13 Best Gifts for Gardeners and Plant Lovers

For the one who’s dreaming of a summer garden chockful of fresh herbs, this set is not to be missed. Basil, oregano, and chives are just a few of the versatile herbs you’ll find. Pair this with a seed starter kit to help the giftee kick things off on the right foot.

“For anyone who’s excitedly snipped flowers for a bouquet or lettuces for dinner, you know the process and mess of transporting the goods can be a major buzzkill," says Kate Greer, CEO of Cheerie Lane Popcorn, makers of an all-in-one popcorn pod featuring heirloom kernels from a fifth-generation family farm in Iowa. "I love that this gathering bag is not only waterproof and has a removable liner, but it is also convertible to wear on your shoulder or back and expand and collapse to meet your harvesting needs."

Take good care of a Marxii Calathea (also known as a prayer plant) and it will repay you in abundance. Of course, one that comes with a self-watering pot is a surefire way to ensure its longevity and success. "Water once a month" is Easy Plant’s promise—simply fill the reservoir in the pot with one and the plant will soak up the water when needed.

I received one as a gift last year and can attest to the system’s success. I fill the reservoir with water roughly every two weeks—my plant sits in a greenhouse-esque environment and receives direct sunlight, which means it requires more frequent watering. It has nearly tripled in size in the last year and is absolutely thriving.

Angela Judd, gardener and author of “How to Grow Your Own Food: An Illustrated Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening” (Adams Media, 2021), swears by an olla, which is a terra-cotta vessel that’s filled with water and buried underground, and she won’t garden in containers without one. “The water seeps out gradually as needed by the plant’s roots,” Judd says. “Ollas help my container plants not only survive the hot summers of Arizona but also thrive.”

Plant care essentials that combine form and function make wonderful gifts. “Most of the leafy plants that thrive indoors originally hailed from tropical rainforests,” says Sophia Kaplan, co-founder of the botanical and indoor plant shop Leaf Supply based in Sydney, Australia. This includes common varieties such as monsteras, anthuriums, and philodendrons, which flourish in humid environments. 

Kaplan says a water mister can be used daily to add moisture to the air around them, which will greatly benefit their health. “Mimicking their native climate will ensure their best chance of success in your home."

Lego’s botanical collection is something out of a dream. Potted orchids and holiday centerpieces are just a few of the creative kits you’ll find, but we’re partial to this wildflower set, which is equal parts whimsical and artful. Once it’s complete, go ahead and display it in a vase. Why not?

The next best thing to a garden full of flowers might just be this dreamy scene from Piecework. The 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle depicts an ethereal table setting, reminiscent of the Dutch Masters, that will delight the anthophile in your life. Bonus points for pairing this one with an equally vibrant bouquet of flowers.

Give the budding artist with a penchant for plants an activity they can relish on a cold winter day. Paint Anywhere’s vibrant paint-by-numbers kits offer an escape, even if it is temporary. Choose from various themes and motifs, including an entire collection inspired by the holidays.

Adam Besheer and Rebecca Bullene, co-founders of Greenery Unlimited, a biophilic design store and plant nursery recommend this book from author Christopher Griffin, who shares tips for cultivating healthy houseplants. In it "Griffin recounts how they went from caring for one Pothos six years ago to growing a collection of over 200 thriving plants—which they affectionately call their ’green gurls.’" The book features full-color photos, illustrations, plant care instructions, and even activities.

Indulge the bookworm on your list with a stack of good reads that touch on their love for nature. Jenn Frymark, the chief greenhouse officer of Gotham Greens, an urban agriculture brand that specializes in local produce, is an avid reader and recommends her favorites to plant enthusiasts. “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams looks at the positive impact of nature on our health, happiness, and creativity. And “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer (from $13 at Amazon) explores our reciprocal relationship with nature. “These would make for wonderful winter reading snuggled up while thinking about plants and nature,” Frymark says.

Here’s a clever idea for those who could use a helping hand in keeping their greenery alive. This kit of essentials—made from organic and non-toxic ingredients—has everything a plant lover could ever want, says Jira Sai, founder of Plant Corner, a New York City–based shop that specializes in rare plants. "The plant food helps plants push out new leaves, soil enrichment to promote root growths, and neem oil spray to protect plants from pests."

"Grow lights can be an invaluable tool for helping your indoor plants thrive," says Besheer and Bullene. If your space has inadequate natural light, a grow light can be a great solution. These SANSI bulbs fit into standard lamp sockets, which means that nearly any light fixture can be transformed into a grow light. "It’s a smart, affordable way to boost plant health and longevity."