It’s that time again to think about gift giving for the gardeners on your list. Gardeners are fun to shop for because typically they are passionate about their hobby and are always happy to receive something that will add to their enjoyment of growing things.
Make sure your first place to look for gifts is locally. There are many fantastic garden centers nearby and they are so much fun to visit at Christmastime. Many have great decorating ideas and plenty of inspiration for garden gifts. Another benefit of shopping locally for gardening gifts is the expertise that staff can offer regarding the latest products and what works in our growing conditions.
With that in mind, here are a few ideas of items to look for at local garden centers. Watering cans are always welcome both for outdoor and indoor use. Watering cans are a very functional gift, of course, but many are very visually appealing and fun and can even add charm to the outdoor garden or inside windowsill. Garden centers are also a great place to find a wide selection of planters, another very functional and welcome gift of which any gardener can never have enough. Check out the large selection of fairy garden accessories that are available year round. Miniatures can be used inside in terrarium and dish gardens in both summer and winter, and outside in container and fairy gardens during the growing season.
Stepping stones are a lovely garden accent, whether you are using just one or two, or are making a complete path. Kits are available for make-your-own stepping stones, a fun activity for gardeners during the winter months. Don’t forget about plants. Garden centers are abloom with holiday plant options as well as succulents and houseplants that can be enjoyed during the long winter months. Encourage the green thumb in your life to try something new by presenting them with the gift of a plant they have never before tried to grow, or perhaps has been off their radar. There are beautiful Christmas-tree shaped potted herbs available right now that can be used all winter for cooking and then moved outside next spring.
If the gardener on your list has it all, consider giving a gift that supports our local farmers and agriculture. Local farm markets offer apples and other produce which make beautiful and tasty gifts. We are fortunate to have many local fruit farms and wineries that offer local jams, jellies, wine, craft beers and hard ciders which make festive and welcome gifts. Maple syrup is a local crop that supports local agriculture and is a delicious gift to share especially with gardening friends who are far away.
Finally, here are a few trending gifts that you might be able to find locally. Garden Genie gardening gloves by Crocoin feature built-in fingertip “claws” that allow you to dig, weed and even prune with your hands. Back to the Roots Tabletop Water Garden is an amazing aquaponics growing system for inside. It features a self-cleaning fish tank on the bottom and a top for growing herbs and microgreens. The Burro Wheelbarrow Organizer sits over a portion of the top of your wheelbarrow allowing you to carry tools, plants and a water bottle with you as your work around your landscape.
