What to buy someone who enjoys gardening?

Buying a gift for someone with a green thumb can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With the popularity of gardening on the rise, there are tons of great gift ideas out there for gardeners of all levels and interests. Here are some tips and recommendations for picking out the perfect gardening gift.

Gardening Tools and Accessories

You can never go wrong gifting tools and accessories to a gardener. Consider what they currently have and what could make their time in the garden easier. Some ideas include:

• Gardening gloves – A necessity to protect hands from dirt, thorns, etc.
• Pruners and loppers – Important for trimming plants and bushes.
• Watering can – A pretty one can add decoration when not in use.
• Trowels and hand forks – Useful for digging, aerating soil, transplanting.
• Kneeling pad – Cushions knees when gardening at ground level.
• Tool caddy – Keeps all tools neatly in one portable place.

Functional Garden Accessories

While tools get the dirty work done, accessories can lend function and flair to the garden. Consider:

• Plant markers and tags – Helps identify plants and when they were planted.
• Garden journal – For recording plantings, growth progress, pests etc.
• Hose hanger or caddy – Keeps hoses neat, organized and easy to access.
• Stepping stone pathway – Adds decoration while helping navigate garden.
• Bird bath or feeder – Encourages wildlife visitors to the garden.
• Garden stakes and markers – Decorates and labels garden beds.

Gardening Books and Resources

Help a gardener expand their knowledge with informative books and resources like:

• Gardening books – On specific plants, techniques, garden planning, design etc.
• Subscription to gardening magazine – Monthly gardening advice and inspiration.
• Classes or workshops – To learn new skills from experts.
• Membership to botanical garden – Year-round access and learning opportunities.

Fun Gardening Apparel and Accessories

Apparel and accessories with fun gardening motifs make great gifts, such as:

• Garden apron or gloves – Protect clothes and hands while looking stylish.
• Planter earrings – For the gardener who likes to accessorize.
• Garden hat – Keeps sun off the face and neck.
• Gardening clogs – Easy to slip on and off when going in and out.
• Seed packet socks – Cute socks with vintage seed pack motifs.

Unique Garden Décor and Accents

Personalize the garden with unique pieces the giftee likely doesn’t have, like:

• Garden stones, plaques or signs – Adds special meaning and decoration.
• Sundial, bird bath or thermometer – Combines function and visual interest.
• Pottery, planters and sculptures – Handmade and artistic garden accents.
• Wind chimes – Provides soothing nature sounds.
• Garden flag or banner – Flutters in the breeze to noticeably decorate the garden.

Seeds and Plants

You really can’t go wrong with giving live plants and seeds to a gardener. Just make sure you know what they like to grow and their skill level. Ideas include:

• Seed starting kit – Has everything needed for starting seeds indoors.
• Seeds for their favorite plants – Bonus if rare, exotic or hard to find varieties.
• Seed collections – Sampler packs of multiple seed varieties.
• Plant gift certificate – Let them pick plants at their favorite nursery.
• Potted plant or tree – Consider size and what’s suitable for their space.

Gardening Project Kits

Kits that include materials for DIY garden projects make great gifts for handy gardeners, like:

• Raised garden bed kit – Materials to build a raised bed for accessible gardening.
• Herb garden kit – Pots, soil, markers and seeds for kitchen herbs.
• Fairy garden kit – Mini accessories to create a whimsical micro garden.
• Vegetable garden kit – Seeds, stakes, and supports to grow veggies.
• Mason bee house kit – Supplies to provide habitat for this helpful pollinator.

Edible Gardening Gifts

For the foodie gardener, edible-themed gifts hit the sweet spot:

• Heirloom seeds and starters – For rare and unique fruits and veggies.
• Compost bin – Nutrient-rich “black gold” for the garden.
• Book on food preservation – Learn techniques like canning and dehydrating.
• Cold frame or greenhouse – Extends seasons for growing edibles.
• Berry bushes – Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries etc.

Luxury Garden Gifts

If budget allows, some splurge-worthy garden gifts that would thrill any gardener include:

• Smart garden tech – Automated watering, self-watering pots, sensor systems.
• High-end tools – Top brand shovels, shears, hoses; engraved handles.
• Professional landscaping – Design and install an outdoor living space or water feature.
• Custom garden art and décor – One of a kind stepping stones, sculptures, fountains.
• Unique specimens – Rare trees, ornamentals, or exotic houseplants.

Choosing the Right Gardening Gift

No matter your budget or the recipient’s gardening style, there is a unique and thoughtful gift idea that will bring joy. Keep these tips in mind:

• Consider their gardening skill level – Give advanced tools to experienced gardeners, start kits for beginners.
• Think about their preferences – Edibles, flowers, houseplants, landscaping?
• Include a gift receipt – In case they want to exchange for a different color, size, variety.
• Pair gifts together – Combine tools with gloves or books with seeds.
• Pay attention to sales and clearance – Take advantage of off-season deals.

Presenting the Gift

A creatively presented gift can be as impressive as the gift itself. Ideas include:

• Arranging tools or seeds in a decorative tin, box or container.
• Including garden-themed wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tag.
• Presenting plantable seed paper as part of gift wrap.
• Nestling gifts in a gardening basket, pot or watering can.
• Combining multiple small gifts into a gardener’s tote or caddy.

Gifts that Become Garden Décor

Some of the best gardening gift ideas are items the receiver can immediately use and display in their garden. This enables the gift to bring joy for years to come. Some top décor-worthy gifts include:

• Birdbath
• Sundial
• Planters
• Stepping stones
• Garden sculptures and statues
• Wind chimes
• Signs, plaques and wall art
• Special plants in nice containers

These “living gifts” can spruce up the garden while serving as a reminder of the giver.

DIY Gardening Gifts

Handmade gifts can be especially heartfelt. Some DIY gardening gift ideas include:

• Plant cuttings or divisions from your own garden
• Dried floral arrangement in a vase
• Hand-painted plant pots or markers
• Assembled mini greenhouse from recycled containers
• Homegrown herbal teas or seasonings
• Jarred honey, infused vinegars, canned goods
• Photo collage or album of their garden across seasons

DIY projects show you put time and care into finding the perfect gift.

Edible Garden Gifts

For the food gardener, edible gifts harvested fresh from your garden or kitchen make tasty treats. Ideas include:

• Home baked breads or cookies
• Jarred jams, jellies, sauces
• Collection of favorite recipes
• Spices or special salts
• Honey from your hives
• Box of produce from your garden
• Bucket of homebrewed beer or wine

Just be sure to package and present perishable edibles carefully.

Sentimental Garden Gifts

Some of the most heartfelt gifts celebrate the recipient’s passion for gardening. Ideas include:

• Personalized garden tote, hat, or shirt
• Monogrammed tools
• Photo book, calendar or collage of their garden
• Brick, plaque, sundial engraved with their name
• Brick pathway leading to a commemorative garden bench
• Bird feeder or bath engraved as a memorial

Sentimental gifts show how much their garden means to you.

Buying Tips for Gardeners

Follow these tips for stress-free gift shopping for the gardener in your life:

• Make a list of potential gifts so you can watch for sales and jump when you see a deal.
• Stock up on popular consumables when prices drop – soil, fertilizers, pots.
• Shop thrift and garage sales for hidden deals – vases, garden art, unused tools.
• Think beyond the garden section – kitchen, craft and hardware stores have finds.
• Source locally – garden centers, nurseries, craft fairs, farmers markets.
• Order early if shipping live plants or perishable edibles.
• Have gifts delivered directly to avoid transporting plants and bulky items.

With a bit of thought and planning, you can find perfect gardening gifts to convey just how much their green thumb is appreciated.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect gift for a gardening enthusiast can seem daunting, but it’s well worth the effort to convey how much you understand and share their passion. From functional tools and accessories to decorative accents and apparel, the ideas are endless. Keep it personal by making DIY gifts or choosing sentimental items. Most importantly, have fun celebrating the joys of gardening together. A creative and thoughtful gift is sure to make any green thumb’s day.