I Surprised My Mom With an "Eternity" Bouquet, and It's the Best Gift I've Ever Given

I think it's fair to say most people like flowers, but my mom loves flowers. She tends patiently to her garden. She keeps orchids year-round. In the warmer months, she even goes to our local farm to pick flowers in the field every other week. She marvels over giant New Jersey sunflowers especially, which are almost always on display, self-cut, in our family home whenever they're in season. Every trip home, in fact, includes an excited, mom-guided tour of new and returning plants and flowers.

That's why for Christmas this year, I wanted to go all out and give the gift of a bouquet that lasts forever (or, for a year in its original, pristine condition). Arranged by one of Venus Et Fleur's white-glove floral designers, the Allura Vase With Mixed Eternity™ Flowers ($729) is, like, the Royce Rolls of designer flowers. I chose one of the more expensive designs, but considering that it lasts for at least one year, it works out to cost a bit less than buying a $14 bouquet every week for one year. Except, this is a one-time buy and way more bang for your buck, delivered straight to your door. (So, 52 trips less into outside world.)

Earlier this year I told Entrepreneur that we could expect more thoughtful gift-giving this year as a means to bridge the gap created by social distancing, and a gift like this one is just what I had in mind. There are Venus arrangements big and small. (I have a smaller, cheaper one on my bedside.) But really, giving a gift that can go on display all year long is an easy way to show that you care during an especially trying time — especially for parents who are seeing way less of their kids this year. It turns a simple gesture into one that lasts, and Mom couldn't have been happier. Plus, she gets something pretty to prop up in the background of her many Zoom calls, which she absolutely does.

Read ahead to shop the Allura Vase With Mixed Eternity™ Flowers and select Venus picks from $99 up.