Great Gift Items Under $30 for Gardeners

Regardless of the level of experience a gardener has, there are some great gift items any gardener would love.

Clay pots.
These pots are standard gardening accessories. They are the unfinished, unglazed variety. (Also known as Terra Cotta). These pots come in all sizes from starter (about 1-2") to tree size (about 2'). They are more expensive, pretty pots - but gardeners need the basic to use while puttering around in their garden. Also, the clay material allows for the plant and soil to breathe easier than in a plastic pot. The clay pots are heavier than the plastic variety, so be careful when you stock up on these. Cost ranges from $2 - $30.

To make for a pretty presentation, wrap colorful ribbon around the pot and add a bow on the side of the pot.
· Put a couple packets of seeds in the center. They cost under $1.
· Put a small starter plant inside the clay pot. They cost about $5.
· (Starter plants are ones found in 1" pots).

Hand Tools
Where would a gardener be without his or her hand tools? Hand tools range from trowels, cultivator (looks like a fork), and transplanter (a narrower version of a trowel).

Fiskar is known to produce high quality hand tools. They average $3 per tool for the plastic variety. The plastic variety is preferred due to it not being able to rust. In other words, they last a long time.

Visit Fiskar online. They offer online purchasing for added convenience. Their site is found at www.fiskar.com.

Gardening hand tools can also be found at any garden center at department stores. Wal-Mart, Meyer, Kmart, Lowes, and Home Depot all carry gardening accessories and tools. Also, check out your local hardware stores and nursery stores.

I have purchased many a hand garden tool from garage sales and flea markets for dirt-cheap. (No pun on words intended!)

Knee Pads and Gardening Gloves.
Gardeners are known for digging in the soil and getting dirty - go figure! Having proper knee protection and hand covering is essential. There are a variety of knee pads available on the market that would come in very handy for your gardening friend.

Fiskar (mentioned above) also makes a well-cushioned knee pad. It has adjustable straps and protects the knees from harm during the gardening process. It goes for about $20. It can be purchased online at their above-mentioned website.

Gardeners always need gardening gloves, obviously. Gardening gloves are manufactured by a variety of companies. They usually come in small, medium, and large. The best ones have gripping palms and rather form fitting fingers. They cost about $5-10.

Once again, check around in gardening centers, nursery stores, department stores, flea market, garage sales, etc. for the best deal around. I have even seen great deals on eBay for hand tools.

Pruners.
Pruners are an essential tool for gardeners. There are varieties available in varying prices. However, for this article I will mention the one costing $20. It is a hand pruner with durable construction and easy gripping handles. Known as the Power Gear Bypass Pruner, it is manufactured by Fiskars.

Pruners come in different sizes, blade angles, and materials. Check around for varying prices. You are bound to find something of interest.

Gift Pot Set
Make an attractive gardening gift pot set by putting the smaller items in a larger clay pot. Here is an idea for under $30 total:
10" clay terra cotta pot…………$10
3 hand tools …………………… 15
bag of potting soil ……………. . 5

Or
6" clay pot ……………………. 5
knee pads …………………… 20
gardening gloves……………… 5

Put an attractive bow on the pot for extra attractiveness!

(NOTE: Miracle-Gro produces a variety of potting soils, which are very popular. Check them out at www.miraclegro.com. )

I have seen prepackaged gardening gift sets at Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, and nursery stores for around $20. This may save you some time.

There you have it! Great gift ideas for the gardener on your holiday list.