent of Americans believe deserve thanks during the holidays.\u00a0 Even bosses were noted by 36 percent of the poll respondents.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe most successful organizational cultures are those that foster interpersonal relations and establish bonds between coworkers.\u00a0 Strong relationships pave the way for problem solving, happiness and longevity in the workplace,\u201d says Ryan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is America\u2019s complete Top 10 List of Unsung Community Heroes who deserve holiday gratitude, including recommendations for gifting:<\/h4>\n

Neighbors<\/b> (53%) \u2013 Treat a great neighbor to a bouquet of flowers that will make their foyer fragrant.\u00a0 You\u2019ll even get to watch their eyes light up as the delivery truck pulls up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teacher or tutor<\/b> (51%) \u2013 Ask your florist<\/span> for a low clustered arrangement that a teacher can keep on their desk and still keep an eye on the class.\u00a0 The flowers will elicit smiles for the entire classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Co-workers <\/b>(50%) \u2013 Thank an office mate who has been supportive throughout the year with a bunch of multi-colored tulips or other flowers that will brighten up traditionally neutral office walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Childcare provider <\/b>(47%) \u2013 For the one who cares for your little ones, a great floral gift would be a sweet hand-tied bouquet.\u00a0 Choose a monochromatic (all one color) look that is pleasing to the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

House cleaner<\/b> (41%) \u2013 Give your house cleaner an arrangement to make their own home look special.<\/span><\/p>\n

Boss<\/b> (36%) \u2013 A mixed arrangement is appropriate for any boss.\u00a0 Choose red, gold and purple-colored flowers which symbolize accomplishment, wealth and good fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n

Postal worker <\/b>(35%) \u2013 When your letter carrier arrives, hand him or her a small flower arrangement in a basket or small dish garden \u2013 what a special delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clergy member<\/b> (35%) \u2013 Serenity and relaxation are the essence of flowers in shades of green and misty blues.\u00a0 Choose these tranquil colors<\/span> to reflect the calm nature of a spiritual counselor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health care worker<\/b> (32%) \u2013 Consider an arrangement in pastel shades<\/span> and soft yellows, peaches and pinks for a health care worker, as these colors are to make us feel safe, snug and loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Administrative assistant<\/b> (31%) \u2013 Choose shades of red<\/span>, which elicit motivation, courage and power. Ask your florist for an up-shooting spray that also includes rich orange and fuchsia, colors which exude positivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just missing the Top 10 list were school bus drivers (28%), pet sitters (22%), crossing guards (21%), school counselors (20%), therapists (16%) and financial planners (10%).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis holiday season, treat your unsung heroes to the universal symbol of friendship and caring \u2013 flowers,\u201d says Ryan.\u00a0 \u201cThe people who support you everyday are likely to feel thanked long after they receive them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rutgers University research<\/span> conducted by psychologist J<\/span><\/a>eannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.<\/span>, reveals that those who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are viewed as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent people.\u00a0 According to the lead researcher, the findings show flowers have evolved to activate positive responses from people and that each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Omnibus poll was completed for The Society of American Florists by Echo Research, Inc. Echo questioned 1,001 American adults (500 men and 501 women) via telephone on June 4-7, 2009.\u00a0 The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percent<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_gallery admin_label=”plants as gifts Gallery” gallery_ids=”1050,1072,1067,1069,1068,991″ fullwidth=”on” posts_number=”8″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”off” background_layout=”light” auto=”on” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” auto_speed=”5000″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text admin_label=”Plants as Christmas Presents Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

Give Plants as Christmas Presents<\/h3>\n

Plants make great gifts, especially for Christmas. Some popular choices: cyclamen, kalanchoe, poinsettia, Christmas cactus, holly, spruce, boxwood, amaryllis, narcissus paperwhites, tulips and hyacinths.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tropical flowers make unique gifts: Ginger, anthuriums, birds of paradise and orchids stand out in any design.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your florist<\/span> can recommend plants and flowers that are perfect for your friends and loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flowers and Plants as Office Christmas Gifts<\/h3>\n

Floral gifts are perfect for clients and employees. It’s scientifically proven! Research from Texas A&M University<\/span> proves that flowers and plants enhance problem solving skills and productivity in the workplace. Office gifts should be sent the first week of December so your gift is among the first to arrive for the most impact.<\/span><\/p>\n