Gift Ideas for the Nature Curious

 

It’s that time of year when we all start looking for gift ideas for friends and family. Giving unique and thoughtful gifts is often the goal (don’t we all have enough sweaters?). The pandemic encouraged a lot of folks to get outside, perhaps for hiking or working in the garden. You might consider nurturing that interest with gifts inspired by nature.

The usual categories that I would suggest include books, tools, plants/seeds (even starts from your own garden), gift certificates, donations in their honor to conservation groups (like the Georgia Native Plant Society and many others), and an annual Parks pass.

More personal ideas include a gift certificate for your own services: "A Day of Weeding," "A Day of Plant Design and Shopping with Me," or "Some of My Favorite Perennials to be Transplanted (to your yard) in Spring." This idea is especially good for friends who are older or need help in the garden. 

Fallen and pressed native leaves (like these red maples below) can be glued to a blank card for an outdoorsy-feel to your gift card (leaves can be soaked before pressing if they are crumpled). Another homemade leaf project can be found here if you're feeling really crafty.

I have written about gift ideas before. Here are 3 of my previous posts with more ideas:

Nature-Inspired Gift Ideas

The Gift of Gardening

Gift Ideas for Naturalists of All Ages

Nurture the curious, they are the future

Remember: if you order something custom and it won’t arrive in time, print a picture of it and wrap it up for the gift giving occasion. Don’t let timing get in the way of a great idea.