Selecting the best gift for a garden lover can be tricky. After all, what do they really need other than water, soil, and sunshine—none of which can be wrapped in paper and put under a Christmas tree. The good news is that there are lots of gardening tools, gear, and gadgets that make for great gifts for the avid gardener or plant lover.
From must-haves for beginning gardeners, to thoughtful items that even the most seasoned green thumb will appreciate, we've put together a list of 21 garden-inspired gifts that they'll love.
1. Farmer's Defense Sleeves
For the gardener who has sensitive skin
Farmer’s Defense Sleeves protect skin from irritation while leaving fingers free for gardening.
Protect their skin from irritation and sunburn with a set of Farmer's Defense Sleeves. The lightweight, breathable sleeves keep arms and hands free from rashes and sun exposure while leaving fingers free for pruning or planting. The sleeves come in sizes XS to XXL, and are available in a variety of colorful garden-inspired patterns.
2. Flexzilla Garden Hose
For the gardener who's just getting started
This is our favorite garden hose for its flexibility and durability.
There really is no better gift for the fledgling gardener than a great garden hose. The Flexzilla Garden Hose is our favorite garden hose thanks to its incredible flexibility and ease of use, both important features when you're establishing a new garden. The Flexzilla is a practical garden gift that's also reasonably priced, so you may even want to get them two: one for the front yard, and one for the back.
3. Gardener's Harvest Basket
For the gardener who grows prolific produce
The traditional wire and wood design makes it easy to clean the dirt off of just-picked veggies.
If they're passionate about vegetable gardening, they'll love a personalized garden basket that they can use when harvesting their crop. The Gardener's Harvest Basket has a traditional design with wire sides so that they can hose the dirt off of their fruits and vegetables before bringing it all inside to the kitchen. The personalization is an additional thoughtful touch.
4. Calamansi Tree
For the gardener who dreams of sunshine
A beautiful Calamansi Tree can be planted in the spring to enjoy for years to come.
The dreary days of winter can be especially hard on gardeners who prefer to spend all their spare time outside and working in the soil. Give them the gift of a promise of warmer weather with a Calamansi Tree that arrives full of citrus fruits. With a taste that's somewhere between a mandarin and a kumquat, this is a gift that will keep on giving for many years to come. Pair it with a beautiful pot so they can enjoy it inside until spring planting season arrives.
5. AeroGarden Sprout
For the gardener without a yard
An easy way to grow an herb garden inside
Not everyone with a green thumb has their own plot of land. If the garden lover on your gift list has to do all of their gardening inside, they'll really appreciate an AeroGarden Sprout herb garden. The cool hydroponic garden comes with everything they need to start growing three different kinds of herbs (dill, basil, and parsley), and the streamlined design will look great on a kitchen counter.
6. Showa Atlas Garden Gloves
For the gardener who is always in the garden
Devoted gardeners can never have enough gardening gloves, so they'll be thrilled to find a new pair in their Christmas stocking or under the tree. The Showa Atlas Garden Gloves are our pick for the best gardening gloves because they come in a range of sizes, have a long cuff that keeps out dirt, and are made from breathable nylon. They're perfect for many garden projects and are even machine washable.
7. Felco 2 Pruning Shears
For the gardener who grows a variety of plants
The right pair of gardening shears can make all the difference when it comes to pruning fruit trees or turning hedges into topiaries. The Felco 2 took the top spot on our list of the best pruning shears thanks to their durability and how easily they cut through both slender flower stems and thick rose canes. Plus, they sell replaceable parts, so the gardener in your life will be able to use these shears for many years to come.
8. The Celtic Farm Gardening Apron
For the gardener who wants all their tools within reach
There's nothing more annoying than being in the middle of gardening and realizing that you left your pruning shears all the way across the yard. Spare your favorite gardener from this annoyance with the gift of a gardening apron. Crafted out of waxed cotton canvas, The Celtic Farm Gardening Apron has adjustable straps that cross along the back so they don't irritate the neck. Plus it has plenty of pockets to hold garden tools, as well as a metal ring to hang pruning shears.
9. The Gardener's Logbook
For the gardener who keeps track of everything
Even the most experienced gardeners don't succeed with every plant they try, that's why keeping a garden journal is invaluable. Not only does The Gardener's Logbook have a beautiful cover, but inside it's filled with 144 pages of plant logs, gardening tips, and even pages where they can plot their garden design. It also has a back pocket where they can tuck seed packets.
10. Literary Lovers Plant Pun Bookmarks
For the gardener who loves books
Does the gardener in your life love to read as well as garden? If so, these plant markers are the perfect whimsical gift for them. The Literary Lovers Plant Pun Bookmarks come in a set of four and include the featured "titles": Of Mice and Mint, Rosemary and Juliet, Chives and Prejudice, and Thyme and Punishment. They're sure to elicit a chuckle from your book-loving gardener, and they can be used for herb gardens inside or outside.
11. Miracle-Gro Small Composter
For the gardener who is eco-conscious
Composting is trendy these days, and for good reason: food waste accounts for approximately 17% of methane gas emissions in the United States. If the gardener on your gift list wants to do their part to help reduce their food waste---while also producing good stuff for their garden---a composting system is a great gift. The Miracle-Gro Small Composter is a single chamber model that has internal mixing bars to help speed up decay. Plus its compact size means that it can fit in even the smallest of urban gardens.
12. Muryabao Ponytail Sun Hat
For the gardener who wants comfort and sun protection
Gardeners with long hair will love the Muryabao Sun Hat that has an opening for their ponytail. Now they can protect their face, neck, and ears from the sun while also keeping their hair off the back of their neck. The breathable sides, adjustable drawstring, and large brim make this a comfortable hat for all-day-in-the-garden wear. It also comes in a variety of colors.
13. Phunaya Garden Tool Organizer
For the gardener who keeps everything organized
Give them the gift of organization with a wall-mounted organizer designed just for their garden tools. The Phunaya Garden Tool Organizer is our favorite garden tool organizer due to its all metal construction and adjustable hooks that hold a variety of hand tools. It even comes with two fabric straps for corralling extension cords or ropes.
14. H> Garden Kneeler and Seat
For the gardener who has trouble kneeling
There's no question that gardening is tough physical labor, and it can be even harder if you have difficulty kneeling or getting up from the ground. The H> Garden Kneeler and Seat makes yard work easier because it does double duty as either a seat or a kneeling pad---and it has side bars to help them stand up. The detachable tool pouch keeps everything they need within arms reach, and it folds compactly so it's easy to move and store.
15. Seed Bank Box
For the gardener who has everything
Not sure what to get the gardener who has every single tool, trowel, or trellis they could possibly need? Try a Seed Bank Box subscription. Each month, they'll receive a selection of organic, non-gmo seeds to plant in their edible garden. From root vegetables to leafy greens, to edible flowers, Seed Bank Box will intrigue the gardener in your life with its variety and selection of rare and unique seeds.
16. Bird Brew Seed Feeder 4 Pack
For the gardener who wants to share a toast with the birds
Treat the birds to a "toast" after a long day of gardening with a 4-pack of Bird Brew Seed Feeders. These beer bottle-shaped birdseed cakes include proso millet, sunflower seeds, and chopped corn---all the delicious ingredients that feathered friends love. A twine loop on the end makes for easy hanging so the birds can enjoy their refreshments anywhere in the garden.
17. Sloggers Garden Clogs
For the gardener who needs easy-to-put-on gear
Serious gardeners need a dedicated pair of gardening shoes that can withstand mud and dirt, but it's not always practical to take a big pair of boots on and off---especially if you have arthritis or other mobility issues. Sloggers Garden Clogs are durable rubber shoes designed to withstand tough use in the garden, but they're easy to slip on and off one's feet without much effort. Thanks to the padded insole the shoes are comfortable, too, so they can spend a long day in the garden and then easily slip them off before heading inside.
18. Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light
For the gardener who wants to get started early
One of the best ways to spend the cold winter months is starting seeds inside so that when the ground thaws they can plant their starts right away. Give the gardener in your life everything they need to start sprouting with a Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light. The kit comes with six 12-cell trays, a grow light, and transparent domes with adjustable humidity control.
19. Beechwood Gardener's Nail Brush
For the gardener who gets dirty but likes to stay clean
Gardening is dirty work, and even if you wear gloves you're still bound to get dirt under and around your fingernails. A good nail brush is a must-have for any busy gardener, and this one is designed just for people who like to work in the soil. Handcrafted in Germany from beechwood with plant-fiber bristles, this set of two brushes easily removes soil from under nails, and the handle is easy to grip.
20. Sunnydaze Utility Steel Garden Cart
For the gardener who needs some wheels
If they've been lugging heavy bags of soil and mulch by hand, they need a garden cart. The Sunnydaze Utility Steel Garden Cart is one of our favorite garden carts because it's lightweight yet sturdy, and it has a 400-pound capacity. The wheels glide easily over tough terrain, and the padded handle rotates 180 degrees so it can be moved in multiple directions. Plus it comes in several bright colors and it has removable side panels.
21. Philodendron Green
For the aspiring gardener who can only handle a houseplant
A small plant grown inside is a great way to spark interest in larger garden projects. If you have a garden-curious---but intimidated---person on your gift list, get them started with an easy-to-care-for Philodendron. The long, trailing tendrils grow quickly, and The Sill includes helpful growing instructions with each order. Plus it comes with a beautiful pot so it will be a gorgeous addition to their apartment or house.