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Giving flowers to someone near or far is a lot easier when you buy them online. Giving flowers is traditionally a symbol of romance, but this versatile present can solve almost every gifting dilemma.

A simple bouquet can be an easy way to say thank you for a dinner or a favor, a pick me up for a friend who is not feeling well or a way to let someone you love know that you were thinking about them. Plants are another alternative to cut flowers. A potted plant may last for years and every time a new bloom appears, your gift is remembered.

Modern florists cover more than flowers. On most sites, you'll find gift baskets with food products or seasonal items. Teddy bears and balloons, mugs with cute sayings, wine and cheese, spa gifts and more have found a home online. Most online flower shops offer easy browsing by price, by occasion and even by age or occupation.

If you're nervous about sending flowers that you haven't seen, relax.

Long distance flowers are a big business and the well known names have built a reputation of customer service.

Otherwise, why not just use the Internet to locate local florists in your chosen delivery area?

Today, many individual florists offer their own Web sites. Here you can browse and order flower arrangements and bouquets in the sure knowledge that a neighborhood business will be more than eager to please a local customer. Especially if that someone will be back for the next holiday or special occasion.

Don't be afraid to complain

If you do have a bad experience with on online florist, use that 800 number immediately to let them know.

One harried husband who recently sent a large, expensive bouquet to his wife on her birthday recently complained about a wilted arrangement that - adding insult to injury - had arrived ...a day late! Not only did he receive an abject apology, but a replacement bouquet and a gift certificate for another bouquet of the same value.

With a simple phone call, the whole experience quickly turned from a losing proposition to a chance to be a consumer hero in the eyes of his grateful spouse.

also see -> Houseplant Care | Caring for Cut Roses

Caring for Poinsettia Plants | Caring for Easter Lilies

also see in Holidays -> Mother's Day | Valentine's Day

More about buying flowers online around the Web:

Find a Florist - Search by US city, state or zip code

UK Florist Directory - The UK's most comprehensive directory searchable by city, region, county, or postcode.

Find Me Flowers - The Australian guide to florists nationwide searchable by address, suburb, postcode or region.

The Floral Detective - Great consumer tips including advice on avoiding bogus online florists, where to make consumer complaints and comparisons between the top online retailers.

Advice for Ordering Flowers - Helpful consumer tips on choosing and working with a local or online florist, with related directory, FAQ, and suggestions for creative card messages.