I have seen a number of gift list suggestions in various newspapers, magazines, etc. but they all leave me un-tantalized. I thought I would make my own list – keeping in mind that I represent the pragmatic, down-to earth, less whimsical variety of gardener person.
If someone is new – to anything- they are easy to shop for…because they need everything.
New gardeners need:
- good basic hand tools
- maybe some extra nice gardening gloves ( which work for more experienced gardeners, too)
- a special garden trug, things like that
- Garden related baskets of soaps and lotions are nice, as well.
For any gardener
- I would put a gift card to a good quality nursery, seed or plant company tops on the list. In fact I would place it inside a gift basket of my own making.
- The ideal is that garden trug, good for bringing harvested veggies or cut flowers into the house
- or a handy gardener’s tool holder, to tote things around the yard.
Stuff Garden Tote with:
- bag balm
or Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Kit - good pumice soap or something similar that gets ground-in garden grime off.
- gift cards and a garden catalog and a note saying you ordered the catalog for them
- some comfy gardening socks (like Ozone Women’s Mona Linen Socks)
- garden clogs
- and …why not? dress it up with some chocolate cookies on sticks that look like flowers.
- Something I always wanted was a good barometer set. So I think that makes a good gift.
- Target sells Smith and Hawken products, which has elegant garden related offerings. A rain chain or a rain barrel OR both.
- I was reading over @ The Vermont Gardener on Kathy‘s suggestion, and he had some of the first ideas that appealed to me. Bird houses were on his list. I have a penchant for those, and many gardeners do, so that is a thoughtful gift, include some birding accessories and you are set!
- Of course there are many cute ideas in the way of garden accessories and signs, etc. Those are highly individual in taste- but sometimes it is just sweet that a person recognizes your interests(should I say passions– when it comes to gardening?).
- A truly beautiful and useful garden book is always welcome… if you are interested in checking out my suggestions in the aStore, be my guest… if only to make a list to take on your shopping trip.
- Botanical Garden Membership
Another idea, …I might have mentioned it in another post… is a membership to a local Botanical garden. They often have special events and perks for members, which keeps that gift giving through the year. That is another thing I know I personally would appreciate. - I also love gardening magazines- some of the best information has been from catalogs and magazines. Again, announcement cards in a container, maybe a fancy dancy Haws watering can with good quality sunscreen or high spf moisturizer, a few bandana ‘kerchiefs, etc. Maybe an excellent pruner like a Felco.
- And to throw in with another gift…maybe a CD of nature sounds. The sounds of the outdoors can be very calming, especially when that is what you love…frogs on a pond, the waves lapping against the shore… I’m ready to drift off to the sounds of those right now.
