1-800-FLOWERS.COM(R) Celebrates National Cookie Day, Thursday, December 4th

CARLE PLACE, N.Y., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Did you know there was a day set aside to honor your favorite cookie? This year, National Cookie Day is December 4, 2008 and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) , the world's largest florist and gift shop, is celebrating National Cookie Day by taking a look at the history of the cookie!

The first cookie dates back to 7th century Persia. Persia was one of the earliest places in the world to cultivate sugar. Since the 7th century, the cookie has become world renowned(1).

Did you know?

-- Americans consume over two billion cookies annually, averaging up to 300 cookies per person per year(2).

-- The term "Cookie" comes from the Dutch word koekje (pronounced "Cook- yuh")(3).

-- Biscotti means "twice cooked." It is believed that the first Italian biscotti were baked in an Italian city called Prato, in the 13th century. The word biscotto is derived from bis (twice) and cotto (cooked)(4).

-- The chocolate chip cookie, the most popular cookie in the United States, was invented in 1937 by Ruth Graves Wakefield of Whitman, Massachusetts, who ran the Toll House Restaurant(5).

-- Peanut butter was not used as an ingredient in cookies until the 1930s(6).

For over 27 years Cheryl&Co., a subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., has delivered fresh-baked cookies for every special occasion. Cheryl&Co.(R) iced cookies are offered in various shapes and colors. Each Cheryl&Co. cookie arrives individually wrapped for you to enjoy. Also, for family and friends that would like to enjoy sugar-free treats, Cheryl&Co. offers a collection of sugar-free cookies that includes Frosted Buttercream cookies, Snickerdoodle cookies, Oatmeal Pecan cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies and more.

Most recently, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has added the Martha Stewart Cookie Tin to its collection. Featuring the delicious cookie recipes of Martha Stewart, these cookies will be sure to leave a lasting impression. The Martha Stewart Cookie Tins contain popular favorites including, Martha's take on snickerdoodles, chocolate chunk, sugar cookies and more. Enjoy these fabulous cookie treats this National Cookie Day.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the world's leading florist and a provider of specialty gifts for all occasions. For more than 30 years, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has been providing customers with fresh flowers and the finest selection of plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods, confections, balloons and plush stuffed animals perfect for every occasion. 1-800-FLOWERS(R) (1-800-356-9377 or www.1800flowers.com), is one of the top 50 online retailers by Internet Retailer, as well as 2008 Laureate Honoree by the Computerworld Honors Program and the recipient of ICMI's 2006 Global Call Center of the Year Award, offers the best of both worlds: exquisite arrangements created by some of the nation's top floral artists and hand-delivered the same day, and spectacular flowers shipped overnight from its Fresh From Our Growers(R) collection. As always, 100% satisfaction and freshness are guaranteed. The Company's BloomNet(R) (www.mybloomnet.net) international floral wire service provides a broad range of quality products and value-added services designed to help professional florists grow their businesses profitably.

The 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, "Gift Shop" also includes gourmet gifts such as popcorn and specialty treats from The Popcorn Factory(R) (1-800-541-2676 or www.thepopcornfactory.com); exceptional cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl&Co.(R) (1-800-443-8124 or www.cherylandco.com); premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May(R) confections brands (www.fanniemay.com and www.harrylondon.com); gourmet foods from Greatfood.com(R) (www.greatfood.com); wine gifts from Ambrosia(R) (www.ambrosia.com); gift baskets from 1-800- BASKETS.COM(R) (www.1800baskets.com) and DesignPac(sm); as well as Home Decor and Children's Gifts from Plow & Hearth(R) (1-800-627-1712 or www.plowandhearth.com), Wind & Weather(R) (www.windandweather.com), HearthSong(R) (www.hearthsong.com) and Magic Cabin(R) (www.magiccabin.com). 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under ticker symbol FLWS.

    (1) http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm
    (2) http://www.foodreference.com/html/fcookiesorigin.html
    (3) http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cookie%20
    (4) http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm
    (5) http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm
    (6) http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm