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Items such as this decorative wind spinner can be fun, affordable present for the gardener on your holiday gift list. Photo courtesy of Debi Kelly.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state Master Gardener coordinator Debi Kelly says you can find a great holiday gift for the gardener on your list without spending a lot of green.
“Gardeners find joy in small packages that don’t cost much, and they understand delayed gratification,” Kelly says.
If in doubt, consider a gift card to a nearby botanical garden or garden center. Another “gift that keeps on giving” is a paid MU Extension Master Gardener online course registration, she says.
“With rising food prices and changes in assistance programs, some families will be looking to garden as a budget-friendly option to provide their family with fresh produce, and an investment in the online EMG course provides that opportunity,” Kelly says.
Also consider a themed gift basket that includes seeds, tools, decorative garden items and a gardening book or journal.
If you are on a budget, Kelly has 10 suggestions for fun, useful but affordable gifts for the gardener in your life:
1. Seeds. Small, inexpensive packets of annual seeds will bring the gardener on your list much happiness in the spring.
2. Bulbs. The same is true for bulbs that will bring color and joy for years to come.
3. Amaryllis. “Nothing brings joy to a gardener more than a colorful reminder of spring ahead than an amaryllis bulb that will bloom in the dead of winter,” Kelly says.
4. Hummingbird feeders, butterfly houses and garden flags. Gardeners take joy in seeing birds and butterflies take flight in their gardens. Wind chimes, wind spinners and garden flags come in a variety of styles and prices.
5. A houseplant. In the dead of winter, houseplants can brighten homes and spirits.
6. Rain gage. You can choose a decorative one that reflects your friend’s personality.
7. Garden sculpture or garden stakes. These come in different styles and prices and will remind the recipient of your friendship for years to come.
8. Garden gloves and T-shirts that reflect the recipient’s personality.
9. Garden-themed water bottles or coffee mugs.
10. A basket or tote to carry garden tools and other items.