10 Best Christmas Plants to Gift This Holiday Season

The holiday season is finally upon us, and if you’re searching for the perfect gift that combines beauty, thoughtfulness, and lasting joy, why not consider a living plant? Christmas plants make the perfect presents that not only brighten up a home but continue to thrive long after the holiday season has passed. From vibrant flowers to fragrant evergreens, these plants are a gift that keeps on giving, bringing cheer to your loved ones throughout the year.

There’s a certain magic in receiving a plant as a gift, especially during the holiday season. Unlike temporary cut flowers, Christmas plants can bring long-lasting joy with their colors, fragrances, and lush green leaves that continue to grow and thrive even after the festivities are over. Every time your loved one waters their new plant or notices a new bloom unfurling, they’ll be reminded of the thoughtfulness behind your gift.

Christmas plants also carry special meanings and traditions, from the vibrant red poinsettia symbolizing holiday cheer to the sweet fragrance of the Christmas cactus evoking the warmth of family gatherings. Many of these plants even offer practical benefits—like purifying the air or filling a room with delightful aromas—making them both beautiful and functional.

So, let’s explore the best Christmas plants to brighten up their holiday season and beyond!

1. Poinsettia

No list of Christmas plants would be complete without the iconic Poinsettia. With its cheerful red and green leaves, this festive favorite instantly brings the spirit of Christmas into any home. Poinsettias are relatively easy to care for and make the perfect addition to any room. They thrive in bright, indirect light, and a little watering goes a long way, just make sure the soil isn’t too soggy.

Pro Tip: Want to make it extra special? Pair the poinsettia with a stylish decorative pot that matches the recipient’s home décor, making it a thoughtful and personalized gift.

2. Christmas Cactus

Looking for something a little different but still festive? The Christmas Cactus is an excellent choice. This plant features unique, segmented leaves and blooms in vibrant colors like red, pink, or white, often just in time for the holidays. It’s not just a pretty face—Christmas cacti are also low-maintenance and adaptable. With the right care, they can bloom year after year.

Pro Tip: For optimal blooms, place the Christmas cactus in a cool, bright spot and avoid overwatering—keeping the soil slightly dry between waterings helps the plant thrive.

Shop now

3. Amaryllis

For a showstopper gift, look no further than the stunning Amaryllis. Known for its bold, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in colors like deep red, white, or pink, the Amaryllis creates a dramatic display. With a little attention and care, it will bloom in time for the holidays, making it a perfect Christmas gift. After flowering, the plant can be enjoyed year after year, blooming once again with minimal effort.

Pro Tip: If you’re giving an Amaryllis as a gift, consider providing a care card with instructions on how to force the bulbs to bloom, allowing the recipient to enjoy its beauty right on schedule.

Shop now

4. Christmas Rose (Hellebore)

The Christmas Rose (Hellebore) is a true holiday gem. Known for its ability to bloom even during the coldest months of the year, the Christmas Rose produces delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. It’s an elegant, enduring plant that will thrive both indoors and outdoors, adding charm to any winter landscape.

Pro Tip: Hellebores prefer cool conditions and will last longer in a shaded spot, making them ideal for those with a slightly cooler indoor environment or those who can plant them outdoors in the garden.

Shop now

5. Norfolk Island Pine

If you’re looking for a plant that doubles as a unique Christmas tree alternative, consider the Norfolk Island Pine. With its soft, feathery needles, this plant mimics the look of a traditional Christmas tree but in a more compact form. It’s perfect for someone with limited space or for someone who prefers a low-maintenance, year-round indoor tree.

Pro Tip: Keep it in a bright, indirect light spot and make sure to water it regularly—this plant thrives in humid conditions, so misting the needles can help it stay happy.

6. Holly

Classic, festive, and full of holiday charm, Holly is one of the most iconic Christmas plants. Its glossy, spiky leaves and bright red berries are instantly recognizable, adding a touch of winter magic to any home. Holly is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and makes a wonderful addition to holiday wreaths, garlands, or as a stand-alone centerpiece.

Pro Tip: While holly can be enjoyed indoors, it thrives in outdoor gardens as well, making it a great gift for those who enjoy decorating their garden or backyard during the winter months.

Shop now

7. Cyclamen

Delicate yet vibrant, Cyclamen plants are a lovely addition to any home. With their heart-shaped leaves and beautiful, upward-facing flowers in shades of red, pink, and white, Cyclamen brings a pop of color to winter interiors. They prefer cool, indoor temperatures and are relatively easy to care for.

Pro Tip: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and be sure to place the Cyclamen in a spot with bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

Shop now

8. Paperwhite Narcissus

For a fragrant and festive touch, look no further than Paperwhite Narcissus. These elegant flowers bloom in clusters of tiny, fragrant white blossoms, filling the room with a lovely scent. Paperwhites are incredibly easy to grow—simply place the bulbs in a decorative pot with gravel or pebbles, add water, and watch them bloom.

Pro Tip: For the best results, place the Paperwhites in a cool location with plenty of sunlight, and make sure the water level stays just below the bulbs to prevent rotting.

Shop now

9. Winterberry

The Winterberry is a beautiful shrub known for its bright red berries that remain vibrant throughout the winter. While it’s typically grown outdoors, it can also make a striking indoor decoration when placed in a decorative container. The glossy, red berries add a festive pop of color to any space, making Winterberry the perfect holiday gift.

Pro Tip: If giving Winterberry as a gift, consider pairing it with a lovely container or decorative pot to highlight its vibrant berries and make it an even more eye-catching gift.

10. Mistletoe

What could be more romantic and festive than a sprig of Mistletoe? This classic plant is synonymous with holiday traditions and is often hung in doorways to encourage a kiss beneath it. With its glossy green leaves and white berries, mistletoe adds a touch of magic to the holiday season.

Pro Tip: Hang your mistletoe in a doorway or above the fireplace for the perfect holiday tradition—just don’t forget to leave a little room for a kiss!

Conclusion

This holiday season, give a gift that not only brings festive cheer but also continues to grow and thrive long after the season has passed. Whether you choose the classic poinsettia, the fragrant Christmas cactus, or the sweet-smelling Paperwhite Narcissus, these plants will bring joy, color, and life to your loved ones’ homes. Choose the plant that best suits the recipient’s style and space, and watch as your thoughtful gift continues to bloom, year after year.

You may like:

• Top 7 Best Plant Gifts for Mother’s Day
• 5 Best Plant Gifts for Grandpa for Father’s Day 2025
• Father’s Day Plant Gifts: 5 Plants Every Dad Will Love