Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your List

With only 10 days left until Christmas, here’s hoping that your gifts have been purchased and only the wrapping is left to do. If not… consider these ideas for anyone on your list, from family to coworkers. Granted, the items may seem a little biased since they all center around gardening, but when it comes to the relationship between humans and nature, you can’t go wrong.

For family and friends: Unique garden ornaments are the latest trend. Though a birdbath may sound a bit ordinary, it has come a long way since the skinny pedestal and plastic saucer. Today’s birdbaths are molded with character to add charm to the garden while blending comfortably into its surroundings.

You can choose from an assortment of arbors, benches, watering cans, stepping stones and decorative containers. There are cast-iron urns, Victorian trellises, rose pillars and artificial boulders with built-in speakers so that music can be piped throughout the yard.

There are bird feeders and squirrel feeders that can be found in countless styles to fit any decor. Add binoculars and your friends are set for a wonderful miniature wildlife adventure in the garden.

Though garden tools aren’t the most romantic gift, they are practical. It’s never too early to replenish the tool shed with a selection of rakes, spades, hoes and shovels.

For your neighbor or a hostess gift: Visit your local book store. There are shelves upon shelves of books dealing with every aspect of gardening. Choose from technical books or beautiful coffee table books that hold the promise of taking us on excursions to exquisite gardens.

Stuff a flower pot or garden urn with hand-held tools such as trowels, pruning scissors and handsnips. Wrap the package in colorful cellophane and top it off with a holiday garden ornament.

It’s hard to beat the beauty of a holiday houseplant. Tie it up with a big bow, attach a garden ornament and you have a very special gift.

The boss, coworkers, secretary or special client:

Houseplants not only brighten the office space, but they have been proven to enhance productivity. Before choosing a plant, however, make sure you’re acquainted with the office. There are only a few plants that tolerate low light and many that flourish in moderate to bright light. If you’re not familiar with the cultural requirements of the specific plant, check with local florists or nurseries specializing in houseplants.

Of course, a handsome houseplant deserves a handsome pot. There are sooooo many lovely containers to choose from in every shape, size, color and style. If you don’t feel comfortable choosing a plant to fit it, simply fill the pot with mouthwatering Christmas treats. Your office staff or client will think you’re pretty special.

Children: Choosing a gift that challenges a child’s imagination is not always easy.

Flowering bulbs such as crocus, amaryllis and narcissus are not only fun to grow, but they bloom quickly. Simply fill a pot with a few bulbs, (they’re still available at local garden centers), and a small bag of potting soil. Wrap the package along with a picture of the end product and you have a gift that promises to be interesting and educational.

There are many excellent gardening books on the market for children. Not only do they help teach children the basic fundamentals of gardening, but many are filled with inexpensive, easy-to-accomplish garden projects.

There are also plenty of gardening items made just for children such as hard plastic garden tools. For kids who love bugs, consider nets to catch them, containers to house them and big magnifying glasses to view them. Flower presses are great for preserving not only flowers, but leaves and weeds as well.

This is an excellent time to expose our children, including our teenagers, to the joys of gardening.

Teens are a unique group of young people with specific tastes.

A window box that can be hung outside their bedroom window might be fun to give, especially if it comes with a promise of colorful flowers for next spring.

A table water feature or CDs that capture the sounds of nature can be soothing after the rock music settles down.

Since their tastes are so specific, a gift certificate to a nursery or garden center may just be the ticket. Who knows, gardening may become a new hobby for that special teen in your life.

Searching for that perfect gift can be a stressful adventure. When you’re at your wit’s end, simply look for something that has to do with nature. The possibilities are endless. There, you will find that perfect gift.