To think sending flowers by post/courier to ill people is a bad idea?

I agree entirely with you. I've just thrown away some dead roses that were sent to me when I was really ill. My heart sank when I saw them. I must have pricked myself numerous times whilst trying to sort them out. Then there is the rubbish to dispose of, changing the water before they start smelling, disposing of them, again getting pricked by the thorns and then having to wash the vase out. All this whilst finding it really difficult to stand up for more than a couple of minutes. As you say, a magazine subscription or a book or even a plant that I can just plonk out then place outside when it's died off and plant it in the garden when I'm feeling better. It actually makes me want to cry when I get given a big bunch of roses, as all the giver is doing is giving me a load of hard work. I've never had much money to spare so I feel obliged to sort them out and display them as I think of the waste and the money someone has so kindly spent on me. Although, I've just got rid of the last lot and said to dh that if anyone gives me a bunch of bloody roses again I'm going to stuff them in the bin!

some flowers do come ready in containers such as waterproof boxes so all you have to do is unwrap and enjoy but I get your problem. Being on crutches you must struggle to get yourself food, drinks, medications etc without the added problem of flower arranging. mind, at the best of times my flower arranging leaves a lot to be desired.
all these people sending flowers it would be nicer for you to have them visit to help you out and then they can arrange the flowers for you!

Why ‘bloody hell’ and the face?

I’m ill at the moment. I can’t get down the stairs to open the door or pick a box of flowers up off a door mat, I couldn’t fill up a vase at the sink and carry it, I couldn’t cut flowers stems with scissors, and I couldn’t move a vase of flowers around.

That’s just how it is.

Ah Mumsnet, where no good deed goes unloathed.

YANBU. My cat got kidney failure due to some lilies I received after have a baby. Was totally not on the ball and didn't give it a thought and just had them in a glass on the floor. It can be tricky dealing with flowers when ill or otherwise tied up.

I would hate flowers in this situation. I only have two vases out one small and one normal, I have allergy so some flowers will do me more harm than good and when I am unwell I don’t want extra hassle - I want relaxation.
I would rather have a txt message with funny gif, a card or if you really want to treat me a card with chocolates.
I wouldn’t like cooked/ baked goodies. When people are not well they often eat less or have a specific diet.
I would really appreciate an offer to get me something from a supermarket or a pharmacy and put on my doorstep. I would hate to let people in - it would be like an expectation to entertain in a way.
I don’t want them to see me and get how many days I go without washing my hair.

I was very ill a few years ago and once out of hospital someone sent me a fruit basket, which I thought was lovely and thoughtful. No vase or arranging needed and obviously eating fruit was great for my health and hydration etc at that point.

ETA - I in turn sent one to a bereaved friend instead of flowers and it was much appreciated.

Agree beautiful biscuits or cookies ( even M&S do them)
Magazines
Nice handcream and a pretty nail polish
Merino or alpaca socks
Scented candles
Or just a really nice card with lots of chat & the promise of a meet up once convalescence over .

I'm not a cut flower person at the best of times, but it had never occurred to me that flower deliveries could make so much extra work for someone who's ill or recovering from something. It makes sense, though. Another reason not to send flowers, imo! I rarely see them as anything but a waste of money, though I know most would disagree.

I send cook deliveries.

YANBU. Giving flowers to someone who is ill unless they have someone there to look after them gives them a task. First to get to the door for the delivery then sorting out vase and water etc. I personally would just send a card but pop by a week or so later with flowers and chocolates or a meal and sort out a vase etc.

But they need attention too. They arrive looking half dead, limp and floppy, or “ sleeping” as B&W like to describe it. Not a pretty sight, hardly cheering the recipient up! Still need arranging , water changing etc . I feel so ungrateful when I receive these, because it’s such a nice thought. It’s always best to send an arrangement already in a container, though.

And whilst we’re at it - don’t send flowers to someone who has had a bereavement, the last thing they need is the admin of sorting the flowers out and then something else dead to sort out in a weeks time, it irritated me so much when people sent flowers when we lost our baby, cards are thoughtful, food would have been a massive help at an awful time, flowers were not what I needed.

Like previous posters, I was given so many bunches of flowers upon the birth of my child, and it was such a waste, and just a drain on my time and energy during an already trying time. The only thing I wanted to look at was my newborn baby, I didn’t need bunches of flowers! And I had so little time only to then be confronted with pint glasses (as we only have a couple of vases, like most households I assume) of rotting flowers which I had to deal with. I wish people had given us edible treats instead, or takeaway vouchers perhaps.

This is exactly why I never send flowers. Absolute pain in the neck, especially when you are ill. Send biscuits or nice soup or something.

If anyone wants to send me flowers they will be gratefully loved and received 💐

YANBU. I'm not recovering from surgery and am physically fully able, but flowers are just another job for me to do. Unpack, trim, arrange, then sort them out for composting when they keel over a few days later, wash the vase etc. etc. I told DH this very early in our relationship and he thankfully deals with all of the above himself on the rare occasions he reckons I need flowers.

This is lovely!!

Just googled this, it looks brilliant. Thank you!

Bloody hell

Oh you have my sympathy OP. In my view flowers are not a gift they are a burden. You just gift someone housework. Unwrap, trim stems, find vase fill up find somewhere to put them, change water when it goes cloudy, cut them up into small enough pieces to go in the bin, wash vase, put away. Ugh, no thanks.

When a friend was recovering from an operation & didn’t feel up to reading, I bought her an Audible gift membership so she could enjoy audiobooks instead.

M&S Letter Box Afternoon Tea with treats is always welcome.

I'm just going to pop this here, just to give people ideas.

https://www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com/product-category/gifts-by-recipient/for-any-gender/cancer-care-packages-for-any-gender/

@MrsLizzieDarcy This is what I mean, a sensible person who can give advice.