Photo by Antonis Achilleos

Cut flowers and tree boughs are beautiful, but their shelf lives are seriously short. Don’t let your gift get lost in the holiday shuffle -- give something that’s meaningful and has staying power. We’ve found five great options for every person in your life -- brown thumbs included!

For the green thumb
If you’ve got someone with a green thumb and magic fingers on your list, a plant is a no brainer. An amaryllis -- in vibrant red or striped with white -- is a holiday classic that can be sent in bulb form, as a fully flowered plant, or in the budding stage so they can watch it bloom. It makes a perfect centerpiece and it’s a gift that keeps on giving -- cut the leaves back, store the bulb, and it will sprout again next year.
Where to buy it: Amaryllis, WhiteFlowerFarm.com

For the brown thumb
Is there a serial plant killer in your life? Consider sending a peace lily. The recipient never has to know that these plants are almost brown thumb-immune. There’s no guesswork when it comes to care -- if the leaves start to droop a little bit, it’s time to water it.
Where to buy it: Peace Lily, FTD.com

For the minimalist
If your friend’s style is stark and spare, look for a plant that’s small in stature, but makes a bold architectural statement. Bonsai are mini works of art. Created from regular trees that have been potted and pruned, bonsai symbolize harmony.
Where to buy it: Bonsai, EasternLeaf.com

For the girl on the go
Need a gift for your girlfriend who goes out of town every weekend? Go with something that’s low-maintenance and doesn’t require daily watering. A bamboo plant doesn’t need a lot a lot of care -- just a few inches of water and some sunlight. Bamboo is considered lucky in China and is a symbol of balance -- something your jet-setting pal just might need!
Where to buy it: Elegant Twist Bamboo, ProFlowers.com

For the style snob
Worried that nothing will ever be good enough? Take the pressure off with a plant. The orchid evokes elegance and refinement and traditionally symbolizes beauty, love, and wealth -- three traits that are high on the list of any tastemaker.
Where to buy it: Orchids, Orchids.com

-- Margaret O'Malley

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