This article contains affiliate links
Gardeners are some of the most influential people when it comes to making the world look better. Their efforts actually help out the earth by providing oxygen and even food to society.
They usually have great imagination and creative skills to be able to design a layout and plant accordingly. They also need to know what kind of soil to use with certain types of species and the best time in the season to make them grow. Gardeners are always busy whether it's planning the soil for their next plant or spending time watering their crops. There are countless tools that they may or may not have to be replaced after a few years. It doesn't matter if the gardener you know plants food or just beautiful plants, there's always a tool out there that will make their life easier. While it might seem difficult to find a gift for someone who gardens if you aren't into gardening yourself, we've compiled some of the most popular gifts for gardeners that are sure to put a smile on their face. Here's a list of some of the best gifts for gardeners in 2020. Gardener’s gift set
These are probably one of the most essential things you can give to someone who gardens. A gardener's gift set is great for any gardener whether they're new or have been gardening for years.
Gardener sets come in different sets, 3 being the smallest and 12 being the highest. It all depends on how many tools you want to give to the person. A good gardener's gift set should have some way of carrying all of the tools, whether it is a box or even a bag. Common items inside of a gardening set include gloves to protect and keep hands clean, cultivators and trowels to dig holes and transfer young plants into the garden, weeders to get rid of pesky unwanted plants, and a spray bottle to water new crops 
Gardening gift setInsect hotel
An insect hotel, or insect house, is a structure that houses various bugs and critters. They are built in different sizes and shapes depending on what you're trying to do and the insects that you're trying to house.
The main purpose of having an insect hotel is to gather all of them into one area and have them nest. Gardeners put a little food or insect feed in certain sections of the insect hotel to provide sustenance. In return the insects will duplicate and start roaming into the garden. While bugs may be disgusting to some, they help give nearby soil nutrients and can even pollinate flowers. The main bugs that gardeners house are solitary wasps, butterflies, bees, and parasitic insects. 
Insect hotelGardener’s shears
Shears are a staple when it comes to gardening equipment. The design is similar to scissors but one of the blades are curved to make gripping and piercing easier.
They're used to cut through thick tree branches and shrubs. Good gardener shears should have a non-stick coating. Having a coating helps the blades on the shear take on less friction to easily break through branches, preventing the metal from rusting. This prevents the blades from being gummed up by debris or sap. The blades should be made out of a material that stays sharp even after years of use. Other than that, just make sure that the grips are ergonomically designed so that the gardener's hands don't get sore or start cramping up 
Garden shearsGrow your own avocado tree
There are multiple ways for people to grow avocado trees. The best thing to do for someone who likes these kinds of fruit is to get them an avocado tree growing kit.
A regular kit should include an avocado pit and base for you to hold the seed in while it is sprouting. The base should be able to float on water and have a section to hold the avocado pit. The middle of where you hold the avocado pit should have a hole in the bottom for the roots go grow through. An avocado pit should take around two to three weeks to crack open. Three or four weeks after that the roots should start to sprout and you can transfer the sapling to your backyard or garden. This makes a great gift for gardeners who love experimenting in 2020 
Grow your own avocado treeRobot lawn mower
Everyone knows that mowing the lawn or backyard can be a hassle. It takes time out of your day and you have to deal with the excruciating weather.
Robotic lawn mowers are a great gift for even people who don't garden. You have the ability to start robot lawn mowers with a press of a button or even through your smartphone. There's no noise or fumes to deal with since it's all electronic. Robotic lawn mowers can easily be tracked through smart devices so you don't have to be outside to monitor it. The ability to set a lawn mowing schedule makes it so that you can set and forget it. It's basically like having a person mow your lawn for you without any worries. 
Robot lawnmowerGarden kneeler
A kneeler is a piece of furniture or cushion that's used to ease pain and reduce aches when in a kneeling position for a long time. It's a great tool for any gardener who spends their whole day or night outside tending to their garden.
A good garden kneeler should be lightweight to make it easy to carry around. Having built-in pouches to carry tools makes it so that gardeners don't have to walk back and forth every time they need something. They should be able to be foldable to take up less space when they're not being used. Make sure that the cushions and pads are made out of a durable material if you want something that lasts long. Some garden kneelers can act as a chair so that you can sit and trim or take a much needed break 
Garden kneelerEncyclopaedia of garden plants
Having an encyclopaedia of garden plants lets gardeners stay knowledgeable and gives valuable reference knowledge. They're full of information to help you get the most out of your plot.
Whether it's information pertaining to all of the different types of flowers and crops, best time of the year to start growing, and types of soil or nutrients, having an encyclopaedia of garden plants lets gardeners of any level stay on their game. There are even recommendations from various garden experts explaining how to asses a site, planting schemes, and more. You can't go wrong gifting an encyclopaedia as a gift for gardeners in 2020. 
Encyclopaedia of garden plantsBird box video cam
Who doesn't like to watch birds in their natural habitat once in awhile? That's exactly what a bird box video cameras do. You can always watch birds from afar through your window or even binoculars but they usually fly away as soon as you get close.
With a bird box video cam you can get a close up sneak peak into what a bird does with their nest. Gardeners can easily install a bird box video cam inside of a bird house or anywhere in their garden. You can use it to see if there are any animals that are messing with your crops when you're not there. Not only can you bird gaze but you can use it as a surveillance camera as well. 
Bird box camera kitGardeners skin care gift set
It's no surprise that gardeners spend a lot of their time outside doing yard work and other activities. After a hard day of work and using your hands digging through dirt it should be a given that you need to clean yourself up.
There's nothing better than giving a gardener a skin care gift set to help take care of themselves. A thoughtful skin care gift set could include lotion to remoisturize dry skin, body spray and aromatherapy candles to help stay fresh and relaxed. Shower gels or bath bombs to get rid of any dirt that might have made it onto their body and body butter for the gardeners who have to kneel all of the time. 
gardeners skin care gift setGardener’s tool set
If you know someone who's a hardcore gardener, a gardener's tool set should be one of the first things that come to mind when trying to find them a gift. A good gardener's tool set should have all of the heavy duty essentials for them to tackle on big gardening projects.
Shovels are always in need by gardeners to dig holes and move around big plants or trees. Rakes make everybody's lives easier when it comes to picking up leaves and debris. Twist ties and high quality metal wires are crucial to tying up plants or branches and folding saws to cut down branches in high areas that are hard to reach. Any gardener would be thankful for all of these tools and can use them for a lifetime. 
Garden hammock
There's nothing that compares to laying in a garden hammock that you've put up yourself. Many people have compared it to laying on a cloud or thin air.
There are two different types of garden hammocks, the ones with a stand and ones with carabineers or steel rings. If you're lucky enough to have a couple of trees that are nearby each other then you can attach the carabineers and steel rings onto the trees to set up the garden hammock. For those who don't have any trees in their backyard, you have to get a garden hammock with a stand. One of the benefits of a garden hammock that's installed on a stand is that you can put it wherever you want. 
Garden hammockDigital soil tester
Digital soil testers may not be popular amongst a majority of gardeners but it doesn't mean that they're not useful. There's nothing worse than planting a tree or crop just to have it wither away and die because of the soil.
With a digital soil tester you won't ever have to worry about that happening ever again. A good digital soil tester should be able to read the PH levels of the soil as well as tell your how much moisture is in it. You don't have to worry about over or under watering your plants once you have a digital soil tester. Some soil testers can also come with a sun meter to let you know if there's enough sunlight for plants to grow. This is a great high-tec gift for gardeners in 2020. 
Digital soil testerGardener’s gloves
When you picture a gardener the first thing that comes to mind is a hat, some gloves, and a tool in their hands. They're the best way for gardeners to keep their hands protected while keeping dirt away.
Reliable gardener gloves should be thick enough so that thorns and other factors can't pierce through and damage your fingers. They should be breathable enough so that your hands don't sweat and end up falling off. You also have the option of getting gloves that are made of material that can work with touch screens. This allows gardeners to check their smartphones or devices without having to take their gloves off. Make sure you know how big their hands are before you buy gloves that are the wrong size. 
Gardeners glovesGrow your own bonsai gift set
Bonsai gift sets are great for anyone who wants to show off their creativity. It's a great activity to do as a child or adult and you can grow them inside or outside with all of your other plants.
Most grow your own bonsai gift sets come with multiple seeds to grow different types of trees and let you try again if you mess up. The bonsai tool is a little clipper that is used to trim and twist the tree branches to certain positions. This lets you customize how you want your bonsai trees to look. They should also come with growing pots or bags to start germinating the seeds in. Gardeners find that growing bonsai trees is easy and gives them a peaceful feeling inside. These make great gifts for gardeners in 2020. 
Bosai starter kitMotion activated camera
Motion activated cameras are a nice gift for serious gardeners who want to know what's going on in their garden when they're not there. They're used to see if any rodents or pests are interfering with your plants.
It's also good to have around if a burglar ever tries to break into your home. They use less energy than a regular camera since they only turn on and record if they sense any movement. A reliable motion activated camera should be water proof so that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. They can be installed anywhere as they do not need a power cable. 
Motion activated cameraWindow bird feeder
A window bird feeder is one of best ways to get a bird to come to you without them being too shy. It gives you the ability to watch birds up close without any of them flying away.
You're not only getting a nice view but you're feeding and taking care of local birdlife. Window bird feeders come in a clear acrylic frame that you can put the bird feed into. You can mount them on any of your windows via multiple suction cups. Make sure you get a window bird feeder that's lightweight enough to hold the bird food and weight of multiple birds. Once one bird shows up to eat out of your window bird feeder, it won't be long before plenty of other ones show up. 
Window bird feeder
Thank you for reading our article, did you like it? If you did and it helped you find what you were looking for why not share it with your friends?
'As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases'
2 Comments
This article contains affiliate links
Gardening is a special talent. Many people would like a garden but not everyone can give a garden the care that it needs. To be a great gardener you have to love nature and being outdoors.
You also need to be comfortable with getting down on the ground and getting your hands dirty. Great gardeners also have patience and they know how to give plants what they need. Therefore, if you need to buy a cool garden gift for someone that loves gardening knowing these traits can help you find the perfect present. There are many opportunities throughout the year to give the gardener in your life a special gift. Birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas are just a few of the occasions when a garden gift would be appreciated. There are many gadgets on the market today that can make a gardener's life so much easier. For example, many gardeners enjoy gardening tools, gift sets, or decorations to keep their garden beautiful. Not only are many of these products unique but they also add a bit of fun to a long day of gardening. Keep reading for an amazing list of 20 cool garden gifts that are sure to please any gardener. Weatherproof bean bag
When a garden looks presentable many gardeners like to entertain in this space. A garden can be a great place to hang out, listen to music and have great conversations. It also makes a great space for relaxing and catching up with old friends.
Bean bags have always been an inexpensive comfortable way to provide seating indoors. Now with these funky, fruity outside, weather proof bean bags you can invite as many people as you like to your garden parties. This will make a cool garden gift for any time of year or occasion. 
Outdoor bean bagInsect hotel
As mentioned previously, most gardeners love the outdoors. We all know what comes with a love of the outdoors and that is insects. Not all insects are bad and gardeners want them around to help their plants grow.
Therefore, an insect hotel to make the insects feel welcome makes a wonderful garden gift. These hotels make solitary bees, butterflies, lacewings, and ladybugs want to stay and help combat garden pests. It gives them a place to stay safe in bad weather, lay eggs, and hibernate 
Insect hotelGarden fire pit
A must-have in most back yards is a fire pit. A fire pit made for the garden will keep gardeners and their guests warm on chilly nights. The fun does not have to stop just because of a chilly evening. Not only does a fire pit keep everyone warm but it also adds a nice decor to the garden.
It creates a cosy atmosphere and an ambient glow during the evening. It can be placed in the centre of a garden surrounded by outdoor sofas and chairs. It comes with a guard to keep ashes from flying all over the garden 
Garden fire pitWall mountable garden mirror
A gardener that likes unique gifts would appreciate a garden mirror to give their garden a more stylish look. Guests will be amazed at how well a mirror fits into a garden.
Garden mirrors can spice up a dull garden and make a great addition to any outdoor space. It helps to create more depth to a small-sized garden. Also, there is no need to worry about birds flying directly into the mirror as its design helps to deter them. This could be a cool garden gift or just a part of a garden design upgrade. 
Garden mirrorBird box
For those gardeners that also enjoy bird watching then a bird box is perfect. The bird box will draw attention to various birds that are looking for a comfortable home.
Birds will be able to eat and build their nests in and around this bird box. It will look great in any garden either suspended from a tree or on a stand. It makes a great gift for the holidays such as Christmas. During the winter months, birds want a place to stay for warmth and shelter. Another good thing about having a bird box around is that the birds that live there will help control pests. Birds also enjoy eating weed seeds which will help gardeners so you won't have to weed as much. 
Bird boxJapanese stone lantern
A great garden has very nice things to look at. Therefore, a great birthday gift for a gardener is an ornament for their garden. Japanese stone lanterns create a peaceful oasis in a garden. Your special gardener will be able to sit back, relax, and reflect on their work while enjoying this stone lantern. These lanterns can let off a bright glow and add real atmosphere to a backyard at night.
Japanese garden lanternGarden pizza oven
Many gardeners enjoy entertaining and cooking for their guests. A food that brings many people together and can be enjoyed by all is pizza. A garden pizza oven is a fantastic gadget that will please any garden lover in your life.
Not only will they "wow" their guests with how fabulous their garden looks but they will enjoy their freshly cooked wood-fired pizza. Other dishes can be made in this oven such as meat, fish, and vegetables. This may be thought of as a rather expensive gadget but cool garden gift nonetheless. One that will add value year after year! These ovens are perfect for those that want to stay in the garden and have their meals outdoors. It is also perfect for those gardeners that are living a green lifestyle. They will be using less energy by not cooking with electricity or gas. The food is cooked at a much higher temperature than a conventional oven. For that reason, many foods can be cooked in about 2 minutes. That is perfect when cooking outdoors for a large group. They can also double up as patio heaters on chilly nights so you get more value for money. 
Outdoor pizza ovenBuddha garden ornament
Give your gardener the gift of happiness with a Buddha garden ornament. These can be seen in many gardens as they represent happiness and inner peace.
It will help to create a tranquil atmosphere in any garden whether you are religious of not. It also looks rather serene and adds to a spaces general decor. It is weatherproof and can be left outdoors all year round. That is one reason these make the perfect gift as it can be given at any time of year 
Buddha garden ornamentPatio drinks cooler
Enjoying a drink while absorbing the beauty of the garden is both relaxing and fun. However, no one wants to have to keep going back and forth inside their home to get drinks. That is why a patio drinks cooler is essential for gardeners.
They can continue gardening and enjoy a nice cold beer at the same time. It can keep water, juice, soda, beer, and even meats cool before the BBQ. It is convenient with wheels that make it easy to roll to various places around your garden. This is a cool garden gift with a touch of class and one that will wow your friends at any occasion 
Patio drinks coolerMotion-activated camera
All homeowners have to make sure that their property is kept safe. There are times when gardens are broken into by people or wildlife. A motion-activated camera lets the gardener in your life know that you care about their safety.
It will monitor their home 24/7 and can be hidden discreetly in the undergrowth. One of the great things about this garden gadget is it can capture some truly amazing wildlife footage for the whole family to enjoy. This camera does not have to be used just for security purposes. Gardeners can use these cameras to monitor their plants on a daily basis for growth or any other changes. It is also great for monitoring pests. Many times pests enter a garden and work to destroy it. Having a camera will help gardeners see what is walking around at night. They then will be able to protect their garden from these pests once they know what it is. It can also be used for bird watching if it is pointed on a bird box or bird feeder. Many times gardeners cannot see all of the birds that are visiting them. However, with a camera they will be able to view these birds at any time of the day. This camera would make a great Christmas cool garden gift which has many uses. 
Motion activated cameraScary garden gnome
If you know a gardener that also enjoys scary movies then a scary garden gnome will surprise them truly. It is a scary decoration but it will be sure to spark conversation among any guests. This is a gift that can be given all year round but might be especially needed around Halloween or as a gag gift for someone's birthday.
Scary garden gnomePatio log burner
Gardeners enjoy having a space that is welcoming to themselves as well as others. Keeping their garden warm on a chilly night is ideal for everyone especially during get-togethers.
A patio log burner will do just that but with mesmerising flames adding atmosphere to the garden. This can create a soothing place to hang out and relax into the night. It makes a thoughtful gift for anniversaries and housewarmings 
Patio log burnerGiant Jenga
Many gardeners enjoy playing a game or two. They will be especially happy if they get to enjoy this games in the outdoors. That is why a giant Jenga game makes a wonderful gift for a gardener.
It is a great focal point as many guests will be drawn to the giant Jenga blocks and want to be involved. This would be a great cool garden gift for a birthday and it could even be played at a garden party or barbecue 
Giant jengaBat box
For the nature lover that enjoys bats a bat box makes a delightful gift. You may even be able to see bats fly by and into this box at dusk and dawn. Many gardeners enjoy having bats as they help to keep insects at bay. They also eat so other garden pests during the night. Keeping away mosquitoes is the insect that bats are most favoured known for. Bats are also useful by leaving pollen on plants as they eat insects and nectar during the night.
This bat box also has a guard that helps keeps predators out. It is made of tough external grade timber which not only looks good but it is resistant to water, bugs, and decay. Many gardeners enjoy bat boxes because they give bats a safe place to live and procreate. 
Bat boxOutdoor rock speakers
Many gardeners enjoy having sound adding atmosphere to the garden. Help them mask the appearance of an outdoor speaker system with these outdoor rock speakers.
These add to the landscaping of the garden with realistic looking rocks. The sound is fantastic and guests will not know where the music is coming from. These rock speakers can connect to a Bluetooth device and makes a very cool garden gift. 
garden rock speakerGarden hammock
A great Christmas gift for many gardeners is a gift that helps them to relax. They work hard maintaining their garden and its upkeep. That is why a garden hammock would make a great gift.
It helps them to relax and get a good rest at any time of the gardening day. Hammocks are known to help those that like a mid day knap a little bit of extra rest. They will also help the gardener in your life if they have back problems. Hammocks can sometimes alleviate an aching back and help gardeners to relax. These are not cumbersome and can fold away to a compact size making an effective cool garden gift. 
Garden hammockCut resistant gloves
Pruning is a job that all gardeners must do in order to have a fantastic garden. Some plants are not so pleasant when pruning such as roses. That is why a good Christmas gift would be a pair of cut resistant gloves. They go all the way to elbow length to prevent cuts and scratches on the forearms.
The knuckle guard will provide even more protection against cuts while gardening. Not only are these gloves a great tool against cuts but they are also great for keeping your hands clean 
cut resistant glovesGarden gazebo
Many gardeners want a space in their garden where they can sit down, entertain, and eat great meals with friends and family. A garden gazebo ensures that they do just that. It will allow gardeners to be comfortable while being outdoors.
They will also be protected from the sun rays with the shade from the gazebo. A gazebo will add beauty to any garden and somewhere to hide from bad weather. It is spacious and can be used day or night. Lights can be added so that the fun does not have to stop at the end of the day. Gazebos can also be used year-round which is perfect for gardeners as many love the outdoors. It can be used for events such as an outdoor garden wedding. These can also be used as an enclosure for a hot tub. Gazebos also provide privacy for gardeners that have nosey neighbours close by. A garden gazebo would make a fantastic gift that would be sure to get you invited to the next garden party. 
GazeeboGarden Boules set
At the end of the day, gardeners want to have fun. A way for them to do this and still stay outside is to play outdoor games. A fantastic game that can be played by adults and children is Boules. This game is also known as Petanque. The game will make guests want to stay until night falls as it is competitive and also fun to play.
boules setBird feederIn almost all gardens you will find a place where birds are welcomed. A gardener that does not have any habitats for birds needs a bird feeder. Bird feeders make a great birthday or Christmas present at any time of the calendar. The gardener in your life will be pleased with how many wild birds they spot visiting their new garden feature. Watching birds is a form of entertainment that can be soothing to gardeners. Many garden lovers enjoy sharing and giving as they do with the foods that they may grow. This is the reason that many gardeners enjoy providing a place for even birds to eat. Bird feeders produce an easy source of food for them especially during winter months when natural food sources are scarce. This bird feeder is also great at keeping other animals away such as squirrels which will steal your bird feed. It is able to detect the weight of a squirrel and close them out from receiving any food. This is a wonderful benefit as squirrels are drawn to bird feeders for a quick meal and can even damage less robust feeders. This bird feeder makes a really cool garden gift and will help your garden become a haven for wildlife. 
Bird feeder
Thank you for reading our article on cool garden gifts. If it helped you with your search why not share it with your other garden loving friends?
'As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases'
This article contains affiliate links
There are many different types of gardener in the world. Some are prolific growers able to raise the most challenging plants with ease. Others dream of beautiful outdoor spaces they can enjoy with their families. Then, there are those gardeners who relish in the wildness of it all, who build hiding spots for bees and nesting pods for visiting birds.
These gardeners are less interested in creating a landscaping vision and more passionate about bringing nature back to their yard. So, show your favourite gardener you care by giving a wildlife gift that lends a hand to bugs, birds, frogs, hedgehogs and more. Not only will it make a special person smile, but you’ll also be helping the environment. If you browse in the right places, you’ll find lots of wildlife gifts designed to create or support natural activity. We’re talking about things like bird boxes, bee hotels, seeds for prolific pollinators, wildlife cameras, bat shelters and more. The best thing about these garden gadgets is they tend to be very affordable. It doesn’t cost much to give a wildlife gift. Let’s take a closer look at some of our favourite wildlife gifts and gadgets for gardeners. Need more gift ideas for the garden? why not check out our article on 100 gift ideas for gardeners here. Illuminated Mini Beast Centre
The Illuminated Mini Beast Centre is a clever gadget that can function as either an insect collection container or a natural moth lure. It depends on what the user is interested in studying. It’s a simple wooden box with holes in either side that gets placed in the garden (where it collects insects) or indoors where ‘captured’ insects can be observed.
The box can also be left outside with its solar lamp on to attract moths which may then be studied and observed in the same way. Essentially, this gadget is a mini insect field trip in a box that’s small enough to carry around. It has a rope handle for easy carrying or hanging up outdoors. If you know a gardener who’s fascinated by bugs, this makes a unique wildlife gift. 
illuminated mini beast centreWildflowers Seed Mix
Not all gardeners are fans of wildflowers because they’re the opposite of neat, manicured landscaping. Wildflower seeds are designed to be literally scattered, freely and enthusiastically.
It’s why they are one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to brighten up a drab outdoor space. Just take a handful of seeds, scatter them liberally and wait for the backyard to fill up with vibrant wild poppies, red valerian, sweet rocket, chrysanthemums, common mallow, dahlia blue tansies and many more. For this reason, a wildflowers seed mix is more than a gift. It’s the potential for colour, personality and life. Seeds of this kind are great for attracting bees and insects which then continue to pollinate the flowers and maintain the beauty of the garden. As they’re very low maintenance, even gardeners with little sowing experience can create something special. 
wildflower seed mixBat Box
Bats are, arguably, the most underappreciated visitors to domestic backyards. Unfortunately, they’re a victim of movie legends which tell us they’re creepy and unattractive. As anybody who’s ever studied wild bats will know, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Bats are intelligent, curious, graceful and excellent outdoor caretakers.
Not only are they superb pest controllers, but their presence also means plenty of mineral rich fertiliser for the garden. So, welcome them to your backyard with a sturdy bat box. Just like a bird box, a bat box is a wall or roof mounted shelter where the animals can sleep and nest away from potential predators. When shopping, make sure you only consider bat boxes constructed from untreated wood otherwise the chemicals may harm inhabitants. 
Bat boxWindow Bird Feeder
Bird feeders are wonderful garden gadgets that help to bring wild nature back to outdoor spaces. The downside is they’re not easy to enjoy. It’s pretty hard to get close to a standard bird feeder without scaring its visitors away. So, swap your box for a Window Bird Feeder which affixes to a window of your choosing for the best possible view.
These contemporary Window Box Bird Feeders are normally transparent. Most are constructed from clear Perspex which allows homeowners to observe the birds from inside the house. Use the plastic suckers to attach the box to an outside window (after you’ve filled it with yummy seeds). Then, watch carefully as birds from across the neighbourhood come to check out the new feeding hotspot. 
Window bird feederThermal Imaging Scope
If a bird box isn’t enough to stimulate your excitement, how about something a bit more advanced. Thermal Imaging Scopes are becoming popular with gardeners who are looking for gadgets to give them a better look at local wildlife. They don’t come cheap but thermal scopes are one of the easiest, most reliable ways to monitor animal activity.
We think the most important features, particularly if you’re planning to spend a lot of money, are a long battery life, a high screen resolution (preferably 320 x 240 or more) and anti-drop technology. Some of the better gadgets promise they can be dropped without damage from up to 1.8 metres. If you’re hoping to set the scope up indoors, by a window perhaps, a standalone imager may be more suitable than a gadget that requires a camera. 
Thermal imaging scopeInsect Hotel
You may have heard of bee hotels for the garden. Insect hotels work in much the same way, but they provide more than one type of habitat.
They are generally larger with a variety of different sized openings for bees, butterflies, ladybugs, green lacewings and other helpful pollinators. Insect hotels make great wildlife gifts because they are low maintenance, affordable and easy to install. Most don’t even require nails. You can hang your hotel from a single hook in an area of the garden which attracts flying insects. Whether you’re buying one of these garden gadgets for yourself or a loved one, make sure it’s untreated. Just like bats, insects can be seriously harmed by the chemicals in treated wood. So, your hotel needs to be made from unpainted wood and, preferably, have a corrugated metal roof as well. 
Insect hotelBird Box Camera
Some of the best wildlife gifts are those which give gardeners a view on nature they don’t normally get to enjoy. This is the case with Bird Box Cameras which use micro devices to unobtrusively record nesting activities. Often, the bird camera is sold with a bird box, so you don’t need to disturb any existing nesting spots.
You always have the option to buy a standalone bird camera and place it in an existing box, but this can be tricky. We recommend buying the set. You might have to wait some time for new animals to move in but, once they do, you’ll be treated to your very own wildlife documentary. Make sure your bird box comes with a cable that connects to a PC or laptop. 
Bird box cameraHow to Make a Wildlife Garden
Perhaps you know somebody who is determined to create a beautiful wildlife garden from scratch with plenty of appealing features for insects, birds and foragers.
If you do, we recommend you give Chris Baines’ classic guide ‘How to Make a Wildlife Garden’ as a gift. Just make sure to look for the most recent edition. Baines has been updating his ‘must have’ manual since 1985. There’s nobody more knowledgeable about wild gardening. Now fully revised and with new illustrations, the most recent edition addresses challenging topics such as use of pesticides, how to treat invasive species and whether traditional ‘manicured’ gardens offer anything to wildlife. The guide is positively brimming with creative ideas for attracting butterflies, caring for birds and helping bee populations recover. 
how to make a wildlife gardenHedgehog House
You’ve heard of bird boxes and bat nesters. You know all about bee hotels. Have you got a hedgehog house in your garden? Yes, there are special garden shelters for hedgehogs too.
And it’s a good thing because these spiky mammals are under threat from household cats, wild foxes, traffic and even gardening tools. They can be uniquely vulnerable so, if you or somebody you love enjoys wildlife, pick up one of these as a gift. Hedgehog houses, unlike other nesting boxes, are positioned on the ground. They are normally built to blend in with their surroundings and have wooden tops to look like the earth. When one of these shelters is available, it reduces the risk of garden hedgehogs resting in compost heaps and other areas where they may be harmed. 
Hedgehog houseSolitary Beehive
Bee populations are in serious decline so, if you want a truly wild garden, you’ve got to give a little something back. It’s easy to do so with a solitary beehive as these wooden containers provide the perfect shelter for producing larvae. There’s no need to worry about swarming bees or dangerous nests either – solitary bees are, well, solitary.
They don’t create bee nests or honey, instead using these artificial hives for reproduction and nesting purposes. According to some insect experts, they are better pollinators even than honeybees. It means there’s no downside to giving a solitary beehive as a gift; the guests who’ll move in are very quiet and will keep your flowers blooming year on year. 
Solitary bee hiveBinoculars
There are now lots of different gadgets designed to help wildlife lovers get close to nature. Let’s not forget the original though: binoculars. With a high quality pair of binoculars, there’s nothing you can’t see from the backyard or even from inside the house.
Spotted a family of foxes pawing through the compost pile? Need a covert way to watch the badgers shuffling around your yard after dark? Maybe you just want a better view of the birds. Whatever the need, a sturdy pair of binoculars can fill it. Just make sure yours are waterproofed if you plan to use them outdoors. Some other features worth looking for are adjustable eyecups for those who wear spectacles, non-slip grips and a tough (preferably rubberised) exterior to reduce damage if dropped. 
binocularsGame Camera
For those times when binoculars are not enough, invest in a specialised game camera. The term ‘game camera’ normally refers to a recording device used for hunting.
However, many of the smaller, less sophisticated versions are fantastic for monitoring common wildlife in the backyard. These cameras use motion detection technologies to identify living things and take automated pictures or video footage of them. You don’t need to intervene once you’ve set the camera up in the yard as required. When programmed correctly, most of these devices use infrared sensors to detect sudden changes in ambient temperatures. Leave your game camera out overnight and you may find some interesting footage waiting in the morning. These ‘hands off’ recording devices are often the only way to effectively monitor shy creatures like badgers, owls, bats and deer. 
Motion activated game cameraButterfly House
For the gardener who has everything, give a backyard butterfly house as an interesting gift. Artificial butterfly houses are similar to bee nests and bat boxes, but they tend to be thinner and longer.
They have long openings on their front to enable winged visitors to slip inside safely and use the interior for nesting. Our favourite butterfly houses are the ones which function as feeders as well. These timber containers have a small flap that can be lowered for use as a butterfly feeding platform. When the weather gets cold and non-migratory butterfly species need safe shelter for the winter, flip the flap back to its original position. As butterflies are extremely efficient pollinators, all wild gardens need to care for them. 
butterfly houseBird Bath
If you want to give a bird bath as a garden gift, try to start looking with a good idea of what type you want. Otherwise, you may have to browse hundreds of different products.
Bird baths come in pretty much every size, shape and colour imaginable. Some baths affix to exterior walls. Others are freestanding and can take pride of place in the garden. Some smaller bird baths are best positioned on high windowsills and ledges. Whatever design you pick, it should be made out of a heavy duty weatherproof material – preferably cast iron – that won’t rust in the rain. If shopping for a freestanding bird bath, try to look for one with rubberised feet or something to keep it steady. Also, if you don’t want to replenish the water supply, make sure it gets placed somewhere it can collect rainwater. 
Bird bathWildlife Garden Pond
There are lots of ways to create a garden pond and most involve a substantial amount of digging and landscaping. So, if you’ve already put the work into digging out a suitable space for your water feature, why not finish the job with a preformed pond.
These stepped plastic ‘moulds’ are the quickest way to get it done. No liners required; just dig a suitable hole and position the pond’s plastic frame inside. If you know somebody who’d love to build a garden pond but is lacking landscaping experience, point them to a preformed Wildlife Garden Pond. They come in a variety of different shapes. However, do be aware that most are relatively small. These preformed ‘moulds’ are only really suitable for use in a small scale water feature. 
Wildlife garden pondWildlife Watching Dens
There are casual wildlife watchers and there are those who’ll do everything to capture the perfect image, footage or encounter. Again, the term ‘Wildlife Watching Den’ can encompass a lot of different things. These are the kind of gadgets usually designed for hunting, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them in the backyard.
If you want to get close to the wildlife in your garden without causing a ruckus, invest in a camouflage den. These dens normally consist of natural coloured nets and mesh that are erected directly on top of you or over you as a rudimentary ‘hide.’ However, success requires patience; you’ll need to be comfortable with staying still for long periods. 
Wildlife watching den Ladybird Tower
The Ladybird Tower is a natural nesting habitat that can help gardeners to attract ladybirds and other pollinating insects. It provides a safe over wintering space for creatures and critters which, in turn, contributes to healthy population growth. Like bat boxes and bird nests, any ladybird towers you use should be made from untreated wood.
The best ladybird towers are those that are made from solid birch, larch or oak logs. They contain a central cavity which can be stuffed with straw to provide extra insulation during the winter months. Plus, the roof can be removed so this middle chamber becomes easier to inspect and clean. The best place for a ladybird tower is low down on the ground, close to a flowerbed, planter or lawn. 
Ladybird tower
Thank you for reading this post on wildlife gifts for the garden. If you think you know anyone else that wants to encourage garden wildlife why not share it with them?
This article contains affiliate links
We all know a gardener who can’t get enough of flowerbeds and trellises, a green fingered soul who relishes every chance to get close to the earth and nurture something special. Whether it’s your aunt, brother, best friend or colleague, at least they’re an easy gifting prospect. There are lots of great backyard gifts and gadgets out there for people who love to garden.
Some are highly practical. Others are a little on the silly side (see naughty gnomes). Some backyard gifts and garden gadgets are designed to cultivate wildlife. Whatever the gardener in your life desires, there’s a product out there to suit them. We’ve taken a look at some of the best to help you pick a great gift. Here are 31 of our favourite garden gadgets and backyard gifts: 1. Cat On the Moon Wind Chime
With a Cat On the Moon Wind Chime, you get a chance to combine two great passions and delight a fan of both felines and outdoor spaces. It features a classic design with a cat’s silhouette, tail curled, perched atop a crescent moon.
The tubular bells are small and fairly delicate so expect a gentle tinkling in the wind rather than a distracting clang. Look for a wind chime with a hook so you can hang it right off your porch. 
cat on the moon wind chime2. Barbeque Grill Set
For keen grillers, nothing beats a brand new barbeque set complete with all the essential grilling utensils. It’s a great gift for a friend or loved one who loves to entertain outdoors. Grill sets come in lots of different sizes. It’s up to you to decide between a set with just the basics – tong, basting brush, fork – or a mega kit with knives, corn holders, shakers, meat thermometers and more.
barbecue grill set3. Japanese Stone Lantern
One of our favourite backyard gifts is the Japanese Stone Lantern because its Eastern aesthetic adds something different to an outdoor space. These little lanterns are normally made from cast stone and have an opening for a candle.
Some let you slip a tea light in the front. Others have a small stone lid that lifts off to allow you to light a small candle inside. In either case, the stone makes them very sturdy and resistant to the elements 
Japanese stone lantern4. Frisbee
During the warmest months, most of us need no excuse to get a frisbee out. It may be a smaller, less flashy garden gadget but it’s still one of the most exciting. You’ll need a fairly large backyard to play, so pick this gift for a gardener with a lavish outdoor space.
There are lots of different frisbees on the market. We recommend you buy the brightest coloured frisbee for a gift you can find. That way, you won’t lose sight of it when it lands in next door’s garden 
Frisbee5. Outdoor LED Flame Speakers
Outdoor LED Flame Speakers are one of the neatest garden gadgets we’ve seen in a while. They use Bluetooth technology to enable portable music playback anywhere in a backyard.
Being so lightweight and practical, these mini speakers are ideal for family cookouts and camping trips. They don’t just produce great sound. When charged, a series of bright lights flicker on the inside to create the illusion of a flame. Pretty cool, huh 
outdoor led flame speakers6. Miniature Greenhouse
We don’t all have the backyard space for a traditional greenhouse. Yet, when it comes to growing heat loving vegetables like tomatoes, the shelter and protection they provide is essential.
So, give the gift of a Mini Greenhouse to a green fingered friend who’s low on growing space. These transparent PVC shelters come in sizes small enough to fit in your porch, on your deck or even in the front room. 
miniature greenhouse7. Zip Line
We bet you didn’t know you can buy a functional zip line for the yard. Yes, one of those zip lines. It’s obviously much smaller than the ones found at adventure parks (around 20m in length), but it stands at 2m metres high and meets all safety requirements.
While it’s rare to find these outside of public parks and sports centres, if you have the cash to splash, there’s no reason you couldn’t set one up in a large garden. 
zip line8. Glass Drink Dispenser
Outdoor cookouts and family barbeques need more than just grilling utensils. With a large glass drink dispenser, complete with a stainless steel tap and lid, keeping your guests refreshed couldn’t be easier.
These barrel shaped dispensers are built to work like kegs; they sit on a stand or surface and a front facing tap is turned to dispense the punch, juice or lemonade. They’re almost always transparent so you can see how much liquid is inside. 
glass drink dispenser9. Bird Box Video Camera
For the friend who has everything except an eye on what’s happening in their bird box, pick up a bird box video camera. These clever garden gadgets make superb backyard gifts for anybody with a keen interest in wildlife.
They’re small and discreet, so as not to be too disturbing, and there’s no blinking lights. Bird box cameras are excellent at capturing high quality footage in low light conditions without scaring feathered friends away 
BIRD BOX video camera10. Wall Planter
Creative gardeners know imagination is the only limit for outdoor spaces. With the right equipment, such as garden wall planters, it becomes easy to grow in three dimensions.
Wall planters are hugely varied; they come in art deco, French historical, aged ceramic and contemporary geometric designs. Most are affixed to exterior walls using one or two strong nails. Some more basic (less decorative) planters come with a hook for hanging off walls, eaves and fences. 
wall planter11. Human Bumper Bubble
This is definitely one of the more unusual backyard gifts on our list. Essentially, Human Bumper Balls are the same as zorbing balls, insofar as a user puts their body inside the inflatable PVC orb.
Unlike zorbing, feet always stay outside of the orb. There are handles on the inside for gripping, but feet stay on the ground. This enables the user (preferably two or more for a really fun game) to run at and bounce off other players. 
human bumper bubble12. Digital Thermometer
Digital thermometers have many different uses. Some gardeners keep them around for barbecuing meat. They can also be essential for greenhouses and other temperature controlled areas of a garden.
If you need one for plant nurturing purposes, we suggest you buy a thermometer with a small holster than affixes to a wall. That way, it stays up and out of sight when you don’t need it. When you do, it’s easy to slip it out of its holder and carry it around the garden 
Digital thermometer13. Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
Wireless outdoor speakers have exploded in popularity over the last decade. They’re the perfect garden gadgets – they’re easy to set up, designed to withstand the elements and you can connect them to music libraries on any smart device.
The choice to make is whether to buy a portable speaker you can pick up and carry around or a speaker intended to be left as a fixture in the garden. If buying the latter, check out its waterproofing properties first. 
outdoor Bluetooth speaker14. Garden Rocking Chair
Garden rocking chairs make wonderful backyard gifts for older friends and relatives. As with most garden furniture, you can buy them in a vast array of shapes, sizes and colours.
Our favourites are the tandem chairs which sit two people. There are also hanging chairs which rock because they’re suspended from a metal frame. Or there are chunky, comfy rocking chairs designed to look like traditional armchairs, excepting for the rocker underneath 
garden rocking chair15. Inflatable Water Slide
Know a family with an outrageously big backyard? They might just love an Inflatable Water Slide this summer. It’s a big gift with a mammoth personality - set up requires some serious elbow grease – but these quirky inflatables are made for making memories.
Whether you splash out on a full size inflatable play centre or just a slip and slide mat, you’ll be the coolest gift giver in the neighbourhood 
inflatable water slide16. Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree
There are ‘grow your own’ kits for just about everything these days – herbs, cheese, chilli peppers and now bonsai trees. As the latter can be notoriously difficult to grow outdoors, the best option is usually a kit with the right equipment included.
These growing sets come with high quality seeds, plant pots, labels, a pruning tool and peat discs for getting plants started. ‘Grow your own’ bonsai trees are designed to be planted, raised and maintain indoors. 
grow your own bonsai17. Outdoor Pizza Oven
Outdoor Pizza Ovens can give homeowners the experience of authentic stone baked pizzas from the comfort of their backyard. They can be pricey garden gadgets but, for somebody who is serious about cooking, they make a lovely gift.
If you pick up a portable pizza oven, it can be taken on camping trips and other excursions. Fully sized outdoor pizza ovens require a wood fuel source and a flat surface away from trees and shrubs. 
outdoor pizza oven18. Back Yard Solar Lights
We love backyard solar lights and think everybody should invest in some. They’re a terrific outdoor accessory because they can be bought at a reasonable price, they look great after dark and they don’t cost anything to run.
Plus, they come in a wide variety of colours and shapes. Choose standard yellow bulbs or solar lights shaped like stars, flowers, disco balls, hanging lanterns; you name it, it’s out there. 
backyard solar lights19. Giant Jenga
You might have played Jenga in the house, but have you ever taken it outdoors? We played with a giant outdoor Jenga set and had the best time. Yes, it’s silly and not very high tech but it’s a classic.
In summer, when the sun is strong, there’s something curiously exhilarating about taking a classic game and throwing it about the backyard. Most Giant Jenga sets include a canvas bag for easy storage and portability. 
giant jenga20. Wall Mountable Bottle Opener
We’re surprised more people don’t have these in their backyards. Wall mountable bottle openers cost little but they’re practical. Most people think of beer but plenty of soft drinks still have old fashioned caps.
Plus, with the world moving away from single use plastics, we think there’s going to be an explosion of mass produced glass bottled drinks. What we’re trying to say is: buy this for the beer but tell your friends you’re trying to be eco-friendly. 
wall mountable bottle opener21. Backyard Archery Set
This is a very particular type of gift so make sure it’s suitable before you buy it for somebody else. Or, if you’re an archery fan, treat yourself. In the right hands, backyard archery sets are a controlled and safe way to learn a new skill.
Most archery kits come with a full sized recurve bow, a bow riser and several laminated bow limbs. Some are sharp enough to be used for hunting animals and must only be used in enclosed gardens, far from neighbours and pets. 
backyard archery set22. Real Flame Patio Heater
Real flame patio heaters are rarely, as suggested, capable of producing a real flame. The effect is artificial but surprisingly convincing. The question is, why would you choose a ‘real’ flame heater over a standard enclosed patio heater?
Well, they’re great for smaller, darker backyards where light is minimal after dark. With a real flame patio heater, you don’t just get warmth, you get additional light and ambience too. Patio heaters are an easy way to extend the use of a garden through colder months. 
real flame patio heater23. Backyard Hammock
We think backyard hammocks are some of the cleverest garden gadgets available. We especially love the fact something so basic and inexpensive can be both practical and long lasting.
You don’t need to be an avid camper to have use for a hammock. Hang one from your favourite trees and spend lazy afternoons napping or reading in the backyard. It takes less than five minutes to set a hammock up outdoors 
backyard hammock24. Solitary Beehive
Wildlife lovers are sure to be impressed by a carefully crafted solitary beehive. These small wooden containers are the perfect shape for solitary bee’s nests.
But no need to worry because solitary bees like the ones these hives attract are, as their name suggests, independent fellows. They don’t create bee’s nests as we know them, instead using the artificial hive for sheltering larvae and maintaining the population. For this reason, solitary hives make a wonderful gift for insect lovers. 
solitary beehive25. Garden Fire Pit
The easiest way to make an outdoor space habitable all year round, in all temperatures, is to invest in a garden fire pit. That way, it doesn’t matter if it gets chilly at your next cookout. Get your guests to gather around the pit and tend those flames.
Fire pits come in many different shapes and sizes. Pick one which fits comfortably in the space and sits flat and far from overhanging trees and shrubs. Also, think carefully about whether you’d prefer a fire pit fuelled by propane, natural gas or wood. 
garden fire pit
|
AuthorPaul 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. Archives
November 2021
Categories |
RSS Feed