The short answer: for a teacher or a coworker, a small gift that is easy to keep on a desk is usually best. A compact vase arrangement or a low-care plant suits both, and it does not need to cost much. Keep scents gentle, check any allergies you know about, and send it where the person will actually be. Here is how to pick something that fits a classroom or an office.
Why small gifts work well here
A gift for a teacher or coworker has a different job from a gift for a partner or a parent. It says thank you, or congratulations, or we will miss you, without making anyone feel awkward. A modest gift is easy to accept, and it does not leave the person feeling they have to give one back. Our flowers and gifts under $60 are a good place to start, and delivery is free on orders over $50.
Flowers for a teacher
End of year, a holiday, Teacher Appreciation Week or a teacher who went the extra mile for your child are all good times to send something. Here is what to think about:
- Space is limited. Most classroom desks are full, so a compact arrangement or a small plant is more welcome than a tall bouquet.
- Scent matters. Rooms full of students are often warm and close, and some children have allergies. Roses, carnations and gerberas have a gentle scent. Skip strongly scented lilies.
- The last day of school is busy. Teachers may be carrying several gifts home at once. A piece in a stable vase or pot travels better than a loose bouquet, and an arrangement sent a day or two before the end of term gets enjoyed in the classroom.
- Ask about the school. Check with the school office that it accepts deliveries for staff, and ask where they should go. A class gift can be a nice way for several families to share one larger piece.
Flowers for a coworker
Birthdays, a new role, a work anniversary, a retirement or a hard week all suit a small gesture. A few things help:
- Think about the desk. A bright bouquet is lovely for a shared reception area or a meeting room, but a compact design fits better at a workstation.
- Consider a plant for an open office. A plant has no strong scent, needs little attention and stays useful for months. Our potted plants and succulents are an easy place to look.
- Check who is in the office. If someone works from home a few days a week, confirm they will be there on the delivery day, or send it to their home instead.
- Send it from the group. A gift from the whole team saves anyone from feeling singled out and lets everyone share the cost. Have one person collect the names for the card.
When someone is leaving or retiring, our guide to retirement flowers and gifts has more ideas.
Which flowers and colours to choose
Bright, friendly colours work best here. Yellow, orange and soft pink feel warm and cheerful without feeling romantic. It is best to avoid a dozen red roses for a coworker, since red roses usually say something else. Mixed bouquets are a safe choice when you do not know someone's favourite colour. Gerberas, sunflowers and mixed daisies read as friendly and fun, while white and green designs look calm and suit a formal office. Our best sellers are a reliable place to begin if you are not sure.
Plants that are easy to live with
A plant is a good answer if the person is not around much, works in a dim room or simply prefers something that lasts. Succulents want bright light and very little water, while sansevieria and many other leafy plants put up with lower light. Orchids look elegant on a desk and suit a bigger thank you, but they prefer steady temperatures, so they are better for an office than a room that gets cold on weekends. Our guide on how to care for succulents and planter gardens is worth sharing with the person who receives one.
What to write on the card
Every order includes a free handwritten card, and a sentence or two is plenty. Say what the person did, and why it mattered. A few examples:
- "Thank you for all you did for Maya this year. She loved coming to your class."
- "From all of Room 12: thank you for a wonderful year."
- "Congratulations on the new role. We are so glad you are on the team."
- "Thanks for covering for me last week. I owe you a coffee, too."
For more wording ideas, see our guide to thank you flowers and what to write.
Sending to a school or an office
Include the person's full name, the name of the school or company, the room or floor, and a phone number that will be answered. For a school, a note to leave it at the main office helps. Offices and schools often have set hours, so if your flowers need to arrive at a set time, call our Mississauga studio at 905-677-9999 before you order. Gift baskets are made to order and need at least one day's notice, and all of our arrangements are hand-arranged in our studio.