December Birth Flower Gift Guide
Updated: May 15, 2023
Holly is a popular holiday decoration and a December birth flower. Here’s everything you need to know about the December birth flower and gift ideas.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
December is the most magical time of year as holidays and traditions are in full bloom, as are the December birth flowers: holly and narcissus—specifically the paperwhite. Although they’re different from each other (holly isn’t a flower at all, it’s an evergreen shrub) they’re pretty winter plants for decorating your home. Holly and narcissus aren’t just festive winter flowers, they’re a beautiful focus of gifts for December birthdays on your list.
Here’s everything you need to know about the December birth flower and a list of birthday gift ideas inspired by holly and narcissus. If you’re not celebrating a birthday in December, we’ve curated birth flower gift guides for January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November too.
What Are December’s Birth Flowers?
December has two birth flowers: holly and paperwhite narcissus.
Technically, holly isn’t a flower at all; it’s a plant with small red berries. This holiday favorite is a popular winter decoration, which is just one fascinating fact about holly. Its origin dates back to when Romans decorated their homes with holly during the celebration of Saturnalia, which was observed in December prior to the winter solstice. In Christianity, holly leaves represent the crown of thorns and the red berries symbolize Christ’s blood. And in England, some of the first Christmas trees were holly trees, not fir trees that are commonly used today.
Holly berries, leaves and bark are not safe for humans and most pets to consume because they contain a mildly poisonous compound called theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine. Birds, however, can handle the toxicity of the berries—making holly an important winter food source for birds that eat berries.
The second December flower is narcissus. While there are many types of flowers in the genus narcissus—including the daffodil, which is the March birth flower—the paperwhite narcissus blooms in the winter. The flowers come in a variety of colors including white, yellow and orange. If you’re tending to paperwhites the researchers at Cornell University found that adding a shot of gin or vodka to water stops them from drooping as they grow taller.
What Are the Meanings of December’s Birth Flowers?
For those with December birthdays, holly symbolizes happiness and hope. Holly also symbolizes protection. Historically, members of the high-ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures (aka druids) believed holly had protective qualities, and cutting down a holly bush caused bad luck. According to the Holly Society, holly bushes also protect nearby surroundings from lightning strikes: “We now know that the spines on the distinctively-shaped holly leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors, thereby protecting the tree and other nearby objects.”
The paperwhite narcissus symbolizes good wishes, faithfulness and respect. They’re also associated with purity, sweetness and complicity.
Now that you know more about December’s birth flowers, take a look at these holly- and narcissus-inspired gifts. From decorations, to jewelry and apparel, these gifts will delight anyone on your list (and double as Christmas gifts).
December Birth Flower Gift Guide
Holly and Berries Ornament
December is the perfect time to gift a holly and berries ornament. This handmade, porcelain ornament features original artwork of holly leaves and berries. Personalize it with the name of your choice for a special touch. It can be enjoyed on your loved one’s holiday tree and as a decorative piece during the year.
Narcissus Bracelet
Celebrate a December birthday with this gold narcissus bracelet. The charm features a colorful illustration of narcissus flowers in bloom on one side and an engraved message of your choice on the other. Your thoughtfulness will be remembered every time this bracelet is worn.
Holly Notepad
This holly notepad is a thoughtful gift as it can be personalized with the name of your choice. Select your finishing touches, including if you want a magnetic back, lined or un-lined paper and ink color of choice. It’s perfect for loved ones who are obsessed with keeping their grocery lists and reminders organized and at their finger tips.
Narcissus Art Print
This beautiful illustration of narcissus includes hand drawn flowers, the flower name and the birth month. Customize the size and background, which comes in blue and white. Plus, you can customize by adding your loved one’s name or another personal touch that’ll make them smile. Note: The print doesn’t include a frame.
Holly Wreath
Gift this gorgeous holly wreath adorned with small red berries that also doubles as holiday decor. This versatile wreath can hang on the wall or sit as a table centerpiece. Add a candle and you’re good to go!
Holly Bottle Art
This birthday flower bottle art decoration is a fresh take on the classic message in a bottle. Only this time, it’s a tiny flower and special birthday wish of “Happiness & Hope” inspired by holly that’s in the bottle. December birthdays will treasure this gift wherever they decide to put it.
Holly Necklace
Those with December birthdays will love this gold holly necklace with an illustration of the winter flower on an engraved charm. This delicate jewelry piece is packaged with a custom card that includes information about holly’s meaning. Gift recipients will enjoy wearing this holly necklace year round.
Holly Scarf
This birth month flower scarf is adorned with watercolor illustrations of holly. It’s a great gift to mail because it comes wrapped in a custom box featuring the birth flower’s scientific name, the affectionate traits that are associated with it and a colorful print of the bloom.
Birth Flower Sticker
If you’re looking for a little something to celebrate a coworker, friend or family member, this vinyl sticker goes a long way. Inspired by December’s birth flowers, this sticker features a colorful illustration of both holly and narcissus.
Narcissus Earrings
This lovely pair of handmade birth flower earrings is a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. A real narcissus flower is coated in a small resin pendant to preserve its beauty, hung on sterling silver ear wires. These earrings can be worn any time of year.
