Gifting a plant during the holidays feels simple, thoughtful, and genuinely useful; especially in the middle of winter, when most of us are craving a little more color and life indoors. Plants make great gifts because they’re personal without being complicated, and with a few straightforward care tips, they can stay healthy long after the holidays are over. Whether you're shopping for a beginner, a busy friend, or someone who already loves their indoor jungle, there’s a plant that fits perfectly.
Below, you’ll find our favorite holiday-ready plants, why they make great gifts, how to keep them happy in winter, and some thoughtful pairing ideas to turn each one into a heartfelt, well-rounded present.
The Best Plants to Gift (and Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays)
Some plants handle winter effortlessly, while others bring seasonal cheer through color, texture, or even blooms. To make your decision easier, here’s a quick reference guide to our top picks, complete with why they make great gifts, simple care tips, and thoughtful pairings to elevate your present.
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Plant |
Why It’s Great for the Holidays |
Care Tips |
Gift Pairing Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sleek, modern, and nearly indestructible |
Let soil dry out fully; great in low light |
Pair with a ceramic pot or a warm glow from the Aura™ grow light |
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|
Forgiving, stylish, and perfect for beginners |
Low to moderate light; water sparingly |
Add a minimal planter and handwritten care card |
|
|
Fast-growing, cheerful trailing vines |
Low to bright indirect light; water when dry |
Bundle with a macrame hanger or small grow light |
|
|
Small, cute, and great for desks or shelves |
Bright indirect light; light watering |
Pair with a mini terracotta pot and decorative pebbles |
|
|
Festive blooms right on time for the holidays |
Bright indirect light; slightly moist soil |
Add a colorful pot and a cozy holiday note |
|
|
Unique, fun, and extremely easy |
Mist or soak occasionally; bright indirect light |
Glass orb, driftwood holder, or decorative tray |
|
|
Stylish and surprisingly easy in small sizes |
Bright indirect light; water 1–2x a week |
Pair with a decorative planter |
These plants are winter-hardy, easy to care for, and loved by beginners and experts alike, making them ideal holiday gifts.
How to Prepare a Plant for Gifting
A little prep can make your plant look polished and help it stay healthy on its way to its new home. Before wrapping it up:
➡️ Dust off the leaves (bonus tip: Use a leaf shine to beautify the foliage)
➡️ Check the soil (make sure it’s not freshly watered)
➡️ Add decorative moss or a clean top layer of pebbles for a tidy look
➡️ Make sure there are no pests hitchhiking (check out Arber's Disease & Insect Control Starter Set to help with ridding the plant of potential pests)
For chilly climates, wrap the plant in breathable paper or place it inside an insulated gift bag. Minimize time spent outside during transport. Cold shock can happen faster than you think.
How to Make Sure A New Plant Stays Healthy
Here’s where the keeping them happy part comes in. Winter brings shorter days, dry indoor heat, and the occasional draft, all things that can confuse a new plant as it tries to settle in to its new environment.
Encourage your gift recipient to:
➡️ Place the plant in bright, indirect light
➡️ Avoid heaters, vents, or drafty doorways
➡️ Let the soil dry between waterings (especially in winter)
➡️ Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth
A grow light can make a surprisingly big difference this time of year. We always recommend the Aspect™ Gen 2 Pendant because it is powerful, versatile (built-in dimming!) for any plant's light level requirement, and blends easily into any home. It's guaranteed to help their plant stay happy, healthy, and thriving through any season, plus the warm-white glow looks good in any space.
Ideas to Make Gifting a Plant Extra Special
Plants already make thoughtful gifts, but the way you present them can elevate the whole experience. A few sweet ideas:
✨ Pair the plant with a beautiful planter
✨ Include a handwritten care card (simple, friendly instructions go a long way)
✨ Bundle a couple of small plants together as a “mini garden” gift
✨ Add decorative touches like moss, ribbon, or pebbles
✨ Include a grow light for a complete “winter survival kit”
These small additions show love and help the recipient feel confident caring for their new plant.
What to Avoid When Gifting Plants in Winter
To make sure your holiday gift arrives healthy and stress-free, try to avoid:
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Watering right before gifting (cold + wet soil = nope)
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Leaving plants in cold cars or unheated spaces
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Repotting too close to gifting day
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Choosing plants that demand high humidity or intense light
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Skipping care instructions (people really appreciate them! Check out our Plant Guide for care instructions and tips for over 100+ plants!)
By avoiding these things, the plant you gift will look vibrant and ready to settle into its new home!
Why Plants Make the Best Holiday Gifts
Plants bring warmth, color, and life into a home, something we all crave during winter. Whether you go for a beginner-friendly snake plant or a festive Christmas cactus, you’re giving more than just a plant. You’re giving a moment of calm, a breath of green, and a tiny piece of hope that thrives long after the holiday season ends.
And that’s what truly makes plant gifting so special.
