Here’s a full guide to gardener gifts with a little twist: all of these items are hand-selected for being eco friendly and sustainable. These gardener gifts will delight the full range of gardeners - from beginners to well-seasoned homesteaders.
Here is the criteria I looked at when picking these gardener gifts:
1. For the gardener looking to cut back on machinery usage
We have a couple of items from scythe supply, a sickle and a scythe. I personally love the sickle for harvesting large amounts of herbs, or for chopping and dropping cover crops. My husband likes to scythe for cutting back grass - it’s a much more relaxing way to mow the lawn without the noise and gasoline of a regular mower. Plus it’s kind of badass.
This small business is part of 1% for the planet, and scything is a great skill to learn, especially for those preparing for a post-oil world.
2. Gifts for gardeners who start their own seeds
The epic 6-cell are heavy-duty seed starting trays made in the USA from recycled, BPA-free, food-grade plastic. While Epic Gardening might not qualify as a small business any more, I’m adding these in here because they are a buy-once kind of product.
Every gardener knows the frustration of flimsy, crinkly, and cracked seed starting trays and pots. They are wasteful and need to be replaced often. These 6-cell (and 4-calls) solve that problem, and keep plastic out of the landfill.
Epic 6-Cell Seed Starting Trays
I got the 120 pack bc you save a ton - it’s only twice the amount of buying 24. I use them all as a homesteader, and am considering buying another 120 pack since we have expanded our garden.
To get a bundle as a gift for a new gardener, check out this option to save a little. Be sure to select the 4 inch option for the 4 cell trays.
To go plastic free, check out this soil blocker and accompanying trays:
3. Gifts for a beginning gardener looking for easy plants
Planting Justice is my favorite organic plant nurseries out there. They have reasonable shipping rates, and are doing amazing work in their community.
If you’re looking for a gift for a beginner gardener, these plants are easy to grow and maintain, and can work for both outdoor and indoor gardening. These plants are perennial, so they will keep providing harvests year after year.
Mushroom Plant “Rungia Klossii” (Organic)
Sunshine Blue Blueberry (organic)
4. Gifts for a gardener with a vegetable garden - a handmade harvest basket
The harvest basket that I appreciate the most is one that has straps like these two handmade baskets shown below. In that way, I can have both hands free as I carry fruit and veggies back to the house…in which I can carry more baskets!
5. Gifts for gardeners with a passion for flowers and herbs - handmade and vintage flower harvest baskets
It might not seem obvious at first, but the standard harvest baskets can sometimes not be the right dimensions for flowers and herbs. The long stems often call for a different kind of basket.
Some vintage finds for flower + herb gardener gifts:
Handmade baskets make an awesome gardener gift!
These plastic-free baskets are artisan crafted with natural materials, and are a perfect shape for carrying vegetables or longer stems like flowers and herbs.
Herb Gathering Basket. Green. Herb Garden Basket.
Hearth Basket- Flower & Herb Gathering Basket
6. For the cottagecore kind of gardener, check out these vintage gifts - aprons galore!
Aprons are the gardening item that I never thought I’d appreciate so much. Hands-free carrying of items and protecting my clothes from dirt and dirty goat hooves is something that I value greatly. These two options from etsy are cute and vintage, meaning you’ll be giving a second life to some useful and practical items.
Vintage WOVEN GATHERING APRON/BoHo Inspiration/ S-M.
7. For the wildlife lover, check out these natural insect homes for beneficial pollinators
Pollinators and beneficial insects make the world go ‘round! If you’re looking for a gift for a gardener who also appreciates wildlife, is interested in conservation, or needs pollination to happen for their fruit and vegetables, these insect homes are helpful for their garden and for wildlife, too.
8. Best gardening gift for the seed collector - vintage seed storage drawers
When you’re a gardener, you tend to collect seed packets. While it is popular to use plastic seed storage options, you may want to check out these vintage card catalog options instead. Less plastic + a second life for these items = a big win. Plus, the decor bonus of these storage beauties adds to the lure of these gifts.
Vintage Wood Globe Wernicke Card Catalog File Box Green Mid Century 2 Drawers
9. For water-conscious gardeners (or for those who garden in dry summer climates)
Water is a scarce resource, especially if you know a gardener who works in a dry climate. These oya pots are a way to keep garden beds hydrated but with up to 70% less water. If someone gardens in an area where they don’t have access to running water, or has a well that dries up in the summer, this would be very appreciated - by them and by their plants!
10. For gardeners who need some sun protection - sustainably made sun hats
I am in love with these hats by Ceremonia - a woman-owned, Latina owned company that sources all of their materials ethically and sustainably. Check out these naturally made options:
palm leaf sun hat BRISA - honey brown
palm leaf sombrero - la dama honey brown
Whether your loved one is a seasoned gardener or just starting out, having the right tools and accessories can make all the difference in their gardening experience. These gifts were chosen for their practicality, usefulness, and eco-friendliness, with a heavy emphasis on supporting small businesses, craftspeople, and vintage items.
These ideas for gifts for gardeners can help them enjoy their passion even more. So if you're looking for a thoughtful gift for the gardener in your life, consider some of the items we've highlighted in this post. We know they’ll love whatever you get them!
