Gift Ideas for the Naturalists of All Ages

 

It can be hard to think of new gift ideas – gifts that are relevant, don’t collect dust, and have zero calories. For gardeners, that can mean plants, tools, gloves, books, new swag, and even gifts of service (one of my favorite ideas). I have posted ideas before so feel free to check out those posts from 2021 and from 2022. Many of those ideas are still relevant.

I’m going to group this year’s ideas into categories by recipient: young people, those new to native plants, experienced gardeners, and nature enthusiasts who don’t have a garden of their own.

Young people should be encouraged to explore and appreciate the natural world from an early age. Start them out with children’s books that celebrate native plants and what they mean to the insects we’re seeing in the garden. I reviewed Grandma Lisa’s book earlier; that post has links to other ones too. 

You might also buy them early tools like gloves, brooms, rakes, magnifying glasses, and this cool pocket telescope. I’ve included links but some of these things are easily found locally (Target, Lowes, Walmart, even dollar stores).

If they’ve already started gardening, there are dozens of fun yard signs (even customizable) on craft sites like Etsy so they can incorporate cues of care into their design. I almost got lost looking at all the choices but here are one, two, three, and four ideas. You might also share a favorite hardy plant from your yard.

For the older child (10-14), I love the adapted version of Nature’s Best Hope. It is easy to read and feels like you’re having a kid-level chat with Doug Tallamy. It is quite affordable – pair it with some seed packets, or a gift certificate to a native plant nursery.

New to gardening people (or new to native plant gardening) have so much to learn and you can be a great mentor to them. Share some of your favorite plant extras or copies of your favorite books; recommendations are so useful to newbies. Other gift ideas include memberships to useful organizations (like a gift membership to Georgia Native Plant Society) and Georgia State Parks.

A gift certificate to a native plant nursery along with a list of some favorite perennials, shrubs, or trees would be nice; you might even offer to go along with them and help pick out their choices. Other ideas include tools (my favorite shovel), extra gloves, or even your favorite watering nozzle.

Experienced people will always want more plants! Share plants or seeds with them or get a gift certificate to a native plant nursery. Make it more fun by scheduling a day to go together and pair it with coffee or lunch. Older gardeners might appreciate some help planting or weeding. I love the idea of creating coupons for “one free afternoon of weeding” or “general garden help.”

Personalized sign from a friend

Other ideas for the experienced gardener include yard art, pollinator signage (so easy to personalize by searching on Etsy and other craft sites), t-shirts (from GNPS and other places like here and here), favorite tools, gloves, and decorative pots.

People without a garden still appreciate naturalist-themed gifts that help them stay connected to the great outdoors. Ideas include books (and more of my reviews can be found here), memberships to organizations and groups, donations in their name to conservation causes, shirts (see links from previous section), and invitations to go walking/hiking together in a natural area. Botanical artwork and notecards (see favorite Georgia artist Linda Fraser’s work here) make beautiful gifts; get a set of these notecards for yourself.

I hope you find some ideas for your friends here. Note: 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.