Replica cars, comic boxers, laminate tie-hangers - one can't help thinking that dads have pulled the short straw when it comes to impromptu gifts. Of course it's the thought that counts, but do fathers derive the same pleasure from tatty trinkets received in June as mothers do from the bouquets they get sent in May? It seems unlikely, yet, year after year, we refuse to take a cue from the delight experienced by the distaff side. Is it because we're victims of social stereotypes, or do men really not get the same frisson from flowers?

It's true - boys do want bouquets
Contrary to popular belief, most men seem to rather fancy a bit of floral pampering. In 2003, over 60 per cent of men surveyed by the Society of American Florists admitted they would like to receive flowers on Valentine's Day - and that was a good few years before 'metrosexual' entered our common parlance. An ICM poll from the same year also revealed that just as many men as women thought they might be given flowers on a Friday as a prelude to a good weekend.

Give flowers and get social butterflies
What's more, men who receive flowers are generally nicer to be around (unless, of course, you've got a penchant for grumpy fellows). In a study undertaken by academics at Rutgers University, lone elevator travellers were presented with a single gerbera stem, a pen, or nothing at all, or exposed to a basketful of Transvaal daisies. The researchers then attempted to engage the inter-floor itinerants in conversation.

Taking into account head movements, eye contact, proxemic behaviour and polite versus genuine (Duchenne) smiles, the researchers concluded that "both men and women were as likely to respond with more social behaviors when receiving flowers versus receiving pens or receiving nothing". So whether or not men admit to being pleased by gifts of flowers, most people are likely to prefer male company if the males in question have been bestowed with blossoms.

Send flowers and push the envelope
According to Texas A&M University, flowers in the workplace also augment men's problem-solving skills. Over a period of eight months, the men who participated in the study came up with 15 per cent more ideas than usual when working in a florally enhanced environment. So, if you're a casualty of uninspired dinnertime chatter or lugubrious bedroom antics, perhaps a strategically placed bunch of flowers in the home will get your guy thinking...

So, some pink peonies for him, then?
Just because men do enjoy being given flowers (or at least respond well to receiving them), it doesn't automatically follow that they like getting the same types of flowers as women. Flowers as a whole may have shaken off the outmoded mantle of non-manliness, but there are certain varieties that are considered too feminine and frilly for more masculine tastes.

That's not to say anything pink is an a priori no-no. In the early 20th century, pink was actually the favoured colour for boys, so anyone who insists that only blue will do really is a herd-following conservative. True, men do tend to like blue - on the whole, they are attracted to bolder, more vibrant colours, including reds and yellows. They also tend to prefer cleaner-edged, more architectural flowers, such as bamboos, ginger lilies and gladioli. Tropical flowers are usually a good bet, then, as their bright hues and modern shapes are a far cry from the fussy petals of more feminine flowers such as carnations and peonies.

Each to his own, however, holds true. If you're choosing flowers for a man, take a bit of time to think about his favourite colours and shapes. And don't limit yourself to Valentine's Day, it's high time our gentlemen friends become as accustomed to a bit of spoiling as our ladies.