As always I have put together a gift guide that I hope appeals to a wide range of interests and budgets. I never repeat myself, so please check out older gift guides if you’re looking for a tool, company, or item that is missing here.

Please also see my guide to things that you can make. There’s still time!

Books

The Pruning Book by Lee Reich $17.00: I bought the first edition of this book (published 1999) used at a thrift shop and can’t speak to how the updated and revised edition compares (revised 2010). You may have some luck finding the original used. My early years as a gardener were spent growing in spaces too small or impermanent for larger bushes and trees so pruning has long been my achilles heal. I’ve found this to be a very useful general practice reference book that touches on the pruning care of a wide range of bushes, trees, and houseplants. Most entries have accompanying photos and illustrations that help to clarify instruction. Get this for the new gardener or anyone that needs answers to the question, How do I prune that?

Roots: The Definitive Compendium by Diane Morgan $27.00: I’ve recommended this book in the past because it prompted me to go out in search of galangal and a few other Asian roots that I have little experience with. However, the book also addresses new uses for common garden roots, making this a good choice for the gardener who loves to cook, but is stumped about what to do with a bumper crop of turnips and carrots.

The Herbal Kitchen: Cooking with Fragrance and Flavor by Jerry Traunfeld $25.00: Inspiring and accessible ideas for the herb gardener who loves to cook.

The Timber Press Guide to Succulent Plants of the World by Fred Dortort $37.00: This book is a great gift for the hard-to-buy-for gardener that already has everything they “need.” Warning: it is full of enticing and unusual plants and will have you coveting even more plants! I must have at least 100 potted succulents by now, but every time I open up this book I am faced with some new pretty thing that I’d love to add to my collection.

Tools, Seeds & Plants

Themed Seed Collections Horizon Herbs $8.00-25.00: I bought myself the African Tea Basil Set last year and grew out the seeds this season. It was fantastic and introduced me to a few new varieties that will be on my must-grow list for the foreseeable future. While that particular set doesn’t seem to be available, there are plenty of others to choose from that will suit all sorts of tastes and interests. Check out the Dye Plants, Tulsi Seed, and Edible Flowers collections, to name just a few.

On a slightly different note, this winter I intend to purchase seed from a few of the aloe species they offer. I successfully grew a few aloe plants from seed 2 years ago and am itching to try my hand at more.

11 Gal. Tubtrug® $16.75: Tubtrugs are amazingly useful in small or large-space gardens. I have one in this exact colour, although if memory serves it was purchased at a local farm supply store, not online. I use it often: for collecting the harvest, mixing soil, hauling dangerous plants and heavy pots,lugging compost and mulch, and most often for collecting weeds and prunings as I work.

Giving Gift: Veggie and Tool Pack $20.00: I like the idea that while you are planning or just starting next season’s vegetable garden, you can give the gift of seeds and tools to help a family in need get their own crop going half-way around the world. This organization also offers smaller and larger agricultural packages to help people start beekeeping businesses or grow specific crops such as sesame and onion. They also have larger growing gift packs that can be paid in monthly instalments.

Handmade Dibble $25.00: It’s become tradition for me to choose a dibble (aka dibbler, a tool for making holes in the soil for planting bulbs and seeds) each year to showcase in the gift guide. This year’s choice was selected for its two-toned beauty and handmade charm.

Preserving, Cooking, Etc

European-Style Fermenting Crock about $80.00: File this gorgeous, stoneware crock under, Things I’d love to have, but will never, ever buy for myself. This would make a very nice gift for the fermenter/sauerkraut maker in your life. Larger sizes are also available should you have the means with which to splash out even further.

The Rancho Gordo-Xoxoc Project Sampler $23.80: A delicious assortment of four regional, indigenous Mexican bean varieties (to eat, but I bet you could grow a few out too) that you’re not likely to find in stores.

Oh You, Pretty Things

Gardening Tees by You Grow Girl about $22.00: I can’t make a gift guide without including a few of my favourite garden-themed t-shirts, designed by Davin and I. All designs are now available in a wide range of colours and sizes from unisex mens to women’s fitted, and there are even a few kid’s sizes. The two shirts depicted here are my current favourites, but we currently have 10 designs available in all. See also: Books and Makes.

Sedum Rosette Earrings $98.00: I have featured nature cast earrings from this shop in the past. What can I say, the designer has her finger on the pulse of the sort of jewelry I love. These earring are cast in silver and then oxidized to create the blackened effect that you see here. If your gift recipient is not into succulents but are into plants, I bet there is something else here that they will love.

Silver and Recycled Wood Earrings $36.00: This is another nature-inspired jewelry shop that I repeatedly return to. This designer living in Athens, Greece does such inspired work drawing from shapes found in the natural world and sometimes even incorporates bits and pieces of gleaned items into her pieces such as she has with these beautiful wood drop earrings.

Porcelain Acorns $17.88: I have no idea what they can be used for that is beyond decorative, but this is the pretty things section so who cares. I have a friend who collects all manner of things acorn and oak tree related, so I am always on the hunt for well-made items that I think will please her. Plus, the maker is right here in Toronto.

Vintage USSR Bowl $14.99: I have never purchased an item from this Danish etsy seller, but I have been tempted many times. I chose this wooden bowl with floral stencils to show you because like most vegetable gardeners I like to display the crops that I harvest from the garden and appreciate them for the beauties they are before eating them.

Carnivorous Plants Watercolor Painting Print $18.00: I love the vintage field guide style and soft quality of this watercolor painting depicting 13 different carnivorous plants. The artist also sells acorns, pinecones, birds, insects and a whole range of watercolor prints that I know nature-lovers will enjoy.

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Some photos are copyright to their respective shops.

Disclaimer: While I do receive a small affiliate fee on items purchased via Amazon, this is not a sponsored post.