Top Holiday Gifts for the Home Gardener

Do you want to purchase a gift for a gardening friend or relative? You don't need to spend a lot of money to make a gardener happy. In this article, the cost of the tools - or toys to the gardener - ranges from $8 to $100. Listed are 10, easy to find, gardening tools that are sure to make both the hobbyist and professional gardener smile. All of these tools can be found at local home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot or at almost any hardware or gardening store. It is recommended that you telephone your favorite home improvement store ahead of time to insure they have the item. A few additional calls to competitors may come up with even lower prices.

There are several considerations to keep in mind before choosing a gift for the gardener. Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before purchasing that special gift for a gardener.

1. What type of yard does the gardener have? It wouldn't make much since to buy a tree trimmer for a person with no trees in his yard.

2. Does the gardener have any physical limitations? Many of us older gardeners have problems bending over and may appreciate something like a small cart on wheels with a seat on it.

3. Does the gardener specialize in any type of gardening? What better friend can a rose grower have than a pair of protective gloves?

4. What equipment does the gardener already have? You don't want to duplicate equipment a gardener already has. Take a quick look at her garage and see what she has and what equipment might be aging or broken.

The following recommendations are listed from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Gloves: No gardener likes to work with his bare hands especially with plants like roses or other plants that have nasty thorns. Mud Gloves are cotton knit with heavy latex or other coating on the palms and fingers. These gloves are perfect for a good grip and will help to keep your hands clean. They come in various colors and cost $8. Another glove type for tougher use and longtime wear are the Wells Lamont, Grips. These gloves have a breathable mesh back with pigskin leather over the palms for greater gripping power and increased protection from sharp objects. They also have reinforced thumbs and fingertips for longer wear. A pair of these gloves will last for years. The Wells Lamont gloves cost $12.

Orbit XL-Stream Super Magnum Hose Nozzles: Many gardeners spend more time watering plants and spraying away messes than anything else. Those lousy hose nozzles we usually use need to be replaced every year and are a pain to use. The Orbit XL has a durable metal body that fits nicely in the hand. It won't rust or corrode. It has easy adjustable pressure that is accurate. The Orbit XL costs $20.

AMES, Fold Down Storage Hose Reel: This is a handy tool to help keep hoses organized. It is equipped with a 4 foot leader hose and brass coupling. It has a handy utility tray and can hold up to 175 feet of hose. This is a lightweight reel that can be wheeled around with little trouble. The cost of the reel is $20.

AMES Lawn Buddy: Now hears a real back saver! The lawn buddy has a fold down seat for those of us with back and knee problems. It can be either pulled or pushed. The lawn buddy has 2 main storage areas and one removable try. It even has clamps on the side for carrying tools like rakes and shovels. The Lawn Buddy costs $30.

Weed Eater, Feather Lite Blower: This blower weighs only 7.5 pounds. It's a lot easier to use than the old 15 pound blowers. The most exciting characteristic about this blower is that it operates on a 23 cc gas engine so there are no bothering cords to drag around the yard. It generates up to 150 mph blowing speed and is just as effective blowing water as leaves. It carries a 2 year guarantee and does not require any tools for changing tubes. This item sure beats a broom and sells for $70.

Bolens BL100 2 Cycle Trimmer: Anyone who's had an old gas engine trimmer knows how difficult it is to get one started. This trimmer features an "extra easy pull" to get the 31 cc 2 cycle engine started." It uses duel 0.80 lines that cover up to 17 inches. This toy sells for $70.

Toro Electric Blower/Vacuum 3in1: This 3 in 1 tool weighs only 7.3 pounds. It can be used as a blower, vacuum, or leaf shredder. The principal advantages of this 3 in 1 blower when compared to cheaper blowers are; 1) it has a metal impeller and, 2) it has variable speeds. The blower speed is up to 225 mph. This item costs $75.

Black and Decker Electric Edger: This is a powerful edger that features 3 positions to adjust cutting depth. This tool can save a lot of shovel work because it can even be used for landscape trenching. This electric edger sells for $89.

Remington Hedge Wizard Hedge Trimmer: No more ladders are needed when trimming those tall hedges when you have one of these trimmers. This hedge trimmer has an adjustable telescoping pole with a 17 inch reciprocating blade. Its versatile design makes it easy to trim up to 10 feet high. It weighs 12 pounds and cuts through branches up to three-quarters inch thick. This tool sells for $100.

Reel Smart, Outdoor Sink Station: We have saved the best for last. This is a combination sink, hose reel, and table. The hose reel can hold up to 150 feet of hose. The outdoor sink has a swivel faucet and hooks up to any outdoor outlet. It comes with mounting brackets or if you don't want to mount it you can easily move it from place to place. There is even a fold-out shelf for additional work space. This toy is made of heavy duty plastic and costs $100.

Don't forget to call around to find the best price. Have fun finding that perfect gift for the home gardener.