Top-Notch Presents Ideal for Green Thumb Enthusiasts
Everyone is familiar with a gardener. That person who constantly has dirt beneath their fingernails, owns at least one set of overalls, and spends an excess amount of time praising the excellence of their tomatoes. So, what do you get such an individual as a gift? The top choice is a gift card from their local nursery. If you're looking to impress a gardener properly, let me, a lifelong gardener, share some insights. If you're seeking a present to unwrap, however, check out my preferred picks.
A multipurpose gardening bucket
From vegetable gardeners to flower gardeners, everyone appreciates a bucket—a fancy term for a type of container. And if they currently own one, they'd surely adore an additional one. Superior to the standard baskets, boxes, or bowls gardeners occasionally utilize to gather items in their yard, a bucket is specifically designed for the job. Robust and water-resistant, these garden carriers are handy and aesthetically pleasing.
- Maine Garden Bucket ($64.99)
A personalized weather device
If a gardener had a vanity, it'd be a weather device, and when I finally purchased one, I figured it would merely be a novelty. Instead, it's become astonishingly practical. I receive alerts of lightning miles away, signaling rain approaching. I know precisely how much precipitation my yard has received, and the conditions in my garden, specifically, not the city's measurement, which can be taken miles away. Additionally, this data can be utilized for intelligent irrigation systems. It installs in seconds and is now one of my favorite garden gadgets.
- Garden Weather System ($339)
A high-quality garden spade
While it's a given your gardening friend already has a spade, they could always benefit from an extra one. They frequently get misplaced around the yard, and having more than one is convenient. If you're going to acquire one, however, make sure it's of good quality. I appreciate a wooden handle that can endure the seasons.
- Durable Polished Stainless Steel Garden Shovels ($9.99)
An intelligent bird feeder
If you garden, you'll eventually develop a rapport with the local wildlife. I had considered a smart birdhouse for some time, but I can't articulate just how delightful it is to receive videos of birds visiting your yard. These close-up photos and brief clips allow you to discover the character of the local bird population, and they have become an integral part of my day.
- Smart BirdFeeder ($299)
Gardening books
Every year, a multitude of new gardening books hit the shelves: Books that propose new approaches to gardening, methodologies to earn money through gardening, and artistic books that concentrate on the colors, intentions, and tranquility of gardening. Similar to visual treats for individuals who love to dig, these books are excellent during this time to inspire us as we struggle through the cold, garden-less months. Here are some of the finest from 2024. Additionally, consider audiobooks for those gardeners who prefer to listen while working in their yard.
- A Year Abundant in Vegetables: A Harvest for All Seasons by Sarah Raven ($15.13)
- The Cut Flower Sourcebook: Exceptional Perennials and Woody Plants for Cutting by Rachel Siegfried ($42.90)
- Resilient Garden: Sustainable Gardening for a Changing Climate by Tom Massey ($29.99)
- Garden: Exploring the Horticultural World by Phaidon ($64.95)
- Why Women Tend: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood, and Survival by Alice Vincent ($24.23)
A set of Felco pruners
Felco pruners are the designer shoes of gardening. Expensive (for a set of shears) and attractive, they are available in numerous models. Most gardeners recognize the number of their preferred model, likely after trying it out at their local nursery. If you're aware of your recipient's model, this is a lovely gift idea. If not, consider a gift card so they can choose the one they want—or opt for one of these models, which are always welcomed.
- For left-handed pruners: Felco 9, Felco 10, Felco 16, Felco 17 ($60-84)
- For small hands: Felco 14 ($51.66), Felco 15 ($84.33)
- For individuals with wrist concerns: Felco 7 ($80.20)
Items to avoid
In addition to the thoughtful gift suggestions provided above, I believe it's crucial to draw attention to a few potentially problematic gift ideas you may be contemplating. The following ideas are worth reconsidering.
- Garden ornaments: You wouldn't buy an interior decorator a roll of wallpaper, and gardeners similarly have specific preferences regarding how their yard should appear. Unless you know your recipient exceptionally well, steer clear of gnomes and whimsical outdoor decorations. If, however, you're aware your recipient appreciates garden spheres or wind chimes, your addition to their collection will likely be well-received.
- Seeds: Wildflower seed mixes or seed packets might appear as logical gift options, but unless your recipient is a relatively new gardener or one who has explicitly stated they desire seeds, this is not advisable. If you've saved seeds from a plant you've grown or one you've encountered in the wild and wish to share, those, however, would be touching gifts.
A gardener would appreciate receiving a multipurpose gardening bucket for their collection, as it's versatile and suitable for various gardening tasks. Additionally, the best gifts for gardeners often include tools, such as a high-quality garden spade, to help them tend to their plants effectively.
