Paperwhites Bulb Project

This is a great wintertime or holiday gift to lift the spirits of anyone—even friends who claim they don't have a green thumb. Everything your gift recipient needs is included; the project is simple and success guaranteed. The payoff is a flurry of pretty white flowers and a wafting sweet fragrance in the dead of winter. They're guaranteed to thrill anyone who receives them!

What you need:

Several plump paperwhite bulbs (about 6 to 24, depending on the size of your container). Check them yourself to be sure they're in good condition and heavy, indicating that they're healthy and ready to go.

An ample planting container that can hold the bulbs without overcrowding. It doesn't need a drainage hole. Since this is a gift, the prettier, the better—a bowl, an attractive metal tray or even a plastic-lined basket. A traditional clay or plastic pot will do as well.

Some clean pebbles or rock chips If they are dusty or dirty, rinse them first and let them dry, then pack them in a plastic bag or drawstring bag.

A pretty gift bag—they're available wherever greeting cards and party supplies are sold. The bag should be big and durable enough to hold everything.

Assembly:

Put the pot in the bottom of the gift bag, then the bulbs. Tuck the bag of pebbles inside as well. Then lay the instruction sheet on top or attach it to the outside of the bag.