The lotus bamboo is a nice unexpected change to the more common lucky bamboo in the market. Although appropriate for Chinese New Year, bamboo can be given any time of the year as a token for luck. This Lotus Bamboo is available in a red or black vase for $38 at RedEnvelope.

One of my all-time favorite gifts, this Magical Plant Garden contains the fascinating tillandsia, which is an air plant-epiphyte, plants that can grow without soil. These tillandsia derive all their nutrition from air and water. The set includes 4 plants, stones and bowl. $79