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.
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.
Well, hope these ideas were helpful to you, although usually it is gardeners who are reading these blogs, and we already know what we want!