Looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life? At Fresh Food Connect, we celebrate gardeners who not only grow bountiful gardens, but also give back to their communities by sharing their harvest. We asked our staff and our Giving G.N.O.M.E.s for their ride-or-die garden companions, and created this guide to Must-Have Gifts for the Giving Gardener.
Whether it’s tools to help your favorite gardener to cultivate with ease, accessories to make gardening more enjoyable, or thoughtful items that align with their passion for gardening to give, these picks are sure to make their season bloom with joy. Ready to find the perfect gift for the giving gardener? Let’s dig in!
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1. Hori Hori Knife (recommended by Tracy and Megan!)
The hori hori knife is a perennial favorite with our staff and Giving G.N.O.M.E.s. Giving G.N.O.M.E.s Tracy B from Missoula, MT and Megan B from Denver, CO both say the hori hori is their must-have garden tool. It's the "Swiss Army knife" of the garden - a shovel, saw, knife and ruler, all in one tool. No more hunting around while you're trying to get your gardening done. We like this one for its added rope-cutting notch.
2. Bypass Clippers (Staff Pick!)
A Staff Fave (all 4 of us agreed on this one!) bypass clippers came in a close second to the hori hori as a can't-garden-without-it tool. Whether you're shopping for something simple (like these Fiskars clippers), or investing in a classic (we're drooling over these Felco bypass clippers) your gardener will be sure to make good use of this gift!
3. Fresh Food Connect's Gardening Apron (So adorbs!)
We're a little biased, but we are in love with our new gardening apron! The adorable plant-grow-share design will keep your giving gardener inspired, and the two spacious pockets are perfect for everything from planting to harvesting. Even better, a portion of each purchase supports Fresh Food Connect's nonprofit mission to engage gardeners in community hunger relief. Available at our storefront here.
4. Colleen C's Wheeling Bench
Tacoma-based Giving G.N.O.M.E. Colleen C can't live without her wheeling bench. "It allows me to sit, plant, or harvest with ease. I highly recommend." This one features a sturdy seat, an open base so soil doesn't build up inside, and the cover converts to a helpful handle for moving it around the garden while standing straight.
5. Kayla's Clippers
Our C.E.O. Kayla swears by her spring-loaded gardening scissors. They may look like they're just for snipping roses, but they're handy for all sorts of garden tasks. Your gardening friend will appreciate the precision for everything from trimming back tomato plants, to harvesting from delicate vines. Here's the version Kayla likes.
6. Naomi and Laura's Weed Whackers
So. Many. Weeds. Spring will be here before we know it, and the weeds are right behind! Help your gardener hit the soil running with these staff favorite weeding tools. From Laura, this weeder is like a tiny hoe, which makes it great for quickly dealing with lots of shallow-rooted weeds, and cultivating the soil at the same time. Naomi's favorite for individual, deep-rooted weeds is this Dutch-made dandelion puller from Sneeboer. Not your "garden variety" version, this one's made to last.
7. Our Reading Picks for a New Perspective
Is your gardener a winter bookworm? Consider a selection (or two!) from Fresh Food Connect's "Sowing Justice" book list. We're inspired by these important perspectives on the connection of social justice and our food system.
8. Heather and Terrance's Plant Velcro
Denver Giving G.N.O.M.E.s Heather and Terrance turned a backyard parking area into an incredible homestead garden, where they've grown enough to donate over 500 pounds of produce to support hunger relief in their own community. How did they do it? Plant Velcro! (and a lot of careful planning) In all seriousness, this stuff is amazing - you can cut it to whatever length you need, adjust it as your plants grow, and re-use it throughout the season. The soft material inside is gentle on your most delicate vines, and it's made from 65% recycled plastic!
9. Carmen's Sharpie markers
Denver Program Manger Carmen is new to gardening this year, though you wouldn't know it from her amazing bounty! Her secret? The multi-purpose Sharpie Pen! She's been using her Sharpies for measuring when seed planting, loosening soil, oh - and sometimes also for writing on plant markers. This set is perfect in the garden and beyond.
10. A Financial Donation to a Community Hunger Relief Organization
Most people think of food drives when it comes to donating to hunger relief organizations, and our hunger relief partners are definitely grateful for any type of donation. However, financial donations can be extremely impactful, allowing them to purchase specific foods to fill gaps, and buy staple products in bulk, maximizing your dollars and theirs.
You can also donate to a national organization like Fresh Food Connect which works to support and enhance the foods available to community hunger relief partner organizations. Dedicate a financial donation to Fresh Food Connect here.
We hope this list is helpful to you in supporting your special gardener! Still stumped? Check out our Gift Ideas for the Gardener With Everything!
What if every gardener planted just one extra plant to share?
One small donation can have a tremendous impact. Just imagine, if every gardener planted one extra plant to share, collectively, we would have an abundant source of fresh, healthy produce available to be distributed to families experiencing food insecurity in our own communities! The free Fresh Food Connect mobile app connects you to a local hunger relief program, then manages and tracks your donations of homegrown produce throughout the season. Download the app today!