Flowers, Flowers, Flowers       I was initially excited to have the opportunity to write the inaugural column for the Hot Gift Ideas section, but then it struck me, what the heck is a hot gift? Is it a currently popular gift? Is it something new and unique? Rather than debating this question, I leave it to future guest columnists to ponder. For my column, pardon me giftme.com if this is not what you were expecting, I wanted to do men and women a service as it relates to gifts. Men, this article is for you. Female readers, do your male friends a favor and send them a copy of this. The "Hot Gift Idea" I have is no mystery (or at least it shouldn't be). Men can't help but be mystified by the interest. You can never, and I give you my personal guarantee or the price of this column back, go wrong with this one. Flowers... Yes, inexpensive, beautiful, and the best gift investment you have ever made. Now wait a second, don't mock what you don't understand. There is some sort of magical power to flowers. I don't pretend to understand it, but I have seen flowers move my mother to tears and female friends to spontaneous bouts of hugging. I have heard and given all the excuses, but giving flowers is a no-brainer. Gift giving doesn't get any easier than this. For my fellow men out there, this column is for you. My Hot Gift Idea is flowers, and this is the no-nonsense "how to" guide on giving flowers. What to give? This is probably the hardest step, but it only gets easier. My suggestion is don't go for the knee-jerk roses. While nice anyway, I think that roses say, "Hey, I have no imagination, but an A for effort, right?" There are a lot of beautiful flowers out there. Ask a florist or female friend for help. My picks are orchids and irises. These are two really beautiful flowers that will have rose receivers green with envy. Some people may say that you should consider longer living flowers, but make life easy on yourself, and just buy the ones that you like. Vase or not? I don't think that this is really a big deal. Sometimes flowers in a rolled up newspaper are the most romantic way to go. Vases are generally pretty cheap at florist shops though, so if you have the extra change, just pick one up also. Where to buy? My two favorite choices are online (I like 1800flowers.com) and just going to the corner store. Online ordering shows foresight and planning, but the corner store can show what a romantic sucker you are. If you are going to buy online, make sure that there is a 100% satisfaction policy and guaranteed delivery. THAT MUCH FOR PLANTS!?!?! Look for seasonal specials. Sometimes the more expensive ones are worth it, but those Valentine's Day prices are &$@!# crazy! Show a little originality (see point 1) and some financial smarts (just don't tell her that). Ask questions! If you have read this far, you must be a novice. Ask your florist questions; they know a hell of a lot more than you about flowers and giving them. Some final notes... Some flowers have meanings, check out some common ones here. Don't stress out too much about picking the perfect ones. Most will just love that you made the effort. Be sincere. While I come across a little glib, women can smell a scam a mile away. And for god's sake, send them to where she works, make her the envy of her co-workers. Back to top