Gift AlmanacA directory of good gifts

Christmas gifts for gardeners

Gardening Christmas gifts. In Australia that's early summer, in the UK and US it's planning season.

23 gift ideas here, each with a real shop for your country where we've found one.

Vegetable seed gift collection

In Veggie & fruit growers

A box or tin of easy vegetable seeds is the classic gift for a food grower. Seeds can't be posted across borders, so pick the shop for your country.

Seed-starting gift kit

In Veggie & fruit growers

Seeds, little pots and instructions in one box, so they can start a crop on the kitchen windowsill.

Self-watering seed starter

In Veggie & fruit growers

A tray that waters seedlings from below, so they don't dry out if the grower forgets for a day.

Raised vegetable bed

In Veggie & fruit growers

A bed on legs or with a cover means less bending, fewer slugs and possums, and a tidy patch even on a patio. A big gift that's often shared between family.

The home-preserving "bible"

In Veggie & fruit growers

For the grower with too many tomatoes. 400 recipes for jams, pickles, sauces and safe canning, from the makers of Ball jars.

A grow-your-own guide written for their climate

In Veggie & fruit growers

Growing advice only works if it suits the local seasons, so pick the book written for your country.

A gift-wrapped tree

In Veggie & fruit growers

Arrives wrapped and ready to give, which takes the awkwardness out of posting a live plant as a present.

Garden planner and log book

In Veggie & fruit growers

Somewhere to record what was sown where and when, so next year's garden is better than this year's.

A first good trowel

In New gardeners

The one tool every gardener uses daily. A sturdy trowel beats a cheap boxed set that bends.

Starter garden tool set

In New gardeners

A gift-boxed set of stainless steel tools with ash handles, for someone with a new garden and an empty shed. A bigger gift to share between family.

Seed-starting kit for beginners

In New gardeners

Trays, cells and a cover in one box, so the first seeds get off to a good start indoors.

Self-watering jar grow kit

In New gardeners

A small, almost foolproof first project that sits on a windowsill. Good for children too.

Good gardening gloves

In New gardeners

Gloves that fit properly make every job nicer. A gift that's always needed, because gloves wear out.

Heart-shaped stainless trowel

In Heirloom tools & tool lovers

A pointed, heart-shaped blade slices into soil easily, and stainless steel doesn't rust. Pretty enough to give.

DeWit hand-forged tool gift set

In Heirloom tools & tool lovers

Forged trowel, fork and cultivator with Dutch ash handles, made to be passed down. A big gift worth sharing.

Copper watering can

In Heirloom tools & tool lovers

Copper ages to a lovely patina and looks good left out on a windowsill or porch.

Tool sharpener

In Heirloom tools & tool lovers

Sharp tools cut cleanly and are easier on hands. A small stocking-filler that keeps good tools good.

Waist-high planter on legs

In Easy-reach gardening

A planter at a comfortable working height (the Vegepod stand raises the bed to 80cm), so there's far less kneeling or bending. Good for patios and balconies too.

Ceramic indoor planter

In Houseplant & orchid lovers

A good-looking pot is the easiest way to make a plant feel like a gift. Choose one a little wider than their current pot.

Grow light for indoor plants

In Houseplant & orchid lovers

Most houseplant trouble is too little light. A grow light lets plants thrive in a dim corner or through winter.

Indoor watering can

In Houseplant & orchid lovers

A small can with a narrow spout gets water to the soil, not the leaves or the windowsill.

Plant mister

In Houseplant & orchid lovers

A fine mist for ferns, orchids and other plants that like humidity.

Plant stand

In Houseplant & orchid lovers

Lifts a plant off the floor into the light, and makes a small plant look like a feature.