16 comments 26 likes. Flowers are great gifts but they do have their downsides, prompting many people to wonder what they can give to loved ones instead of flowers. After all, flowers tend to be expensive – a dozen roses can go for fifty dollars!hat wouldn't be so bad, except that they also begin dying after a few days, which not only makes a mess, but also seems like a waste – and it's sad! So, here are a few things to buy instead of flowers that you can give to the #people you care about the most.