They work great for washing the car and stuff, too X! My problem with the hose-end sprayer, and my power washer, (my favorite toy) is when I get going with them, anything not moving gets washed! I can't stop.
Anyway, Cheryl my favorite source for Caladiums as of this year is Caladiums4Less. www.caladiums4less.com They are nearly as cheap (aside from shipping) as what you get at the big box stores, but HUGE bulbs, so healthy and have grown wonderfully. They do have a policy against shipping in winter "Bulbs that are shipped before the last frost date in your area are not guaranteed and we can not be held responsible. " So a holiday gift might not fly.
The Thai Caladiums I've been posting above all came from Lowe's, already leafed out, in pots. Check their nursery on a regular basis and I'll bet you'll find them. These came back for their 3rd year this year, but I'm sure if we get a 'cold' winter I will have to protect them. They are much more tender than the regular Caladiums and disappear as soon as the nights cool off here.
I did order my EE's online from McLure and Zimmerman - www.mzbulb.com. But I only have a few. See if you can trade for some starts with people here first, I'll bet you'll get better plants just for the cost of postage. If you get desperate, you can also try the Aroids forum.
