The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Edition

Let's take a walk down the aisle...

Live footage of my mood when shopping.

...And step into gifting wonder with me at Bachman's Floral and Garden, who just so happens to be The Plant Penthouse partner for the holidays! It was a joy to scope out some of my favorite gift ideas in the Bachman's greenhouse and beyond. Amidst this season's joyous whirlwind, the quest for the perfect gift transforms into a heartwarming mission at The Plant Penthouse. Today, with excitement bubbling like my favorite Limoncello La Croix, I'm delighted to present to you: The Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast, a connoisseur of home decor, or a last-minute gift seeker, rest assured, I've got you covered! So, don your metaphorical boutonniere or corsage, and join me down these picturesque aisles—they're not just shopping lanes; they're our festive pathways to gifting bliss! With that, let's explore ten easy, last-minute-friendly ideas that will have you ready to say 'I Do' to the perfect gifts this holiday season.

---

Gift #1 | Let There Be (Low) Light: Easy Care Houseplants

*Gathers shoppers in aisle one and gestures to left* Here, let us discover the beauty of low-light tolerant houseplants – the perfect gift for both green thumbs and beginners. From the timeless Snake Plant to the vibrant ZZ's, allow me to quickly guide you through my go-to resilient warriors from a lush selection that adds life to any space:

Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

• Light: Adaptable to various light conditions, including low light.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist; allow the top inch to dry before watering.

• Thoughts: Excellent for hanging baskets; vines trail gracefully.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Light: Thrives in indirect light, but can tolerate low light conditions.

• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; overwatering is the main concern.

• Thoughts: Well-suited for forgetful waterers, prefers drier conditions.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)

• Light: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light*; can tolerate some neglect.

• Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

• Thoughts: Extremely low-maintenance; my top choice for beginners.

Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

• Light: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light.

• Water: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Thoughts: I love the varied leaf patterns which add personality to any space.

And for extra credit, here are two additional (personal) fan favorites that can also tolerate a moody ambiance:

Philodendron

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate lower light conditions.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

• Thoughts: Known for heart-shaped leaves! I alternate between pothos and heart-leaf Philodendron as my vining go-tos.

Dracaena Deremensis (Corn Plant)

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; can adapt to lower light.

• Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

• Thoughts: The tall, arching leaves make a striking visual statement!

*And just what is bright, indirect light anyways?! About 6 to 8 hours of filtered or diffused sunlight per day does the job. Bright, indirect light typically refers to a location where a plant receives strong, filtered sunlight. It's an area where your plant is exposed to plenty of light, but the direct rays of the sun are diffused or filtered by a sheer curtain, blinds, or other materials. I always ask myself, if I sat here for 8 hours, would I feel the rays but not sunburn? If the answer is YES, we've found our spot! It's like creating a cozy holiday atmosphere for your green companions to thrive and spread some festive cheer. We love that.

---

Gift #2 | Pottery Panache: Planter Pots

Elevate your plant game with stunning planter pots. With so many unique offerings these days, there are a variety of styles to suit every taste! I don't look at planters as just containers; they're an opportunity to make a curated design statement within any dwelling space.

---

Gift #3 | Growth Mindset: Propagation Stations

For the DIY enthusiasts and those looking to expand their plant family, propagation stations and cuttings can be both a generous and budget-friendly gift. These were a few finds that can propagating plants a breeze with stylish stations and healthy cuttings.

---

Gift #4 | Play Defense: Houseplant Care Essentials

Ensure your plants thrive with houseplant care kits and essentials. From soil toppers to moisture meters and misters, pruners and trellises, I love a curated selection of tools that make plant care a joy, not a chore. We have enough of those, already now don't we?

Because pest prevention is a *must* for all plant parents, my favorite go-to is the Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control. Add to cart and thank me later!

---

Gift #5 | Scented Serenity: Candles and Spa-like Items

And now for another personal gifting favorite: Create a serene atmosphere with candles and spa-like items. With neutral beeswax candles (the ones pictured are MN made by Slow Burn Candles!) and luxurious soaps, lotions, and scented accoutrements available, turning any space into a haven of relaxation and tranquility is only an add-to-cart away.

---

Gift #6 | Invest in the Best: Statement Books & Plants

Gift the joy of reading (...or simply admiring) with a carefully selected book. Whether it's a guide on plant care or a beautiful coffee table book, the perfect literary gift for everyone on your list awaits!

Plantopedia is my table-top approved book of the moment. I mean just look at it! CLASSY.

And for plant parent memento matrimony, gifting a rare plant, like the Monstera Thai Constellation is sure to be the home decor centerpience of the century! This is one situation where I approve playing favorites.

---

Gift #7 | Cozy Correspondence: Stationary

For the creative and sentimental souls in your life, stationery is a timeless and thoughtful gift. Uncover unique and stylish stationery items that cater to various tastes, from elegant postcards to artistic journals.

---

Gift #8 | Problem, Solved: Puzzles and Memory Games

Entertain minds and create lasting memories with puzzles and memory games. I perused a selection of engaging and aesthetically pleasing games that make for lovely gifting, bringing joy to both young and old!

---

Gift #9 | Mix it Up: Teas, Coffees, & More

Might I invite you to explore a world of flavors with teas, coffees, syrups, drink mixes, and cookbooks! I love these assortments of gourmet delights, making for delightful gifts that is sure to warm hearts and delight taste buds. Another round, please!

---

Gift #10 | Toast in Style: Entertaining Essentials

Elevate your gatherings with colored glassware and memory making serverware. I am all for adding a touch of sophistication to entertaining essentials, making every gathering a stylish and memorable event.

Time to Check Out & Wrap Up!

As we wrap up our journey through this Holiday Gift Guide, I do hope you've found inspiration for gifts that bring joy, warmth, and a touch of greenery to your loved ones' lives. Whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, cheers to a treasure trove of options to make this holiday season truly special. I am excited for you to stroll through thoughtful and last-minute-friendly gifts, and let the spirit of giving shine bright this year. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from The Plant Penthouse!

Big, big hugs!

xx Shayla

---

About The Plant Penthouse 

The Plant Penthouse is a flora-inspired interiors and lifestyle brand founded by Minnesota native, Shayla Owodunni. Since Shayla's early days as a boisterous kindergartner insistent on wearing neon knee-highs with brightly-printed dresses, curating vibrant juxtapositions (like a tropical oasis in Minneapolis) has become a joy-filled way of life.

Through plant care education, home décor inspiration and tastemaking tidbits, this is our residence to reimagine ‘posh’ penthouse concepts for life’s everyday moments—because here, we believe there is opulence to embrace in each dwelling space; regardless of size, location or circumstance.

Shayla has contributed to The Jason Show, Twin Cities Live, Artful Living, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Wit & Delight; with features by HGTV, HomeGoods, Apartment Therapy, Star Tribune, Midwest Home, Mercury Mosaics and The Wall Street Journal.