Why More New Zealanders Are Choosing Living Gifts Over Flowers
For generations, flowers have been the go-to gift for moments of sympathy, celebration, and care. They are beautiful, familiar, and easy to send. But increasingly, New Zealanders are choosing a different path - living gifts.
In a time shaped by rising living costs, growing environmental awareness, and a desire for more meaningful connection, gifts that last are resonating more deeply than ever.
The problem with flowers (even though we love them)
Flowers aren’t wrong - they’re just fleeting.
Most bouquets are enjoyed for a few short days before being thrown away. In moments of grief or care, that can feel uncomfortable: something beautiful arrives… and then it’s gone. For many people, that doesn’t reflect the depth of what they’re trying to express.
There’s also a growing awareness that: - Flowers are perishable and often imported - They can feel wasteful, especially during a cost-of-living crisis - They don’t offer anything to hold onto beyond the moment
As gifting becomes more intentional, people are starting to ask: Is there another way?
What is a living gift?
A living gift is exactly what it sounds like - something alive that continues to grow.
At Tree Gifts, this takes the form of carefully selected potted trees, thoughtfully presented for gifting. Whether native, flowering, or fruiting, each tree offers something flowers simply can’t:
· Longevity
· Purpose
· A sense of ongoing care
Instead of fading, a living gift evolves.
Why living gifts are resonating right now
1. They last…and that matters
In moments of sympathy or remembrance, people often want to give something that reflects ongoing support, not a single moment.
A tree can be watered, nurtured, planted, and revisited. Over time, it becomes a quiet reminder of care, love, or memory, not something that disappears after a week.
2. They feel more thoughtful
Choosing a living gift sends a clear message: I didn’t just pick the easiest option; I chose something meaningful.
That intention matters, especially when gifting during sensitive times like loss, illness, or major life transitions.
3. They align with sustainable living
More New Zealanders are trying to reduce waste and make environmentally conscious choices where they can.
Living gifts: - Are non-perishable - Avoid unnecessary waste - Encourage planting and connection to nature
For many people, this alignment between values and gifting feels important.
4. They suit modern life (and modern budgets)
When money is tight, people want gifts that feel worth it.
A living gift offers: - Ongoing enjoyment - No rush to use or consume - A sense of value beyond the initial moment
It’s not about spending more, it’s about spending better.
Living gifts for sympathy and care
Flowers have long been associated with sympathy, but living gifts are becoming a gentler alternative.
A tree doesn’t demand attention. It doesn’t overwhelm. It simply exists, growing quietly in its own time.
Many people tell us they appreciate receiving something: - That doesn’t wilt - That can be cared for when they’re ready - That symbolises life, continuity, and remembrance
In this way, a living gift can feel deeply appropriate when words fall short.
More than a trend - a shift in how we give
Choosing a living gift over flowers isn’t about rejecting tradition. It’s about evolving it.
It reflects a broader shift towards: - Thoughtful gifting - Sustainable choices - Gifts that carry meaning beyond the moment
At Tree Gifts, we believe the most meaningful gifts are the ones that grow - alongside the people who receive them.
Whether sent for sympathy, a birthday, or simply to show care, a living tree offers something enduring: a reminder that love doesn’t fade - it takes root.
Tree Gifts delivers thoughtfully curated tree gifts across New Zealand - a lasting alternative to flowers for life’s meaningful moments.