What Is a Gift Tree? Everything You Need to Know Before Sending One
There are moments when you want to send something that feels more lasting than flowers.
Something that doesn’t fade after a few days. Something that reflects what you really want to say.
That’s where a gift tree comes in.
Maybe you’ve wondered what is a gift tree? Or maybe you aren’t sure how to send a tree as a gift, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to send a meaningful gift that grows.
What Is a Gift Tree?
A gift tree is exactly what it sounds like: a living tree sent as a gift to mark a meaningful moment.
But it’s more than just a plant. A gift tree is designed to carry meaning. It’s a way to express something that can be hard to put into words, whether that’s love, sympathy, gratitude, or celebration.
Unlike traditional gifts, a tree continues to grow over time. It becomes a lasting reminder of the moment it was given.
That’s what makes it different: it’s a gift that is experienced.
What Makes a Tree a Gift?
What makes a tree a true gift is the intention behind it. It’s about creating a moment for the person receiving it.
Trees are great gifts to mark any occasion. We have a variety of trees that we ship. When we receive an order, we choose the tree that will thrive in the recipient’s region and deliver it with care so it feels personal from the moment it arrives. That’s why we started Little Saps.
Little Saps began on a family Christmas tree farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Surrounded by rows of young saplings, Carrie (owner and Founder of Little Saps) began to notice something simple but powerful. Each small tree held the potential to grow into something tall, steady, and lasting. There was something meaningful in that.
“I started Little Saps so our trees could carry messages of love, hope, and comfort into the world. So that when someone receives one, they feel the care behind it.” - Carrie McClain, Founder and Owner of Little Saps
At the same time, she saw how often people struggled to find the right way to show up for one another. Especially during life’s more emotional moments, when words felt hard to find and traditional gifts didn’t always feel like enough.
Little Saps was created to offer something different.
A living tree, carefully chosen and thoughtfully sent, as a way to carry a message of love, remembrance, encouragement, or gratitude.
Something small you can hold in your hands today, that continues to grow long after the moment has passed.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful gifts aren’t the ones that say the most.
They’re the ones that stay.
That idea became Little Saps. A simple way to send a gift that grows.
Types of Gift Trees We Offer
One of the most common questions people have is: what kind of tree will they receive?
We offer a variety of evergreen trees, including types like spruce, pine, cedar, cypress, and arborvitae. Each one is chosen for its ability to grow strong and thrive over time.
Browse our full selection of tree evergreen tree types that we grow.
Because these are living trees, availability can shift slightly with the seasons. But every tree we send is selected with the same intention: something healthy, resilient, and ready to grow.
What matters most isn’t choosing a specific variety. It’s choosing a tree that will do well where it’s going.
That’s why we hand-select each sapling based on the recipient’s growing region. We look at climate and planting conditions to ensure the tree has the best chance to thrive long after it arrives.
It’s a small detail, but an important one.
Curious to learn more about your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone? Check out this interactive map to find out more about the zone you live in.
Occasions to Send a Tree as a Gift
A tree is a meaningful gift for any occasion, but here are a few of the most common that we see:
Sympathy and Remembrance
When someone experiences a loss, many people instinctively send flowers as a way to express care and sympathy.
A memorial tree gift offers a way to mark loss with something living, enduring, and hopeful. As seasons pass and the tree takes root, it becomes a quiet reminder of love, memory, and connection.
Memorial trees are also a thoughtful pet sympathy gift for someone experiencing loss of a faithful friend.
See our collection of Memorial and Sympathy Trees.
Celebrations and Milestones
Birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations all carry a sense of growth and change, making a tree a natural fit.
These are moments when something has been built over time, whether it’s a year of life, a relationship, or a chapter completed. A gift tree reflects that journey. It marks not just where someone is, but where they’re going.
Long after the celebration has passed, the tree continues to grow, becoming a quiet reminder of that milestone and everything it represents.
New Beginnings
Housewarmings, new jobs, and new babies are all moments rooted in possibility.
They mark the start of something new, often filled with both excitement and uncertainty. A gift tree fits naturally into these moments, symbolizing putting down roots, creating stability, and growing into what comes next.
It’s a way of saying: this is just the beginning.
Gratitude and Appreciation
A thoughtful way to say thank you to teachers, clients, or friends.
Sometimes appreciation is hard to express in a way that feels lasting. A gift tree offers something more than a simple gesture. It’s a way to acknowledge the impact someone has had and to give them something that continues to grow, just like the influence they’ve made.
It feels considered, without needing to say too much.
Weddings and Events
Saplings can also be shared as favors, giving guests something meaningful to take home and grow.
Instead of something that gets used or forgotten, a tree becomes a lasting reminder of the day. Over time, it grows alongside the memories tied to that moment, connecting people back to it in a quiet, lasting way.
Across all of these, the meaning stays consistent: something small, given now, that grows over time.
Shop our collection of trees to find the perfect gift to mark your next occasion.
When to Send a Tree as a Gift
One of the most common questions is timing.
The answer is: there’s rarely a wrong time and it depends on the occasion that you are sending the gift for.
Here’s our recommendation for timing when you send a gift tree:
Birthdays, anniversaries or other date-specific occasions, we recommend Immediately, to mark a moment as it happens
When sending a tree in memory of a loved one or a pet, we recommend waiting a few days or even weeks later, when things have settled to avoid overwhelming the recipient
For “just because” occasions, sending a tree seasonally like in spring and fall is a great time when planting feels natural
Even in winter, trees can be kept in a container outdoors until planting conditions improve.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Give a Tree as a Gift
Can I send a tree as a gift anywhere?
We ship to all U.S. states except Hawaii and Alaska. We do not ship to Canada or any international addresses due to agricultural restrictions.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 2–5 business days with standard shipping, with faster options available if needed.
Do I need to choose the tree type?
We select a tree that will thrive in the recipient’s climate, which helps ensure long-term success. If you have a tree type in mind, please share with us in the comments and we’ll try to accommodate your request.
Will the recipient need to plant it right away?
No. Trees can remain in their container for a period of time before being planted or repotted.
Is a gift tree hard to care for?
Not at all. All our trees come with simple instructions, and care is similar to other outdoor plants.
A Simple Way to Give Something That Lasts
At its core, a gift tree is a simple idea. You send something small. They receive something that grows.
Whether you’re marking a loss, celebrating a milestone, or simply reaching out, it’s a way to give something that stays with them long after the moment has passed.
Stay Connected
If you’re exploring meaningful ways to give, you’re not alone. Many people discover gift trees while searching for something more lasting.
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