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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. If the flowers that are not delivered fail to impress they lose a customer - not you perhaps, but the person who received the less than stellar arrangement is sure to shop elsewhere. These companies know that word of mouth is their best advertisement and either ship their own flowers — packaged to impress — or deal with local florists who never fail to satisfy. There is too much competition for florists to risk sending less than the best!

The following florists all enjoy reputations for great products and online customer service, but make sure to compare delivery fees and service costs before you go after those bargain arrangements...

Growerflowers.com - This site offers great prices and the ability to send a personalized card along with your flowers. Just upload a picture or use one of theirs for inclusion with your flowers. Great idea! US and Canada focus although they do ship international orders.

Proflowers.com - Guaranteed fresh flowers direct from the grower, in arrangements categorized by occasion, plus featured discount specials, flower care tips, gift baskets, gourmet dessert packages, and international shipping.

1800Flowers.com - The well-known U.S. name in flower delivery options (in English or Spanish) for every occasion, together with giftware, great customer service, same day or international delivery, online order tracking.

Phillip's Flowers - Award-winning Chicago-based florist now online and nationwide, with a simple interface that belies the huge selection waiting inside, with delivery options that compete with their larger competitors, along with flower arranging tips and free floral e-cards.

Martha's Flowers - Yes, that Martha, and the kind of simple elegance you'd expect from America's still-reigning queen of homemakers. Neat interface leads to flowers by type, occasion, season, or price.

Hallmark Flowers - Fast, friendly and searchable by price or product, with arrangements for major occasions "when you care to send the very best," and a link to some of the best free e-cards online.

Flowers Across America - And around the world — with a cool currency converter for international visitors that automatically calculates your purchase price. Choose among Teleflora, FTD or their own reliable service (hint: pick the last one).

also in Shopping --> Garden | Gifts | Jewelry | Wine

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