Fake Flowers

I actually think it's really nice. If you are worried about her getting the wrong idea, or thinking it's cheap or whatever, just say,

"I don't want you just to have these, now, I want you to have them when you go home so you can always look at them and know we love you."

It's way better than her laying there and watching them die, or dealing with people who come in with allergies. When my mom was very sick, my girlfriend even had her daughter make tissue paper mums. That was precious.

My husband used to be a floral designer in honolulu and when he puts together fake flower arrangements there's nothing cheap about it.. more like 2-5x the cost of the real ones.. so no I don't think it's tacky or cheap and she can take it home and use it for a while, just make it look nice!

If I was in the hospital and someone brought me a basket of fake flowers that I could see they put together on their own, I would love it. I also believe that the nurses arent real fond of flowers and plants that need maintenance and some hospitals dont allow them in due to allergens or parasites in the soil.
I think it's a fine idea and one she can take home with her that requires low maintenance.

I second the house plant. Unless you know she has a strong affection for silk flowers! I think a living plant and your basket of things is lovely. Lucky MIL! Hope she's better soon!

:)

Even nice fake flowers collect dust. I have an arrangement I don't want to offend my MIL by parting with but the dust is annoying. I'd go with something else she might like. What about making "flowers" out of family pictures? A collage she can take home later?

Unless you're talking a beautiful silk floral arrangement that will last for years, fake flowers seem a little tacky to me. But, I don't know, may it's common in hospitals?

I would skip the florals altogether and bring her some things to make the room more "homey". When my grandmother was in the hospital (month-long stay), we brought framed pictures, cozy blanket, books, magazines and a soft pillow. We had all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren "decorate" the pillowcase. She loved it!

Flowers die and good silks are expensive. Things that will make her comfortable and comforted may help in her recovery!

I don't like fake flowers but my MIL loves and actually prefers them! So if you think your MIL would enjoy them then that is what really matters.

Another idea is real plants or cactus. Also, I'm sure she would appreciate magazines and books, word search puzzles, etc. I bought one of my friends one of those hand held electronic poker games and she LOVED it! She said it was the best thing someone ever brought her. But I like the silk flower basket idea too, that way she can keep them somewhere when she gets home as well. =)

Check and see what the hospital allows. When my mother was undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia, she was hospitalized for a month at a time to get the chemo and then deal with all the aftermath that ensued from having her immune system wiped out to practically nothing. They were VERY strict about what was and what was not allowed in that section of the hospital (never mind her room!). No plants, no fresh flowers, fruits or veggies. Too much risk that some pathogen would be introduced. She was not allowed to eat anything that was not cooked, and could not have anything with sugar (candy, etc.) because the bacteria in her mouth would "like it too much" and could cause an issue with her immune system unable to keep them in check. If live plants are allowed, maybe you could bring in some flowering potted plant that she could take home and keep afterwards. But I don't think fake ones are tacky at all - depending on the circumstances, they might be the only ones allowed!

Is she really into silk flower arrangements (decor in her home, hobby, etc)? If so, I'd say it would be fine, but if you're not sure, I'd tend to say it's a little tacky..I would opt for a cute plant that doesn't take much care, or an arrangement of real flowers.

I just ordered my mom a fake plant for her birthday! Flowers die and I know she has plans on being gone all weekend so I wanted to get her something she could enjoy for a long time...and real plants die lol...especially in my mom's house!

Hope your MIL is better soon!!

A.

Super tacky. Send fresh flowers or a plant like Laurie A suggested.

When you say fake you mean silk right? Not tacky at all. In the hospital on some floors live plants are not allowed. So silk is a nice option. Especially if your getting a nice arrangement together that will bring her joy each time she looks at it. I had a vase of silk tulips on my dresser all spring long. each time I looked at them I smiled. and an fyi for anone thinking silk flowers are cheap... not so much lol.

How about a plant.. Something easy to care for. Ivy with a pretty bow.

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Does she have artificial arrangements in her home? If so, then I think that would be fine. I'm not a lover of artificial flowers or plants, so that wouldn't be my cup of tea personally. I think real flowers are so beautiful and that's what I would prefer. But I'm not your MIL :)

I don't think it is tacky at all, but I have two thoughts on it if you are worried about it:

1. Buy a plant that is a combination fake/real. A friend of mine received one of these at work recently and it was pretty cool. As the real plants died, she removed those, but she was still left with a fake plant that looked great.

2. Take your mil the fake plant but also take her some roses that can be tossed in a couple of days - explain what you are doing - one for now and one for long term.

Good luck!
L.

Michaels makes beautiful faux flower arrangements. You can buy them already made or have their floral person make one based on what you specifically want.

This wouldn't be tacky at all. If she's not in a private room, she may not be able to have real flowers if her room mate is sensitive or allergic.
I worked in the OB ward and many moms requested no flowers because they were sensitive to the smells.

I hope your mom recovers quickly.

Best wishes.

Plants are always nice and the shouldn't die as fast!