Flowers are lovely.
For about five days.
Then they droop. Go brown at the edges. Start smelling weird if you forget to change the water.
We’ve all been there... grinning politely as we accept a bunch of blooms, knowing full well we’ll be binning them by the end of the week.
That’s why more and more people are giving Metalbirds instead of bouquets.
It’s not anti-flowers. It’s pro-gifts that last.
Why Flowers Fade (and That’s Okay)
Flowers are great for the moment.
They brighten a room. They say "I’m thinking of you" without needing a speech.
But they’re temporary by design.
That’s the point. They bloom, they fade, they make way for the next season.
The trouble is, when you’re giving a gift to mark a big moment, sometimes you want something that sticks around longer than a week.
Enter the Bird
A Metalbird is like a bouquet with roots and wings.
It’s:
-
A daily reminder of love or friendship
-
A symbol of memory that doesn’t wilt
-
Outdoor art that develops a protective patina, sealing and protecting the bird instead of fading away
When to Choose a Bird Over Blooms
Here are a few moments when a bird just makes more sense:
-
Memorials
Flowers fade. Love doesn’t.
When someone’s grieving, the last thing they need is one more thing to throw out after a week.
A Metalbird becomes a permanent presence in the garden or on the balcony, quietly marking memory without fanfare.
-
Anniversaries
Instead of the usual flowers-and-card combo, imagine giving a Kingfisher or Cardinal with a note that says:
"For all the seasons we’ve weathered together. Here’s to many more."
It’s a gift that lasts as long as the love does.
-
Birthdays
Especially for people who "don’t want any fuss."
A bird says:
-
"I’m thinking of you."
-
"Here’s something that won’t clutter your house."
-
"Stick it in the garden. Let it catch the light."
-
-
Get Well Soon
Flowers are lovely in hospital rooms. But at home, they can feel like a chore.
A Metalbird says:
"Take your time healing. This’ll still be here when you’re back on your feet."
-
Just Because
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones with no occasion attached.
A bird says:
-
"I saw this and thought of you."
-
"I know you love the garden."
-
"Here’s a little daily joy."
-
Why It Works
Giving a Metalbird instead of flowers is about more than longevity.
It’s about the message it carries.
A bird in the garden says:
-
"This isn’t about a moment. It’s about memory."
-
"This isn’t temporary love. This is the lasting kind."
-
"You don’t have to do anything. Just let it be part of your life."
The Gift of Rust
Our birds are made from Corten steel, which develops a protective patina over time.
That patina tells a story:
-
Of time passing
-
Of life changing
-
Of love staying, even as the surface softens
It’s not shiny. It’s not showy. But it’s real.
The Practical Stuff
Flowers need:
-
Watering
-
Trimming
-
A clean vase
-
A trip to the compost when they give up
Metalbirds need:
-
A hammer. Once.
That’s it.
Real Stories from the Flock
Here are a few messages we’ve received from people who chose birds over blooms:
Sandra – Wellington
"I used to send flowers when friends lost someone. Now I send a Robin. It lasts longer, and they always tell me it means more."
Mark – Melbourne
"My wife loves gardening, so I gave her a Fantail for our anniversary instead of flowers. It’s in the veggie patch now, keeping watch."
Lucy – Toronto
"My best friend went through a rough patch. I sent her a Hummingbird. She says it’s the first thing she sees when she opens the curtains each morning."
It’s About Love That Sticks
We’re not saying ditch flowers forever.
They have their place. They’re part of life’s little rituals.
But when you want to mark something that matters, sometimes you need a symbol that outlasts the petals.
That’s where a bird comes in.
How to Pair the Gift With Words
If you’re swapping out flowers for a bird, you can still send a note.
Here are a few ideas:
-
"Flowers fade. This won’t."
-
"For your garden, your balcony, or wherever you feel most at home."
-
"A little bit of love that lasts longer than a week."
-
"This one’s for the long haul."
Give Love That Grows
At Metalbird, we believe in gifts that weather well.
That’s why we make birds, not bouquets.
So next time you’re about to hit "order" on a bunch of lilies or tulips, think about sending a bird instead.
It’ll stick around. It’ll catch the light.
And it’ll remind someone they’re loved... season after season.
Find your bird here.
Suggested Image:
A side-by-side photo: wilted flowers in a bin next to a rusted Metalbird silhouette catching the sunset in a garden. No harsh lighting. Just the quiet contrast of temporary beauty vs. lasting presence.