Botanicals gift ideas

January 27, 2006 6:08 AM

Botanicals Gift: I'm looking for aromatic gifts made from botanicals (especially flowers) that go beyond lotions, candles, etc.

I'd like something that really showcases the natural fragrance or flavor of flowers. These infusions seem to fit the bill, but I'm open to other ideas.

posted by defreckled to shopping (10 comments total)

Essential oils? Check out Amphora Aromatics pure absolute & precious oils, for example (they have an organic range too).
posted by misteraitch at 6:30 AM on January 27, 2006

I have no idea what's covered by your "etc", so I'll just offer these suggestions: potpourri, infused oil, bath teas, sachets, shampoos, dried flower arrangements. Infused oil is very easy to make, can be beautifully bottled, probably has the most concentrated scent, and it can be dripped onto potpourri, used on the body, dropped onto a lightbulb...

Are you drying the flowers yourself?
posted by iconomy at 6:36 AM on January 27, 2006

Oh, and this is a wonderful list of edible flowers, and another. I made oil from violets once - it was so beautiful. It tasted pretty good on a salad of greens, and smelled wonderful. Here are a few really good recipes.
posted by iconomy at 6:45 AM on January 27, 2006

I guess I wasn't specific enough. This gift is for a professional in the fragrance industry who has access to myriad essential oils and probably wouldn't be interested in the usual assortment of bath and body products.

On retrospect, I realize this question should have been entitled "Edible Botanical Gifts".

Thanks for your help!
posted by defreckled at 6:47 AM on January 27, 2006

In retrospect, I should proofread more often.
posted by defreckled at 6:51 AM on January 27, 2006

Maybe a homemade flower-infused vodka?
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:54 AM on January 27, 2006

I second the vodka, or a liqueur. The recipes I linked to have a really nice floral liqueur you could try making, if you have the time. Plus you get to taste test ;) Two really pretty things to make that are easy and look really impressive are candied violets, and flowered sugar, where you put flowers into white sugar and then put that into a clear glass jar. The flowers scent the sugar. Also in that recipes link is a recipe to make flower honey, which is also so pretty, and delicious.
posted by iconomy at 7:09 AM on January 27, 2006

The other night in my Italian cheese class the instructor made a delicious dessert that included this rose syrup.
posted by nekton at 11:25 AM on January 27, 2006

In Gilroy, they make icecream with garlic!
posted by hortense at 3:28 PM on January 27, 2006

Thanks!
posted by defreckled at 12:47 AM on January 29, 2006