The 45 Gifts For Gardeners We Love The Most

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From essential tools to fun accessories and everything in between.

In This Article

Southern Living / Marcus Millan

If you’re shopping for the gardeners in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Although it may seem overwhelming with the plethora of different types of gardening tools, pots, clothing, and irrigation systems out there, it doesn’t have to be. One of the best parts about shopping for gardeners is that regardless of the gift you get for them, it’s likely that they’ll use it for months and years to come.

“A gift of one pack of seeds can give a gardener a thousand harvests,” says Asia Spratley, Virginia-based gardener and founder of The Yellow Door Urban Homestead. “The gift of gardening is timeless in the heart of the gardener.”

With the help of gardening experts, we curated a list of the best gifts to give every type of gardener, whether they have decades of experience or they’re just starting their gardening journey.

Whether they’re looking to trim a flower stem or a twiggy branch, they’ll be able to do so with this top-of-the-line hand pruner. The Felco 2 has durable blades that can cut through the woodiest stems with precision. A pair of all-purpose pruners is an essential tool for any gardner, and these Swiss-made pruners are the industry standard.

This self-waterer is the perfect gift for gardeners who don’t have the time to water their potted plants every day or may be going on vacation and want to ensure their plants will still be healthy upon their return. All they need to do is fill the IV-like bag with water, place the bag onto the hook, and set the flow depending on how long they’ll be unavailable to water.

Butterfly lovers can use this A-shaped cedar butterfly biome to care for those that fly into their garden throughout the year. In the spring and summer, the door folds down to become a porch feeding station, but in the fall they can put the porch up to close the house so non-migrating butterflies can safely hibernate. And, a butterfly identification guide is included so they’ll know exactly what kind of flying friends are making a home in their garden.

If they’re wearing gloves for long periods of time while gardening, there’s a high likelihood that they could use some hand therapy after—that’s where you come in. This ultra-moisturizing hand cream from Crabtree & Evelyn is made with shea butter and macadamia seed oil to keep their hands feeling smooth and hydrated. Plus, it smells like fresh herbs, so any plant lover will be a fan.

Add these protection sleeves to your cart for the gardener who always forgets to wear sunscreen. With a UPF of more than 50, these fabric sleeves (available in sizes XS-XXL) can prevent sun damage on their arms and protect from skin allergens and scratches that can happen when they brush up against branches or stems—safety is key when gardening. Plus, they’re more lightweight and moisture-wicking than most long-sleeve clothing.

This 14-inch trowel will make it easier to dig holes for deep bulb planting, thanks to the heavy-duty steel material and slip-resistant handle. And since it’s foldable, it’s easy to store without taking up too much room in a gardening tote or shed. All Wilcox All-Pro tools come with a lifetime warranty and are made in Iowa.

This stand-up weed puller tool will allow them to remove any bothersome weeds from their garden without bending down repeatedly. Made with a 45-inch handle and four claws, this tool makes it easy to fully surround a weed before removing it. And, with a weight of 2.3 pounds, it’s easy to transport within different areas of a garden and place in a storage unit until its next use.

This American-made design features Southern wildflowers to brighten up their kitchen. The 100% flour sack cotton towel will grow softer and more absorbent with use.

Since every gardener needs something to keep their clothes clean, these gardening bib overalls from Duluth Trading Co. are a solid pick gift. They feature generous cargo pockets and built-in knee-pad pockets, and you can purchase knee pad inserts separately.

With both solid (Cedar, Blue Iris, Coal, Raisin, and Fir) and patterned colors (Henna Garden Gnomes, Navy Garden Floral, Rose Olive Fall Floral, and Succulent Garden) available, you’re sure to find one that matches their style.

For the gardener in need of a tub for holding their blooms, Tubtrugs were designed to do just that. Made with reinforced ribbing and heavy-duty handles, this 6.5-gallon tub is equipped to handle the largest of them. And, it’s available in several vibrant colors that can add a pop of color to their garden.

Help them bring the aroma of their garden indoors with this fresh and floral scent from Homesick. Notes of hydrangea petals and tomato vine is sure to take them to their happy place, no matter where they are.

For the beginner garden looking to build a collection of gardening tools, or anyone looking to refresh their equipment, consider this nine-piece set that comes recommended by Spratley. It comes with all the essentials: a hand trowel, garden rake, garden fork, garden weeder, weeding knife, and pruner. It also includes a large garden bag with spacious pockets and a pair of garden gloves.

Whether they’re looking to harvest vegetables or pull weeds, this spacious carry-all will help them make fewer trips to and from the kitchen or trash can. Handmade in the U.S.A. from pine and maple wood, the carry-all is available in both small and large sizes.

Erin Schanen, master gardener and founder of The Impatient Gardener, recommends a gardening apron like this one from Roo which is equipped with a large pocket that can be used for harvesting or storing weeds, in addition to three smaller chest pockets that can hold loose objects. And, when it comes time for a cleaning, they can simply throw this apron in the washing machine ahead of its next use.

If the gardener in your life always seems to have too much equipment and nowhere to put it all, they’ll love this polyester garden tote. It can be embroidered with up to two lines of text in a thread color and font of your choosing, and it comes with three essential tools: a digging trowel, planting travel, and garden cultivator.

They’ll appreciate this wood oak paper pot maker if they need new plant pots. Using this new gadget, they can turn paper into pots within a few minutes. Regardless of how many plant pots they create with their new gadget, each one will be biodegradable—that’s the best part.

They’ll be ready to trim and shape just about any shrub with this pair of precision hedge shears. Regardless of whether they're just beginning their gardening journey or have been doing so for many years, these lightweight shears made of Japanese White Oak can expedite some of those particularly time-consuming gardening processes.

If you know a gardener in need of a garden cart, this option from Gorilla Cart is a heavy duty as they come. “Gorilla Carts are quite good as most of them have a tipping motion that can be quite handy for people,” says Schanen. This one can hold up to 1,200 pounds, which can make lugging around those often heavy bags of soil a lot easier.

Knowing the pH of a garden’s soil is key to ensuring the best possible growth. Using this pH monitor, they’ll be able to test the pH of the desired soil in a matter of minutes–without a battery. Its simple (and portable) design allows for an easy reading process as it is equipped with an easy-to-read panel displaying critical information needed for proper gardening.

If the gardener in your life specializes in food gardening or has an herb garden, these herb shears can help when it’s time to cook and start cutting up those herbs. Whether their favorite herb is rosemary or thyme, this shear’s thin yet strong blades can effortlessly cut through herbs while minimizing damage to them.

Help them take a load off while gardening with this stool and kneeler made with foam padding. It features an organization tool pouch and gardening gloves with digging tips. The best part is that it’s foldable, so they can easily carry it to where it's needed.

These rubber mid-calf garden boots are a solid gift pick for gardeners who tend to get their feet dirty. Although these boots keep feet protected, they also feature a breathable mesh lining. And, they can be rolled up or down to offer more or less coverage depending on the task at hand and their preference.

This all-in-one mushroom knife is a great gift for mushroom gardeners. Since one side is equipped with a brush and the other a blade, it can be used to both pick and clean mushrooms—they’ll thank you later.

Organization is crucial when it comes to gardening, so they’ll be grateful for this craft keeper which Pickett recommends using as a seed organizer. With 16 different colored cases, they’ll be able to easily identify which seed they’re looking for and get to growing.

They’ll adore this custom stainless steel butterfly garden sign that’ll spruce up their current garden decor or get it started. You can select the best size (between 6 and 30 inches), and have their name, surname, or another meaningful phrase engraved into this sign for a personalized touch.

A soil knife is a multi-purpose gardening tool that can be used for planting bulbs, digging weeds, cutting through roots, and much more—and this one is Schanen’s favorite. “It’s relatively inexpensive and well built,” says Schanen. Plus, it’s rust resistant, so it won’t need to be frequently replaced.

All gardeners need an irrigation system of some kind when tending to their gardens, and this 25-inch soaker is perfect for gardens of all sizes. It can serve as a sprinkler or soaker and can be easily folded up when not in use—here’s to hydrated gardens.

Whether it’s a cup of tea or a glass of wine, they’ll be reminded of their appreciation for you (and plants) each time they use this coaster. Made with brass and soft enamel and gold plated, this coaster will embellish and keep just about any surface stain-free.

While a pair of pruners are a necessity for any gardener, a battery-powered pruner will be a welcome upgrade for the avid gardener. This one comes recommended by Schanen. Although this battery-powered garden pruner operates using lots of power, it does so with fewer vibrations, making pruning a more pleasant experience.

This wooden, three-tier potting bench table is perfect for those outdoor gardeners who have so many pots and gardening supplies and not enough places to put them. It comes in three different finishes, or they can paint it and make it their own.

Terra-cotta pots are functional yet stylish, which is why Schanen recommends them as a gift for gardeners. Whether they’re placed indoors or outdoors is up to the discretion of the gardener—they’ll look great either way. This set of 10 is an excellent value.

This DEET-free repellent will allow them to garden without bugs constantly in their space. And, this spray doesn’t have that unpleasant odor many other bug repellents do but instead diffuses a citrus-vanilla scent.

Niki Jabour’s Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden is a great book to give first-time gardeners, especially if they are into vegetable gardening. “This book may spark something about a design someone might want in terms of a vegetable garden,” says Schanen. Designs include a cocktail garden with ingredients for their favorite drinks, a garden devoted to supplying year-round salads, and much more.

Not only will this potting mat make their future indoor potting experiences mess-free, but it’ll also make the cleaning process a breeze, since the vegan leather is easy to wash in the sink or shower. This gift will be particularly helpful as the weather starts to get cooler and indoor potting becomes more appealing.

If bug-repellent spray isn’t their preference, consider gifting them with this insect and bug protection wristband. It’s available in dozens of colorways and is made with natural essential oils that keep insects away. It comes with two refill pellets, each of which last for 15 days. It can be worn on wrists or ankles, and it’s completely waterproof.

Pickett recommends this seven-tier vertical garden that is just what they need to grow a lot without taking up too much space. It contains 42 planting pockets perfect for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables without them intertwining.

According to Schanen, Tracy DiSabato-Aust’s The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques, Third Edition is “a classic that every gardener should have.” This book is especially relevant to gardeners interested in perennials and ornamentals.

If feeding butterflies is a priority for them, this handmade, ceramic butterfly feeder may be just what they’re looking for. To use, all they need to do is fill the well with the included mixture, cover with water, and place the feeder in a spot that’s clearly visible for the butterflies. As the liquid evaporates, it leaves behind minerals that are irresistible to butterflies. Potentially a great gift for grandmas, they can replenish the mixture and water regularly, and they’ll have butterflies headed their way all season long.

When it comes to watering gardens, this automatic retractable garden hose reel can help as it can expand up to 82 feet and stop at any length in between. It’s easy to install as it comes with the necessary bolts and pieces. And, the gardener in your life won’t have to worry too much if they live in a warmer climate or accidentally forget to take their gadget out of the sun as it is equipped with a UV-stabilized case.

If the gardener you’re shopping for also happens to be a coffee fan, this handmade ceramic mug shaped like a terra-cotta pot with “Plant Lady” written across the front is sure to make her smile. And, it can easily be washed with warm water and dish soap in between uses.

Help protect their eyes and head when you gift them with this foldable (and waterproof) hat. With a 50+ UPF rating, they can keep themselves protected and do so in style and comfortably using its adjustable drawstring. Plus, since it’s available in nine colors, you’re sure to find one that’ll match their gardening style.

If hanging plants fit their aesthetic, this set of two 10-inch hanging planters may be just what they seek. Made with recycled plastic and stone and wood powders, these minimalist planters with a honeycomb finish are easy to hang and can hold up to 44 pounds in both indoor and outdoor gardens.

This picnic blanket will provide a spot for them to sit in their garden without soiling (literally) their bottoms. In addition to being lightweight and portable (as it can be folded into a tote), this blanket is waterproof, which is beneficial if they encounter some light rain or place the blanket on some damp soil. Regardless of which of the colors you select, this blanket is a solid pick for gardeners who spend lots of time outdoors.

Give them the gift of a beautiful scent with this candle. Made with a combination of vanilla and pine notes, their home (or wherever they choose to keep their candle) will be kept smelling sweet for at least 30 hours. Plus, it’s shaped like a terrarium, making it a great gift for gardeners.

This “Welcome I hope you like plants” doormat is a great gift to get them as it can help add some more personality to their home while preventing it from getting dirty. Unlike some other doormats, this one can be easily vacuumed when needed. Not only will this doormat elicit a few laughs, but will grow some extra smiles, too.

What a first-time gardener may need depends on their gardening intentions. Regardless, there are a couple of items that can’t hurt for any first-time gardener to have such as soil and seeds. Pickett advises acquiring “seeds that are well adapted to growing in your area.”

In addition to the fundamentals of gardening, “in almost every case, I would start with a really good book,” says Schanen. The two we included on our list: The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques, Third Edition and Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden are two which Schanen particularly recommends for beginners as they can be referred back to throughout their gardening journey.

Along with the above, “a really good trowel is a good idea because that covers a variety of different kinds of gardening,” explains Schanen.

Practical gifts for gardeners include “garden tools (forks, trowels, shovels, etc.), garden hats, seeds, bulbs, aprons, stools or kneelers, garden sleeves, raised garden beds, grow towers, preservation equipment (dehydrators, juicers, strainers, vacuum sealers, etc.), garden boots, and harvest baskets,” explains Spratley.

When it comes to how much you should spend on a gift for a gardener, it depends on your budget. However, “you can buy a well-appreciated gift for a gardener at almost any price range,” says Schanen. Whether you’re looking to spend less than $15 or upwards of $200, there are gardening gifts that can meet every type of budget and every kind of gardener.

If you’re on a budget and still want to buy a gift that will impress them, the Plant Life Support Self-Waterer and Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Cream are great options, to name a few.

If you have some more wiggle room in your budget and want to splurge, some of the higher-priced items on our list that are great for avid gardeners include the Gorilla Cart Heavy Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart and Stihl GTA 26 Battery-Powered Garden Pruner.

This article was written by Jenna Clark, contributing commerce writer for Southern Living. In addition to Southern Living, Jenna contributes commerce content to several other publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Tripadvisor, Women’s Health, and more. To develop this list of the best gifts for gardeners, she spoke with some Southern-based gardeners including Erin Schanen, master gardener and founder of The Impatient Gardener, Asia Spratley, Virginia-based gardener and founder of The Yellow Door Urban Homestead, and Elise Pickett, organic Florida gardener and founder of The Urban Harvest.