12 Problem-Solving Gifts For Gardeners (Besides Compost)

Looking for gifts for your favorite gardener? These practical ideas solve a range of common garden problems and will be most welcome.

Also see these 10 Must-Have Seed Collections for more gift-giving ideas.

What Gardeners Want

The art of giving gifts to gardeners is not complicated. Beautiful and/or useful items do wonders!

Many of us have a perpetual plant or seed wish list. Take us to the plant nursery and we’ll show you!

And what’s better than a truckload of top quality compost or well-rotted, pesticide-free manure—and help to distribute it in the garden? Yes, please!

Decorative garden art or recycled garden junk may also be appreciated if you have a keen understanding of the gardener’s aesthetics and sense of humor (or lack thereof).

More practical items like the tools and accessories (below) can become life-long favorites. When a tool is well-made, easy to use, long-lasting, and helpful, it becomes a garden staple.

I also hear from so many life-long gardeners who find, as their bodies age, that basic garden tasks become more difficult to do.

If you, the gift giver, can find ways to keep their garden vision alive while acting as their hands, that’s the best gift I can think of. It’s companionship and acts of service all rolled into one.

The items shown below are not unusual but that’s the point: they make good gifts because they solve common problems and do what we need.

If you don’t have one, get an Amazon Prime account for fast, free shipping (& other perks).

Gift Ideas

Practical Gifts For Gardeners

Garden Hose You Can Actually Lift

See lightweight garden hose on Amazon

There is no perfect garden hose but, wow, is there anything more frustrating than a hose too heavy to lift? They are plant-crushers!

Thankfully, there are now some super lightweight garden hose options on the market.

I avoid the expandable types because too often they are short-lived, often leaking after just one season.

I have not found a lightweight hose that is also kink-proof (though some claim they are) but perhaps that’s not too far off as things change quickly these days.

Whatever you choose, be sure it’s food-safe so the hose does not introduce any undesirable things into the water.

Bonus—because the hose is so light, be sure to get whatever length you need. I have the 100-foot length and it is a timesaver, for sure.

A good water wand with an on-off thumb button and an automatic hose reel are also nice to have.

And, include a few quick connectors that let you change hoses and attachments effortlessly.

Wheelbarrow That Doesn’t Tip

See tip-proof wheelbarrow on Amazon

Life is too short to wrestle with a wheelbarrow that falls over when you turn corners.

Look for a garden cart that stays steady with heavy loads and has a release function that allows intentional tipping. Much better!

Local Weather Station

See home weather station kit on Amazon

Those of us in lower population areas often get our weather reports and forecasts from cities some distance away which means they are rarely accurate.

A good home weather station provides real-time data. Some also create forecasts based on your specific location.

We got one years ago and have found it far more useful (and interesting) than expected.

Not Ugly Kitchen Compost Bin

See kitchen compost container on Amazon

So many of us keep fruit and vegetable scraps for composting but have never invested a good quality, easy-to-use, good-looking kitchen compost container for holding items until they are taken outside.

Given how valuable compost is to our gardens, it’s time for something like this, no?

Indoor Seed Starting Essentials

Seed Starting Trays

See seed starting trays with domes on Amazon

I am always hesitant to buy anything plastic unless I know it will serve me for a good, long time. The planet does not need any more single-use plastics!

These seed starting trays are smartly designed. You can get them with various cell sizes.

I like how the clear cell pack has drainage holes and sits in the base. This allows examination of roots and watering from below. The lid has a vent so you can determine how much humidity is retained.

The plastic could be stronger but with proper care, they should last indefinitely.

Heat Mat With Thermostat

See seed starting heat matt on Amazon

Whether or not you need heat mats depends entirely on what you are sowing and the room temperature. I’ve written more about using heat mats here.

If there is a need, it’s a good gift idea as they tend to be a little pricey for frugal gardeners. If there’s room, give several (most are just 10×20 inches or so) and be sure they come with thermostat attachments.

Moisture Meter

See moisture meter on Amazon

Over and under-watering are the top reasons why plants struggle. A basic moisture meter is such a simple device and tells you instantly how moist the soil is at root depth. No batteries required!

Some of these also have pH and light meters which I haven’t found accurate or useful, but the moisture reading is helpful both for containers and in-ground plants.

Thermostat With Probe

See digital thermometer with probe on Amazon

Another useful and often over-looked tool is a digital thermometer with a probe to measure soil temperatures. Germination rates are much greater when the soil is at the right temperature for the plant species.

Also see the free printable lists of the optimum soil temperature ranges for sowing vegetable and flower & herb seeds.

Gooseneck Watering Can

See gooseneck watering can on Amazon

A good gooseneck watering can is a must-have for indoor seed starting and plant growing.

The fine spout lets you aim the water right where you need it without spills.

Sun-Shade Garden Hat

See garden sun-shade hat on Amazon

Excessive sun exposure is a real worry for gardeners. In addition to other precautions, it really helps to wear a sun hat with a really deep brim. Before buying, be sure you check the head circumference is the right size.

Seed Storage Kit

See seed storage kit on Amazon

This idea has become popular in recent years: use photo storage kits for seed collections. You can get them with clear or colorful cases as shown here. Add some plant labels and it’s a welcome gift for getting seeds organized.

Mobility Helpers

One of the greatest challenges for aging gardeners is a gradual loss of mobility. But sometimes a simple accessory can help.

A Soft Landing Spot

See garden kneeling pad on Amazon

If kneeling hurts, a nice, thick kneeling pad may be just the thing!

Look for something water-resistant with a handle so it’s easy to grab and move.

A Way Back Up

See garden kneeler with handles on Amazon

What goes down, must come up! A unit like this one can make it much easier to stand up after kneeling. It also doubles as a handy garden seat while working with plant containers.

More Ideas

See 10 Must-Have Seed Collections to Give As Gifts for sure-to-please ideas.

I hope you’ve found ideas for your favorite gardener (or yourself). And remember, when in doubt, give compost, mulch, or manure—or help with garden tasks.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛