🎁 Gifts for gardeners and everyone else on your list

Hi, guys!

As in years past, I’ve rounded up my favorite gifts of the year for gardeners (don’t forget yourself!) and non-gardeners alike. Some are perennial recommendations — must-have tools and gear I’ve used for years and couldn’t garden without; others are new finds in all sorts of categories.

A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE WEEKLY DIRT

For the first time this year, I’m offering gift subscriptions to The Weekly Dirt. Your recipient will get weekly issues, commenting and access to a treasure trove of horticultural how-tos in the archives. You can even order now and schedule the start date of your choice.

GARDENERS’ ARM-OR

Designed with gardeners in mind, Farmers Defense Protection Sleeves offer lightweight, breathable, up-to-the-armpit protection from cuts, scratches, bug bites and allergic dermatitis. A UPF of 50+ protects against sunburn, and four-way stretch keeps the long, fingerless gloves comfortable, while rubber rings at their tops keep them from sliding down. Made of 15% spandex and 85% REPREVE, an "eco-dynamic" fabric made from recycled materials, the sleeves wick away sweat to keep you dry and cool.

GRAMPA’S WEEDER

Sometimes, low-tech is the best tech. After seeing a resurgence of this old-school, long-handled weeding tool, which was invented in 1913, I bought one to see what the fuss was about. I'm not sure who Grampa was, but his ingenuity was brilliant! Using your foot, plunge the tool directly into whatever weed you'd like to remove, and its claws will clamp around its roots. Tilt the tool and lift it out of the ground, and voila! Weed removed -- roots and all. Just like hand-pulling, it works best on softer soil or after rainfall (or a good watering). And the best part is no exertion or bending required (except to collect your pulled weeds). This is my absolute favorite tool of the year!

STIHL HSA 26 CORDLESS SHRUB SHEARS

These cordless gardening shears make easy work of pruning hedges, taming bushy perennials and cutting back ornamental grasses. Weighing in at less than 2 pounds, the shears have an ergonomic design and rubberized grips to provide comfortable maneuverability, and an easy-switch button allows for tool-free changes between the included grass- and shrub-cutting attachments.

ZoomBroom

I use my ZoomBroom to blow leaves from my porch into garden beds, “sweep” my deck, and clear patio furniture of leaves and debris. This cordless stick blower is super lightweight and easy to operate. It assembles in minutes and holds its charge (via USB-C) for up to 30 minutes. It’s also quiet.

SMART BIRD FEEDERS

If you’ve been following me on social media, you’re likely familiar with the cast of feathered characters that visited my backyard bird feeder over the summer. You can have (and name) your own visitors or give the gift of non-productivity to a friend (seriously, I went days without getting anything done because I was glued to my phone watching my backyard birds up close as they munched adorably on seeds).

Two to choose from: FeatherSnap Scout (the model I use) and Bird Buddy, another solid choice.

SQUIRREL-PROOF BIRDSEED

After squirrels devoured an entire feederful of bird seed in an afternoon, I switched to Cole’s Hot Meats. Squirrels detest the pepper-coated, shelled, sunflower seeds, but birds eat them up.

BirdDivert

After writing about how light pollution kills billions of birds every year, I bought this window tape and installed it on some of my main floor windows. You simply stick the tape on the window in strips then peel it away, and the small, clear, barely noticeable (unless you’re looking for them) dots that remain serve as an indication to flying birds that your window is not a fly-through zone. It’s such a simple solution to such a gruesome problem.

RotoShovel

By now, you've guessed that I gravitate toward time- and back-savers (that’s me drilling holes to plant my garlic in the clip above). This 2022 Cultivate Horticulture Show Retailers’ Choice Award winner is a battery-operated, hand-held shovel and auger kit that includes a case, 12-volt battery and charger. The heavy-duty steel and aluminum digging tool directs soil away from the user and makes easy work of planting flowers, bulbs and shrubs (it can also be used to install posts or dig a trench). I use mine every time I plant, and the only time it failed me was in rocky soil (which is understandable).

FELCO PRUNERS

I’ve been recommending these Swiss-made pruners since 2007 when I bought my first pair, and they’re still going strong (that’s me again, above, using my F6 model pruners to clip a redtwig dogwood stem). Because all the critical parts (blades, handle grips and springs) are replaceable, I consider them a lifetime investment. A range of models offers a variety of sizes, left-handed and right-handed options, and ergonomic rotating handles. They have super-sharp blades that make clean cuts that promote fast healing, and their nonslip, comfortable handles are red, so they won't get lost in a pile of clippings.

A SAFER HORI-HORI KNIFE

This sharp, multipurpose, stainless steel Japanese-style gardening knife is smooth and sharp on one side, serrated on the other. Use it to remove weeds, cut roots and dig into the soil. Why this specific brand? The 6-inch blade is marked in inches for measuring depth when planting bulbs, and a twine-cutting notch comes in super handy, too. The bright orange, one-piece molded plastic handle is comfortable and won't get lost in the compost pile. Although plastic isn't sustainable, the handle won't splinter or rot, and, most importantly, it flares out to protect your hand from accidentally slipping onto the blade, a safety feature many other brands don't have. Includes a leather sheath. (Fun fact: “Hori-hori” means “dig-dig” in Japanese).

TUNED-IN CHIMES

These are truly the highest-quality wind chimes I've ever owned (I have two). Created by a Grammy-award-winning musician and made in upstate New York, each instrument is musically tuned to replicate specific tunes. One, for instance, is reminiscent of Amazing Grace; another plays the harmonized tones of Pachelbel's Canon when the wind blows. They truly make me happy.

GARDENING GLOVES

Arguably the best bargain in the gardening world, the Atlas NT370s are my go-to gloves. They fit like a second skin, enabling me to feel what I'm touching, but they are sturdy enough to protect from scratches without tearing or puncturing. The nitrile coating gives them a good grip, keeps my hands clean and dry, and protects against prickles (but don't use them when handling roses; they aren't thick enough to resist thorns). I even keep a pair in my kitchen drawer for opening jars. And they're machine-washable. A 4-pack is a great deal.

DIAMOND ART KITS

I’m not typically a “crafty” person, but when a friend recently told me she enjoyed making “diamond art” projects because she found the activity relaxing, I thought I’d give it a try. Several different projects, from serving trays to coasters and even plant stakes (currently 33% off) are available. I chose these coasters in Mandala Style A. Sets for kids are available, too.

FRESH AIR AND INSPIRATION

A membership to a local garden, arboretum, or state or national park is a year-long gift of the great outdoors.

You might also consider a gift membership to the American Horticultural Society, which provides free admission to more than 350 public gardens and arboretums in 48 U.S. states, Canada, the Cayman Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands (via the AHS Reciprocal Garden Network) and includes a subscription to
The American Gardener magazine.

NIFTY HIT

Looking for something innovative for the cannabis consumer on your list? The Nifty Hit just may, um, light their fire. The refillable, butane-powered device looks like an ordinary lighter, but accessories contained in hidden compartments make it an all-in-one, grab-and-go smoking kit. A magnetic steel hitter stored within the unit can be pre-packed, and when empty, its push-to-eject “Ash-Out” chute easily dispels residue. A versatile wand, concealed at the bottom, serves double-duty packing and cleaning the hitter. And flame size is easily adjusted via the velvety, soft-touch lighter’s steel head.

RESIDUE-RESISTANT BUD TRIMMER

If you’ve ever grown Cannabis, you know the buds are seriously sticky, making harvest a messy endeavor. This corded trimmer from Cloudious9 has residue-resistant blades (both straight and curved) to address the problem, as well as a responsive trigger that saves your hands from the repetitive stress that accompanies the delicate job of bud trimming. (I see a few negative reviews on there that complain about the cord not being long enough to reach bushes in the garden and the blades not cutting paper properly for crafts, but clearly, those folks don't understand the intended use of this trimmer).

INSTANT POT DUO 7-IN-1 MINI ELECTRIC COOKER

I use my Instant Pot Duo to make yogurt, cook chili and whenever I need either a pressure cooker or slow cooker. I also use it for shabu-shabu (a Japanese-style hot pot meal where everyone at the table cooks their own vegetables and thinly sliced meats by dipping them into simmering broth; it’s fun!) The 3-quart size is perfect for my needs (other sizes are available) and is currently 38% off.

NINJA FIT

My daughter makes smoothies for breakfast almost every day, so I bought her this "personal blender," and she loves it. The smoothie maker comes with two 16-ounce blender jars that double as travel cups when used with the included spout lids. The cups and lids are dishwasher safe, and the blender base is small enough to stash in the cabinet between uses. It’s currently 29% off.

TEA FORTE TEAS

I’ve been gifting these tea sets for years, and they’re always a hit. The boxed presentation and teabag shape are unique, and the teas are high-quality.

CAN-OPENER UPGRADES

My ancient manual can opener was starting to require more elbow grease to operate than I’d like, so it was time for an upgrade. I did some research and settled on two models, one manual and one battery-operated. I feel like I just stepped out of the dark ages. This Kuhn Rikon opener isn’t like any manual can opener I’ve ever used: It locks onto the lid (no clamping required) and removes it without creating sharp edges.

The battery-operated Kitchen Mama automatic opener (currently 40% off) holds onto the can's rim on its own, working its way around without needing to be held in place. It operates on two AA batteries and also removes lids cleanly without sharp edges.

CUTE BUT FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN HELPERS

This is one dracula that isn’t afraid of garlic — in fact, he crushes it! The BPA-free plastic “Gracula” garlic crusher gets the job done and makes cooking with garlic fun. What else is there to say?

GLOBAL CHEF’S KNIFE (and a book recommendation)

I had forgotten my phone one day last spring when I visited my hair salon. Bored out of my mind sitting there with dye on my hair and no one to talk to (because everyone was looking at their phones), I picked up a copy of Anthony Bourdain’s “Kitchen Confidential” displayed on a counter with other reading materials. Reading about a chapter every time I’m at the salon has since become my tradition. It’s a great read!

But that’s not why I’m telling you this. In the book, Bourdain wrote about the importance of a good chef’s knife and praised the Global brand so much that I ordered one for myself right there at the salon back in October (I got the 6-inch). It’s super sharp (be careful!) and is probably the best knife I’ve ever used. And the price is right.

GOYOUTH 2-IN-1 UNDER-DESK ELECTRIC TREADMILL

I recently bought this small treadmill so that I can keep up with my new walking regimen now that the weather is turning cold. I’ve only used it a few times, but so far it’s working out great. And I love that it has wheels on one end and can be stashed under the bed when not in use. It can also be used under a standing desk. It’s currently 15% off.

ANKER WIRELESS VERTICAL MOUSE

After years of trying different computer mice, I settled on this one and am currently on my third. It’s super comfortable (although might take a bit of getting used to) and doesn’t aggravate the carpal tunnel or tendinitis acquired from decades of computer work. I’d imagine such a mouse might have prevented those issues in the first place.

NOTES TO SELF INSPIRATIONAL SOCKS

I recently sent these socks to a friend who was going through a rough patch, and now I’m buying more to give as stocking stuffers. The quality is good, and the reason-to-be-thankful affirmations provide positive reminders for the wearer. Choices include “I Am Beautiful,” “I Am Brave,” “I Am Healthy,” and many others.

GREEN READS

And if you’re looking for a book, here are some great reads I think you’ll enjoy:

• Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Beautiful, Bountiful Food Garden

• The Secrets of Great Botanists: And What They Teach Us About Gardening,

• The Food Forward Garden: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes

• Garden Wonderland: Create Life-Changing Outdoor Spaces for Beauty, Harvest, Meaning, and Joy

• Black Flora: Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard

• A Life in the Garden: Tales and Tips for Growing Food in Every Season

• Plants for the Winter Garden: Perennials, Grasses, Shrubs, and Trees to Add Interest in the Cold and Snow

• The Mountain Rose Herbs Book of Natural Body Care: 68 Simple Recipes for Health and Beauty

• Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden: Innovative Techniques for Combining Bulbs and Perennials in Every Season

This gift guide has integrity

I only recommend products I believe in and, in most cases, have used myself. If affiliate programs are available for a specific item, purchasing it through my link will provide a small commission at no cost to you. But you can 100% trust that commissions are not part of my product selection process — I choose my recommendations before checking for programs, not the other way around.