36 Genius Gifts for Gardeners They’ll Really Dig—Handpicked by a Gardener (Updated 2024)

The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook – I’m starting off with a recommendation for a book that every vegetable gardener should have. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who grows their own food! The book is filled with easy and approachable recipes, delicious tips, and inventive uses for all the odds and ends of plants you never knew you could eat. You can essentially double your harvest every season without adding more work, more plants, or a bigger garden.

Mint green gardening tools – I own several high-quality hand tools from this company in black steel, but I particularly love their mint green line. The unique color and ash wood handles make these so giftable for a new or experienced gardener! You can choose from their mint green trowel, soil scoop, dandelion weeding fork, cultivator, Japanese weeding hoe, triangle hoe, and hori hori knife to create your own gift set.

Compact tidy tray – This potting station is small enough to fit on a counter, yet large enough to repot a houseplant and hold small supplies in the upper tray without making a mess. I like how you can move it from place to place, use it indoors or out, and clean it off easily with a hose. It’s very affordable too!

Ultimate backyard gardener bundle – Do you know someone who’s just getting started with gardening? Or maybe you want to upgrade your current seed starting gear? This is an amazing bundle from a company that makes the best trays and pots (and I don’t say that lightly). They’re incredibly strong and durable (none of that cheap, flimsy plastic you’re used to seeing) and the fun colors are just a bonus. I own and love these products as well as several other products from the same company, and am buying this exact set for my daughter’s school garden.

Tubtrugs – I’m obsessed with these flexible garden tubs (which are infinitely useful beyond the garden). At last count, I own around two dozen Tubtrugs in various sizes, and my husband and kids keep stealing them for their own projects. They’re extremely durable (we keep many of ours outside in harsh Central Oregon weather), lightweight, and versatile. I use them for harvesting vegetables, collecting weeds, carrying tools, and storing odds and ends around the house. I use the 7-gallon and 11-gallon sizes the most, but they also come in a 3 1/2-gallon, shallow 4-gallon, and large 20-gallon. Fill up a Tubtrug with gardening gifts for your gardening friend!

Foldable wheelbarrow – This is a really neat concept: a wheelbarrow that uses a vinyl-coated nylon “hammock” to haul things. But what makes it particularly useful is that it can lay flat on the ground so you can sweep, rake, roll, or drag your items into the wheelbarrow (and not lift a shovel into a traditional one). When you’re done using it, the wheelbarrow collapses easily into a corner for storage. It’s lightweight (only 15 pounds) but can carry up to 150 pounds.

Galvanized flower caddy – For the flower farmer in your life! This attractive steel caddy makes harvesting tall stems and cuttings a breeze. The caddy holds water to keep flowers fresh, and comes with four compartments so you can gather and separate stems as you pick them. This would also work beautifully as a large farmhouse-style “vase” to display flowers on your deck or patio.

Burgon & Ball pruner set – These beautiful pruners come with a holster and gift canister printed with an illustration dating back to 1810, specially selected from the Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Collections of historic botanical art. This would make a lovely gift for a flower gardener or any gardener who likes pretty things.

Gardening shears and pruners set – If you prefer something simpler—but no less stylish—this set of shears and pruners with ergonomic nonslip handles and easy-lock safety latches is a great gift choice. I love the lavender option, but click through and you can also choose from mint, teal, chartreuse, or sage. I’ll be buying a set for myself because the price point is just right!

Folding garden seat with essential tool kit – How handy is this thing to keep in the garden or put by the door of a potting shed? It’s just the right size and weight to stay portable yet keep all your important tools on hand. The garden seat is made with a durable steel frame and canvas seat, and comes with a detachable storage bag (which can stay clipped under the seat) as well as all the wood-handled tools you see pictured.

Mushroom knife – If you know an aspiring mushroom forager, this made-in-France foldable knife would make an elegant and useful gift. The stainless steel blade has a serrated edge on the back to scrape off debris, and a boar bristle brush on the end of the handle wipes away dirt. Pair it with this excellent pocket guide to identifying western mushrooms (which I have, and am still learning from).

Mushroom hunting set – This gift set would surely satisfy the more serious mushroom forager. It includes a heavy canvas kantan bag, miniature carbon steel sickle, stainless steel mushroom knife, and natural fiber shuro brush—basically everything you would need for a day in the field.

Canvas harvesting and gathering bag – For someone who likes to spend time in the garden, forage in the wild, or simply visit farmers’ markets, a versatile bag like this one helps keep all their treasures together. The bag is made from weather-resistant waxed canvas and can be carried multiple ways with its convertible straps: on the shoulder, on the back, or across the chest. A drop-down bottom makes emptying the harvest quick and easy. (They also make a smaller version for shorter adventures.)

Leather work gloves – There’s nothing flashy about these gloves, and that’s one of the things I love about them. They’re classic leather gloves and feel sooo soft and buttery on your hands! Besides gardening, these gloves work well for a range of tasks around the yard, from grilling to woodworking. The palms are reinforced to protect against cuts and punctures, and I especially dig the green color. (I can’t help it, I have both!)

Galvanized seed saver kit – This deluxe kit contains everything you need to save and store a tidy collection of seeds. You get a sturdy galvanized steel bin with five compartments, glassine envelopes to keep seeds dry, and cardstock dividers to organize things at a glance. There’s also a mini seed saver kit for new or younger gardeners.

Galvanized garden tool storage caddy – I bought this a few years ago on a whim, and loved it so much I ended up buying another one! If you’re the type to misplace your tools in the garden, or always wish you had a few things handy when you’re out watering or harvesting, this storage caddy helps you keep your favorite items close by. I have mine hanging on my raised beds on opposite ends of the garden, and I’m seriously thinking of getting a third. It’s that useful!

Mod Hod gardening basket – Here’s an updated take on the traditional garden hod, which adds foldable feet and handles to a more streamlined and durable design. But the feature that seals the deal for me is how you can stick this in your sink to wash off vegetables, or rinse it with a hose before you bring in your harvest. I have all three sizes of Mod Hods (including the regular and mini) and use them frequently for harvesting as well as carrying tools and other things around the yard.

Walnut handle scissors – Scissors are my #1 gardening tool above pruners and clippers. Why? Because they’re small, easy to clean, and easy to tote around. I have several that I use for harvesting, pruning, cutting twine, opening bags, and other everyday tasks. Some of them are pretty plain (office-type scissors) but this walnut-handled pair makes an ordinary tool look and feel special. I’ve had mine for over three years and it still looks and functions like new; I just get it sharpened every year.

Hori hori knife – I love my hori hori knives (yes, I have multiple!) as I find them super useful in the yard for lots of different tasks: cutting twine, cutting open bags or boxes, digging holes, transplanting seedlings, pulling up weeds, and so on. This particular knife is high on my list because I’m lusting after the walnut handle—it’s so elegant! Plus, I own other tools by this company and have found them to be very high-quality and totally worth gifting (or buying for yourself).

Waterproof rubber boots – As a gardener, I’ve tried all kinds of muck boots and rain boots. These ones, by far, are my favorite. (I have the Alpine Green pair, but am really hankering for another color.) The unisex boots are made of natural rubber and are so comfortable to wear not only around the yard, but out on the town, too. I’ve found them to be surprisingly warm down to 35°F. They also make these tall boots, which I’m loving for tidepooling on our PNW beaches.

Stackable wooden egg holder – I’ve been looking for a new storage solution in summer when my chickens’ eggs overflow the bowls I have to use to hold them all, and I think this may be it! As a backyard chicken-keeper, I’d love to receive this. There’s also a smaller two-level option that holds two dozen eggs.

Water hyacinth egg basket – My kids bring in the eggs each day, and I wouldn’t say they’re the gentlest as they run back to the house with wire basket in hand. So I love the idea of this basket, made with natural water hyacinth and seagrass, that cushions the eggs a bit more (and can hold more eggs too). There’s also a round version.

Lion’s mane mushroom kit – You’ve probably seen similar mushroom growing kits-in-a-box, but this is the first time I’ve seen one for shaggy lion’s mane. If you have a friend who’s always wanted to try growing mushrooms (or maybe you do as well), this indoor kit makes for an easy, mess-free experiment. I also love the fun holiday edition with the polar bear box! The same company also makes boxed mushroom-growing kits for pink oyster, blue oyster, and golden oyster.

Houseplant care bundle – This is a great set for someone who’s just getting into houseplants. It comes with a small soil scooper, precision tweezers, dusting brush, and plant-based fertilizer to help keep their plants in tip-top shape. Pair this with a houseplant (here are some low-light varieties to consider for winter) and you’ve got the perfect gift.

Candle and herb-growing kits – This set of 3 growing kits is multipurpose: You get three soy-blend candles in refreshing natural scents (lavender, thyme, and rosemary) and when the candles are burned down, the vessels turn into little pots for your own lavender, thyme, and rosemary plants. The kit includes seeds, soilless growing medium, plant food, activated carbon, and instructions to help you get started.

Green glass watering can – I currently use a cheap plastic watering can to water my houseplants, but I’m eyeing this gorgeous glass vessel. It holds enough water to supply a few plants and is elegant enough to leave out, like a vase. (In fact, you could even use it as a vase to hold a winter cutting or a couple of stems.)

Rose glass watering can – If you like the idea of using a glass watering can but want a pop of color, how about this lovely pale pink version? Like the green one above, it holds over 48 ounces of water (enough for several houseplants) and looks right at home on a shelf with your other beautiful objects.

Terracotta watering can – While we’re on the subject of decorative watering cans, how about this terracotta vessel? Its shapely, sculptural form echoes the look of a classic garden pot, and the glazed interior holds 48 ounces of water. I love how it can also be used as a vase for a statement cutting or stem.

Microwave flower press – Traditional flower presses make you wait days (or weeks) for fully dried and preserved flowers. This microwaveable terracotta flower press creates a floral masterpiece the same day! It comes with thick wool pads that you place your flowers between. Heat the whole thing in the microwave, and the wool and terracotta work to absorb all the moisture fast.

Mason jar fermentation kit – I’ve tried a few airlock systems for my fermenting projects over the years, but these are far and away the best for how easy they make it, even for beginners. The kit comes with a wooden tamper, glass weights, and airlock tops to turn any mason jar into a fermentation crock for kimchi, sauerkraut, and other ferments. It’s my favorite fermentation system ever!

Herb-themed dish towel set – You can’t go wrong with a new set of dish towels which everyone needs. This set has a cute design featuring different herbs, and is packaged in an even cuter paper carton wrapped with twine. Gift it as is, or use the towels to wrap another small gift, like these lightweight herb snippers, beeswax food wraps in fun patterns, or herb keeper container.

Staub Dutch oven – Hands down, this is the most-used pot in my kitchen, especially when it’s soup-making weather! I love my 7-quart dutch oven and use it for not only soups, but also roasting, braising, and making big one-pot meals. What sets Staub apart from similar pots (like Le Creuset) is the design of the lid: the underside features little spikes that drip the juices back down onto the food, retaining moisture and flavor.

Electric water bath canner – If you love to can but are still using an enormous pot on the stove to do so, this electric water bath canner is a must-have. I own an older version of this and can’t imagine going back to stovetop canning! An electric canner makes it possible for you to take your canning to the kitchen island, dining table, garage, or even outside, and it heats up water more quickly than a conventional burner. For someone new to canning, you can also add in this set of canning tools to get them up and running.

Pivot arc lighter – Have you ever used a rechargeable arc lighter? It’s a really sleek gadget that uses electric plasma technology to provide a reliable flame (unlike traditional lighters that always blow out in the wind). Use it to ignite a candle indoors or light tinder outdoors. The pivoting arm design makes this easy to stow away, and the vintage brass makes this elegant enough to keep on display.

Solo Stove Bonfire – A fire pit is one of the best ways to enjoy a garden, and this Solo Stove has been the centerpiece of many of our barbecues and backyard gatherings. We own the first version of the Bonfire (which is perfect for up to eight adults to sit around) and it’s performed flawlessly for the past six years. It’s so portable that we even take it camping with us!