“Consider if they’re a beginner and you’re introducing them to the hobby or if they’re an expert and you want to give them something as unique as their hobby,” says Katie Dubow, QVC plant expert and trendspotter. A beginning gardener may appreciate a gardening how-to book, a garden journal, or a good starter kit of tools. We like the Garden starter tools and tote bag bundle because it combines a basic set of garden tools and a tote you can continue using in the garden. Experienced gardeners probably already have their favorite tools, so choose something that complements their specific gardening passions (such as houseplants or birdwatching). They might also enjoy a garden-inspired decorative item to share their hobby with others. Or consider giving them a unique gift like the Tertill weeding robot (since they likely already know how much they hate weeding!). For ideas of your own, continue reading to see the 28 best gifts for gardeners below.
This garden helps anyone grow produce at homeAn app provides step-by-step instructions Extends the gardening seasonEasy to set up
Keep in Mind:
This small garden will grow a limited amount of produce; bigger models can accommodate familiesYou’ll need to purchase additional seeds and nutrients if you want to keep using itSome users have reported problems with the water pump
Price at time of publication: $349
Takes weeding off your to-do listIt’s a fun tool to show off to other gardeners
Keep in Mind:
It needs a relatively flat and smooth surface and a 4-inch or taller borderRequires a foot between plants or rowsWon’t work in beds where you are starting seeds
Price at time of publish: $349
Offers excellent sun protectionAdjustable fit
Keep in Mind:
It’s a little big, but it covers your neck and the top of your head wellThere are cuter hats on the market if you’re going for style
Price at time of publish: $45
Helps you dig holes fasterMakes gardening chores easier
Keep in Mind:
It loses power quickly so you may want to buy a backup batteryIt doesn’t work as well in hard, compact soil
Price at time of publish: $160
Good for any level of gardenerKeeps soil consistently moist
Keep in Mind:
It’s not the most elegant gift, but it’s practical
Price at time of publish: From $17
A good set for beginning gardenersThe garden tote is built to last and keeps tools and supplies handy
Keep in Mind:
It may not be the prettiest gift, but it will be usefulIt doesn’t include all the hand tools a gardener will need
Price at time of publication: $60
Unique, one-of-a-kind itemIt’s a fun gift for family or friends who live far away
Keep in Mind:
You can’t request a specific placement of names. The artist will select how to arrange the leaves
Designed by artist Gina DeSantis, these wind chimes showcase hand-cut stamps paired with ceramic leaves (which can be personalized upon request). Add anywhere from 1-10 names, or leave them blank. Handmade in Ohio, these wind chimes are suitable inside or outside; but best to bring them inside on those cold, chilly winter days. Price at time of publish: $95
The combination of gloves and soap makes a cute gift setDesign is fun and colorfulPalms on gloves have a waterproof coating
Keep in Mind:
You’ll need to know what size hands your recipient has
Price at time of publish: $24
It’s a unique artisan pieceClassic look that won’t go out of style
Keep in Mind:
Imperfections may exist since each vase is handcraftedThese were created in a limited quantity, so they’ll be gone once they sell out
Price at time of publish: $25
Fun garden accents that add a touch of whimsyDurable and weather-resistant
Keep in Mind:
It might be hard to choose only one
Price at time of publish: $60
Great for the houseplant loverSleek, modern design looks stylish sitting out
Keep in Mind:
It may be too small if you have a large houseplant collectionNot the best choice for outdoor gardeners
Price at time of publish: $24
Looks stylish sitting on the kitchen counterLarge capacityEasy to clean
Keep in Mind:
Some reviewers have complained that the lid does not fit tightly enoughYou’ll likely need to empty the bin frequently if you use it for most food scraps
Price at time of publish: $37
Easy to carryRemovable bag keeps garden tools handy
Keep in Mind:
It might not be sturdy enough for all gardeners
Price at time of publish: $48
Cute design with floral fabric at the bottomLots of pockets
Keep in Mind:
It’s only a half apron, so storage space is somewhat limitedPockets aren’t large enough to hold multiple items of produce from your garden
Price at time of publish: $31
Rugged design and construction that will hold up over timeEasy to maneuver and unload
Keep in Mind:
Must be assembledNot as “pretty” as many other gifts
Price at time of publish: $140
Easier to gift than other heavier bird bathsUnique and practical designGood for gardeners without much of a yard
Keep in Mind:
Squirrels are likely to visit this bird bath tooIt’s a little deep in the center for small birds, but you can remedy this by placing a small rock or two inside
Price at time of publish: $19
You get a bird feeder and decorative light in oneColorful addition to the yard
Keep in Mind:
Birdseed blocks the light when the feeder is full
Price at time of publish: $50
Playful addition to any gardenMade of a durable and long-lasting material
Keep in Mind:
Some people love chickens more than others—so gift this to someone who will appreciate them
Price at time of publish: $65
Lots of storageFeatures a sliding workspace that can help hide in-progress projects
Keep in Mind:
Some reviewers have expressed concern about its durability; you may want to stain it to improve durability if using outdoorsNatural color may look unfinished to someNeeds to be assembled
Price at time of publish: $130
Great coffee table book with color photosLots of practical information for beginning gardeners
Keep in Mind:
Expert gardeners may already know a lot of the information covered in the book
Price at time of publish: From $10
Practical garden helperCuts down on mess in the kitchenStackable design
Keep in Mind:
May be too big for small gardens; you might want to choose the mini version insteadSome reviewers have noted some trouble with the legs staying in the closed position
Price at time of publish: $30
Fun, floral coverLots of pages to jot down plant informationAffordable gift
Keep in Mind:
No easy way to organize/alphabetize plants if you add more throughout the yearNot much space for detailed notesGarden planning tips are too common to be useful for expert gardeners
Price at time of publish: $10
Makes seed starting easy and mess-freeSaves time because you can grow your seedlings in the Bio Dome and move them right into the garden
Keep in Mind:
Despite its smart design, it still can’t guarantee a 100% germination rateMore expensive than many other seed-starting kits
Price at time of publish: $93
Can fit up to seven flowerpotsEasy to assembleReviewers have noted that it’s sturdy enough for heavy pots
Keep in Mind:
Shelves are positioned on both sides of the frame so you need to pay careful attention to assembly directionsThis might encourage people to buy more plants
Price at time of publish: $30
Works for indoor and outdoor plantsDecorative and functionalHelps keep plants hydrated when you’re away
Keep in Mind:
You will likely need more than one bulb for large potsLargest bulbs might be too big for small containers
Price at time of publish: $35
Unique gift for the hard-to-buy-for gardenerGood for gardeners who are also food loversMay appeal to families with kids
Keep in Mind:
Will only appeal to people who like mushrooms
Price at time of publish: $19
You can give friends and family a fun experience to enjoyAll materials for each project are sent directly to your door
Keep in Mind:
Workshop prices vary, so you’ll want to make sure your gift card covers the cost of most experiencesClasses are live-streamed, so your recipient should be comfortable with using technology
Price at time of publish: Varies
What to Know About Gifts for Gardeners Before Shopping
Level of Gardening
The best gifts for gardeners will always take into account the skill level of the gardener who is the recipient. Some products, such as a basic garden tool set or a gardening book, are best for beginning gardeners. An unusual plant that might be trickier to care for might be best left to an expert gardener. But many other gifts can be enjoyed by gardeners of all skill levels. Decorative garden stakes, bird feeders, harvest baskets, or garden experiences are good bets for gardeners of any skill level.
Size
When shopping for a gift for your favorite gardener, make sure to consider the size of the product and how easy it will be to get it to the intended recipient. A wheelbarrow might be one of the best gifts for gardeners, but it will be more expensive to ship than a pair of gardening gloves, for example. Similarly, some items like gloves or sun hats come in multiple sizes, so they might be harder to gift unless you know your recipient’s size. Be sure to send along a gift receipt if you’re unsure what size to purchase.
Intended Use
As you’re shopping, consider whether the gardener on your list is passionate about indoor gardening, outdoor gardening, or both. Some smaller watering cans, for example, are better for watering houseplants, while large watering cans are a better fit for someone with a large outside garden. If you’re purchasing gloves, be aware that some are designed for roses and other thorny plants, while other gloves work well for less-prickly plants. Make sure any decorative items are weatherproof if they’ll be placed outside in the garden.
Your Questions, Answered
How much should you spend on gifts for gardeners?
The best gifts for gardeners are available at all different price points. Small decorative items and vases are often budget-friendly options, while larger-scale items, like potting benches, wheelbarrows, and large garden tools may be pricey. Some categories of items, such as small garden tools or planters, are available in a wide range of price points depending on the quality of materials used to make the product.
What are some items gardeners need multiples of?
While gardeners might not need more than one garden trowel (especially if you buy a good quality one), there are several items that gardeners can use multiples. “Gardeners can never have too many gloves, seeds, plants—and well, more plants,” Dubow says. Of course, most gardeners are interested in the latest gardening book and probably need plenty of planters and vases to display their favorite plants.
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a freelance writer specializing in home and garden topics. To write this gift roundup, she researched online, read product reviews, and checked with various gardening trend experts, including Katie Dubow, QVC plant expert and trendspotter.
