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The great thing about buying gardening gifts and gadgets is it’s difficult to run out of good ideas. It’s not all novelty gnomes, hanging baskets and ‘grow your own’ kits. There are products out there to suit every personality including bird watchers, lawn lovers, cookout connoisseurs, flower fans, nature nurturers and more.
With such a wealth of gardening gifts to choose from, you can expect prices to vary wildly depending on what it is you’re shopping for. For budget hunters, there are plenty of inexpensive products such as backyard games, planting tools, seed tins, almanacs, barbecuing gadgets and nature feeders. If you’re splashing the cash, there’s no shortage of fancy electronics to mow, blow, saw and trim an unruly garden into submission. Today, we’re focusing on gifts for gardeners which have the power to impress without emptying your wallet. We’ll take a look at some bargain products that can be picked up for less than a tenner and some pricier, midrange items too. The important thing is all of the featured products can be bought for less than £45. 1. Folding Pruning Saw
The traditional garden saw has a pretty clever design. It can’t really be improved except for when it comes to size. Full-size saws can be cumbersome and awkward to carry around particularly if you’ve got a wild and sprawling outdoor space.
The folding pruning saw deals with this problem by keeping the classic design but adding a mechanism which enables a smaller, more compact blade to be folded inward. This makes it lighter, safer to carry and compatible with toolboxes and gardening aprons in a way a full-size saw cannot be. While folding saws certainly aren’t as powerful as traditional saws - they can’t cut through thick tree branches – they’re ideal for eliminating younger branches, thorns, shrubs and weeds. 
2. Herb Garden Growing Kit
Growing kits may not enthral an experienced gardener but there’s nothing better for encouraging a rookie. DIY herb growing kits are a fantastic way to start growing because they’re very low maintenance. Everything you need is included in the kit from peat plugs to markers, labels, planter trays, pots and a variety of herbs such as basil, coriander, chives, parsley, mint and thyme.
Another big benefit of herb growing kits is they can be started indoors and moved outside later. Plus, you get to eat them afterwards. Is there any better reward for all that careful nourishing and nurturing; we don’t think so. While DIY herb growing kits come in a range of sizes and prices, they’re an inexpensive way to give a gift that lasts. Most kits come with plant pots or a planter tray, peat growing plugs and seeds like basil, coriander, chives and parsley. You normally get markers and labels too so you can easily distinguish your seedlings even before they sprout. This is important because, often, herbs have slightly different watering requirements. For a beginner gardener, we think these affordable kits are a valuable introduction to planting and growing. 
3. Bee Friendly Seed BallsBee-friendly seed balls are a relatively new concept, but they can make a difference to the welfare of wildlife in a garden. They’re also one of the quickest and easiest ways to grow wildflowers. All you need to do is scatter the seed balls on top of soil in a garden or inside a pot. Then, just add water and wait for a serious burst of beautiful blooms to appear in their place and start attracting wild bees. The idea here is both the user and the wildlife benefits. The recipient of your thoughtful gardening gift gets to plant vibrant flowering species like foxglove, wild marjoram, corn marigold and chamomile. At the same time, they get to lend a hand to struggling bees by ensuring there’s plenty of to feed on. They’re one of our favourite garden gifts for this very reason; they make it effortless to help the native species in your backyard. 
4. Gardeners Hand Cream Set
If you’re looking for a gift that’s inexpensive but still feels fancy, you might consider a gardener’s hand cream set.
These cosmetics sets don’t cost much, but they can be just the type of gift a passionate gardener doesn’t know they need; that is until they get one and realise that they can’t live without it. When you’re working outdoors in the soil and changing weather conditions, skin can dry out quickly. The best hand cream sets are, therefore, nourishing and designed to replenish the moisture lost after prolonged periods of outdoor work. Effective ingredients include jojoba, aloe vera and chamomile. If you want your gift to be impressively practical, shop for hand cream ‘minis’ which slot neatly into a favourite apron 
5. Germination Propagator
Germination propagators are superb garden gadgets because they can make indoor so growing easy. Whether your gift is for an amateur gardener or an experienced grower with less time on their hands, it’s a smart way to speed up the germination process and get fully grown plants faster without extra work. Germination propagators work by delivering a controlled source of heat as part of their pot or tray.
The tray gets placed on a windowsill to be watered and tended to like any other plant. The difference is the user can grow a much broader range of species and, in particular, plants which only thrive in warm temperatures. Some plug in propagators also come with self-watering functions to make raising seeds to maturity even easier. 
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7. Garden Weed Puller
We all know a gardener who wages war on weeds. So, for the friend or loved one with a serious vendetta, pick up a weed puller.
These nifty garden gadgets don’t cost much and they’re available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some weed pullers are compact and designed for use in close quarters. They require the user to get up close and personal to wrangle out unwanted plants.
For older gardeners or anybody with impaired mobility, it’s better to pick out a full-sized mechanical weed puller. They cost a little more, but they can be used without stooping or bending.
There’s a handle at the top of a long pole which is used to pluck weeds from the ground once the puller has been correctly positioned over them.
These nifty garden gadgets don’t cost much and they’re available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some weed pullers are compact and designed for use in close quarters. They require the user to get up close and personal to wrangle out unwanted plants.
For older gardeners or anybody with impaired mobility, it’s better to pick out a full-sized mechanical weed puller. They cost a little more, but they can be used without stooping or bending.
There’s a handle at the top of a long pole which is used to pluck weeds from the ground once the puller has been correctly positioned over them.
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8. Cut Resistant Sleeves
We’re excited to talk about cut-resistant sleeves because, even though they’re not really a new product, lots of gardeners are unaware of them. For under £20, you can buy long gloves with fabric which stretches right up to the elbow.
This fabric is made of a substance called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Surprise, surprise, it’s extremely strong. It’s often referred to as ‘the world’s strongest fibre.’
So, these cut-resistant sleeves are a lot more than just ordinary gardening gloves. They’re ideal for use in heavy sawing, chopping or pruning scenarios. No matter the type of blade being used, the fibres are strong enough to repel any cuts or slices.
Clumsy (or fast-paced) gardeners should own a pair of these sleeves to ensure their arms are fully protected in all situations. It’s not just blades which pose a danger; stones, glass particles and other types of debris can also cause injuries to bare arms.
This fabric is made of a substance called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Surprise, surprise, it’s extremely strong. It’s often referred to as ‘the world’s strongest fibre.’
So, these cut-resistant sleeves are a lot more than just ordinary gardening gloves. They’re ideal for use in heavy sawing, chopping or pruning scenarios. No matter the type of blade being used, the fibres are strong enough to repel any cuts or slices.
Clumsy (or fast-paced) gardeners should own a pair of these sleeves to ensure their arms are fully protected in all situations. It’s not just blades which pose a danger; stones, glass particles and other types of debris can also cause injuries to bare arms.
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9. Gardening Apron
The gardening apron is a more traditional gift but certainly no less valuable than the other fancier garden gadgets. There’s a lot of variety to choose from too; it’s the type of gift you could match to your recipient’s personality.
There are gardening aprons with vibrant flowery fronts, others with comical slogans and some which prioritise utility with lots of pockets and multiple straps. The gardening apron you choose will depend on your reasons for giving it as a gift in the first place.
Are you trying to make somebody smile by showing them you recognise their passion for outdoor work? Or is this a practical gift you’re hoping will streamline their routines and make gardening easier?
From a practical perspective, we think the design of the apron is less important than the fact it needs a tough, rugged outer material. Canvas is a top choice for its durability and capacity to withstand rain, dirt and jagged surfaces.
There are gardening aprons with vibrant flowery fronts, others with comical slogans and some which prioritise utility with lots of pockets and multiple straps. The gardening apron you choose will depend on your reasons for giving it as a gift in the first place.
Are you trying to make somebody smile by showing them you recognise their passion for outdoor work? Or is this a practical gift you’re hoping will streamline their routines and make gardening easier?
From a practical perspective, we think the design of the apron is less important than the fact it needs a tough, rugged outer material. Canvas is a top choice for its durability and capacity to withstand rain, dirt and jagged surfaces.
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10. Gardening throughout the Year
Sometimes, the best gifts for gardeners are not made to be used outside at all. The Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Gardening Throughout the Year’ by Ian Spence is one of the most popular gardening almanacs available.
The guide was updated in 2018, so it contains plenty of up to date information on plant care, landscaping projects, lawn maintenance, taking care of backyard ponds, identifying flowering species and lots more.
As this particular book is designed with beginner gardeners in mind, it includes ‘to do list’ templates, season by season walkthroughs, seasonal pruning advice and a detailed photographic encyclopaedia featuring nearly 350 species. Not only does it make a fabulous coffee table book, but it’s also a handy resource for anybody curious about the flora and fauna in their own garden.
The guide was updated in 2018, so it contains plenty of up to date information on plant care, landscaping projects, lawn maintenance, taking care of backyard ponds, identifying flowering species and lots more.
As this particular book is designed with beginner gardeners in mind, it includes ‘to do list’ templates, season by season walkthroughs, seasonal pruning advice and a detailed photographic encyclopaedia featuring nearly 350 species. Not only does it make a fabulous coffee table book, but it’s also a handy resource for anybody curious about the flora and fauna in their own garden.
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11. Gardening Mug
When you’re struggling for gift ideas, a gardening mug is an inexpensive choice with a lot of scope. Just like aprons, the level of variety is almost endless.
You could go for something comical with a funny or naughty slogan. Or you could pick out something cool or elegant that you feel matches your recipient’s personality. In any case, mugs are something we all need and have a use for, and this makes them a classic gift.
If you want to put some real thought into your purchase, we recommend opting for a broad-based mug. Ideally, it should be sturdy enough to stand upright on any surface.
This allows the user to take it outside with them during long planting or pruning sessions. Alternatively, shop for a mug with an insulated flask-type interior that keeps liquids hot or cold for longer.
You could go for something comical with a funny or naughty slogan. Or you could pick out something cool or elegant that you feel matches your recipient’s personality. In any case, mugs are something we all need and have a use for, and this makes them a classic gift.
If you want to put some real thought into your purchase, we recommend opting for a broad-based mug. Ideally, it should be sturdy enough to stand upright on any surface.
This allows the user to take it outside with them during long planting or pruning sessions. Alternatively, shop for a mug with an insulated flask-type interior that keeps liquids hot or cold for longer.
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12. Bee Hotel
We’ve already mentioned how much we love products that can benefit both gardener and garden wildlife. Bee hotels are a good example of this. Like bird or bat boxes, they are constructed in a special manner to make them extra appealing to solitary bees. Inside the ‘hotel’ are rows and rows of tightly coiled tubes that are perfect for sheltering and nesting.
Bees will take refuge in the hotel provided it’s placed against a flat surface in a location protected from strong winds. The optimum position is with a southerly exposure, so the front of the hotel gets lots of warm, nourishing sunlight. The best thing about bee hotels is they require no intervention after installation. The user gets to watch wild bees set up residence and thrive without putting in any work.
Bees will take refuge in the hotel provided it’s placed against a flat surface in a location protected from strong winds. The optimum position is with a southerly exposure, so the front of the hotel gets lots of warm, nourishing sunlight. The best thing about bee hotels is they require no intervention after installation. The user gets to watch wild bees set up residence and thrive without putting in any work.
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13. Hedgehog Boot Brush
Hedgehog boot brushes are just the kind of quirky gift gardeners love. They can’t compete with futuristic garden gadgets like robotic mowers, but they rarely fail to raise a smile. Plus, they’re moderately priced and offer a real-world practical application. If you position a hedgehog boot brush by your front or back door, you’ll never have an excuse to track mud through the house again.
Some of these brushes are quirkier than others. You can purchase some which are, essentially, traditional boot brushes with cast iron frames in animal shapes. Or you could go for the full novelty choice and have a hedgehog shaped brush. It depends whether the user feels happy to wipe their feet on that cute hedgehog face.
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14. Leather Pruning Gloves
All passionate gardeners need a pair of strong gloves to withstand thorns, jagged branches, sharp stones and cutting blades. Leather is by far the best choice for its durability, weather resistance and general ruggedness. Leather is difficult to cut through, so it provides excellent protection when working with secateurs, clippers and snipers.
It’s also resistant to thorns which are why lovers of rose plants tend to spend a lot of time in leather gloves. If you’re choosing a gift for a gardener who does intense, labour heavy maintenance, consider gloves that extend to the elbows. Or, at the very least, make sure shorter gloves have a tight fastening mechanism across the wrists.
It’s also resistant to thorns which are why lovers of rose plants tend to spend a lot of time in leather gloves. If you’re choosing a gift for a gardener who does intense, labour heavy maintenance, consider gloves that extend to the elbows. Or, at the very least, make sure shorter gloves have a tight fastening mechanism across the wrists.
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15. Garden Kneeler
While garden kneelers are a superb accessory for the older gardener or anybody with joint problems, they shouldn’t be thought of as only a specialist product.
Fully mobile gardeners can also benefit from extra support beneath the knees during long periods of raking, hoeing or planting. There’s no set up or work involved. The kneeler is placed on the ground and the gardener rests upon it instead of resting their knees on a wet, cold or dirty surface.
These clever garden gadgets are among the most affordable; even larger kneelers with integrated arm frames rarely cost more than £18. To save cash, opt for a basic kneeling mat which is lightweight and easy to move. If you’re willing to spend more, you can get a combination kneeler and seat. Some even hide handy storage compartments beneath the seat rest.
Fully mobile gardeners can also benefit from extra support beneath the knees during long periods of raking, hoeing or planting. There’s no set up or work involved. The kneeler is placed on the ground and the gardener rests upon it instead of resting their knees on a wet, cold or dirty surface.
These clever garden gadgets are among the most affordable; even larger kneelers with integrated arm frames rarely cost more than £18. To save cash, opt for a basic kneeling mat which is lightweight and easy to move. If you’re willing to spend more, you can get a combination kneeler and seat. Some even hide handy storage compartments beneath the seat rest.
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16. Gardening Secateurs Set
Secateurs are powerful hand tools designed for chopping moderately thick branches. They can’t chop through everything – they’re not quite the equivalent of full-size shears – but they are still impressive when used against shrubs, young branches and thick and thorny stems.
The construction of secateurs means they deliver a lot of cutting power in exchange for a relatively small amount of hand strength.
In other words, they make pruning easy. With a sturdy pair of secateurs or a secateurs gift set, there’s no more wrangling with rose bushes. It’s chop, snip, lop and done.
The added benefit of buying a gift set is they often come with gardening gloves or another compact hand tool. It’s an easy way to get more gift for your money and add another layer of practicality to your purchase.
The construction of secateurs means they deliver a lot of cutting power in exchange for a relatively small amount of hand strength.
In other words, they make pruning easy. With a sturdy pair of secateurs or a secateurs gift set, there’s no more wrangling with rose bushes. It’s chop, snip, lop and done.
The added benefit of buying a gift set is they often come with gardening gloves or another compact hand tool. It’s an easy way to get more gift for your money and add another layer of practicality to your purchase.
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17. Digital Soil Tester
The more you know about your soil, the easier it is to nurture your garden’s plants correctly. It’s why many keen gardeners like to work with a digital soil tester. These small devices have a probe that can be inserted into the soil to test PH levels, sunlight exposure, moisture content and temperature.
For a modest price, you can get a lot of valuable information about growing conditions and their compatibility with various plant species. Not only will a digital soil tester tell its user whether a particular species is well suited to current soil conditions, but it also helps them to identify the nutrients required for ideal conditions.
For a modest price, you can get a lot of valuable information about growing conditions and their compatibility with various plant species. Not only will a digital soil tester tell its user whether a particular species is well suited to current soil conditions, but it also helps them to identify the nutrients required for ideal conditions.
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18. Bonsai Growing Kit
Give a different kind of gardening gift with a bonsai growing kit. The miniature ‘tree in a pot’ species is celebrated all around the world for its diminutive stature and measured stately growth.
As bonsai trees grow for as long as regular-sized trees, they take an extremely long time to raise from seed to plant. In some instances, it takes five years before the tree is old enough for trimming and pruning.
On the other hand, this ‘eternal’ nature is precisely what draws people to the bonsai tree. Growing a bonsai is an exercise in patience. It’s very different from growing other indoor plants because, if cared for correctly, its lifespan could be greater than your own. It makes bonsai growing kits a special type of gardening gift for a special type of person.
As bonsai trees grow for as long as regular-sized trees, they take an extremely long time to raise from seed to plant. In some instances, it takes five years before the tree is old enough for trimming and pruning.
On the other hand, this ‘eternal’ nature is precisely what draws people to the bonsai tree. Growing a bonsai is an exercise in patience. It’s very different from growing other indoor plants because, if cared for correctly, its lifespan could be greater than your own. It makes bonsai growing kits a special type of gardening gift for a special type of person.
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19. Gardener Seed Box Tin
We end our list of affordable gifts for gardeners with another favourite. While being a great gardener isn’t about having all the right equipment – many gardeners work wonders with minimal tools – accessories like gardener seed box tins, monogrammed gloves and other personalised items bring personality to the adventure.
It’s why we like the idea of having a seed box tin with reusable paper sleeves and other handy tools for labelling and sorting. It’s an appealing gift because it’s practical but enables passionate gardeners to customise their work. Plus, there is no more misplacing, mixing or mishandling seeds with a perfectly designed storage container.
It’s why we like the idea of having a seed box tin with reusable paper sleeves and other handy tools for labelling and sorting. It’s an appealing gift because it’s practical but enables passionate gardeners to customise their work. Plus, there is no more misplacing, mixing or mishandling seeds with a perfectly designed storage container.
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Author
Paul Nicolaides is a Landscape architect and garden builder with over 30 years experience in designing, building and maintaining gardens. Contemplating just how important garden space is for nature and recreation he created 'Cool Garden Gadgets' to explore the best gadgets for enhancing outside spaces. From outdoor dining ideas to the latest garden technology we break it down for you here.
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