The Christmas holidays are approaching and everyone, from small to large, is looking forward to presents. Garden lovers are no exception. DIY garden gifts will help to realize the idea of creating things not only useful, but also filled with personality, taking into account preferences. In anticipation of the holidays, I wanted to share some ideas that will be very interesting to realize. After all, they will be made for our loved ones. I will tell you how to please them. Here you will find and kits for germinating seeds, and handmade garden tags and much more. But most importantly, there will be inspiration for creating the perfect gifts for gardeners, for anyone who loves working with the earth.
Why DIY Garden Gifts
It is because DIY garden gifts are made with your own hands, with love and taking into account the preferences of the person they are very popular. After all, you create something yourself, put your soul into it, thinking about the person who will accept this gift. And it does not matter who it is – your friend, who is fond of surfing, or a gardener, who loves to mess around with the earth and plants. You’re showing you care about that person, as well as your creativity. And when you consider that the ideas are affordable and environmentally friendly, it’s a great fit with the principles of sustainability. You have to admit, this is important for us gardeners!
Let’s get started!
1. DIY seed germination kit
I think that nothing can be better than giving flowers or future plants. And the first step to a blooming garden is seeds, or rather, germinating them. And it is this DIY seed germination kit that will be a timely gift for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A set of small pots or biodegradable seed trays
- A packet of organic seeds (such as cherylum tomatoes or rare herbs)
- Organic potting mix
- A container with a sprayer for watering
- Tags to mark what has been planted (we’ll talk about this later).
Tip. It will not be superfluous to add to the gift a small brochure with a description, and if you personally handwrite instructions on how to start germinating seeds and tips for transplanting, it will additionally show your care and personal involvement. Add a grow lamp from Amazon to the kit and it’s a truly 100% thoughtful gift!
Why it’s a special gift
This gift may seem simple, but it’s still very useful. Not only are you helping someone start a new business, but you’re giving the gift of being able to see how life springs from those little seeds, how they grow, how they are filled with vitality. And this mystery of budding is simply magic. If we add to this the results of research showing that growing plants from seeds can improve mental well-being and reduce stress levels, then our gift is simply priceless.
2. Hand painted garden tags
I hope everyone knows that garden tags are a necessity in any garden. No garden would be complete without marking where what is planted, well garden tags are not only a functional but also a very pretty way to do this! Handmade and hand-painted tags will be your helpers in navigating your garden.
Materials:
- Wooden spoons or flat stones (for the tags)
- Water-resistant outdoor paint (preferably non-toxic)
- Brushes
Instructions:
- Paint the wooden spoons or flat rocks with fun designs – draw tomatoes, carrots, or herbs.
- On the back, write the names of the plants (e.g. basil, cucumbers, etc.).
- When they’re dry, coat them with a water-resistant clear varnish so they’ll stand up to any weather.
Tip. If you’re short on time or don’t feel like a great artist and don’t have drawing skills, you can use blackboard paint and write plant names in chalk. It looks great, too.
Why it’s a special gift:
Garden tags are not only decorative and aesthetic, but also functional. They help keep the garden organized and can be used for specific plants. This is sure to please any gardener. I recently read a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology that showed that the convenience and functionality of garden spaces has a positive effect on human attachment and satisfaction.
3. DIY herb garden in Mason jars
For the true gardening fanatic, this DIY herb garden in Mason jars will make a great gift and will keep its owner happy for a long time. Fresh herbs all year round – can anyone not enjoy that.
Materials:
- Mason jars (or any glass jars)
- Small pebbles (for drainage)
- Soil mix
- Herb seeds or small herb plants (basil, mint, thyme)
Instructions:
- Put a layer of pebbles in the bottom of the jar for drainage.
- Fill the jar with soil, leaving about an inch to the edge.
- Plant the herbs and water them abundantly.
Tip. It is desirable to make a mark on each jar, so that it was clear what kind of grass it is. It would be a good idea to add herb shears to the gift so that the gift is practical and does not incur new expenses.
Why it’s a special gift:
Herbs are the most widely available plant to grow in small spaces, and a garden in Mason jars is just right for those who don’t have room for a large garden. In addition to being a very aesthetically pleasing gift, studies show that indoor plants like herbs can improve indoor air quality and lift your mood.
4. DIY insect hotel
Pollinators and beneficial insects are the lifeblood of any well-maintained garden. So for those who already have a garden a DIY insect hotel would be a wonderful gift. It will help maintain biodiversity in the garden, creating a safe place for bees and ladybugs and other beneficial insects.
What you’ll need:
- A wooden box or old drawer (about 30-45 cm deep)
- Bamboo sticks, small logs, straw and dry leaves (to create compartments inside the box)
- Wire mesh (for securing the materials)
Instructions:
- Stack different natural materials such as bamboo sticks, straw and small logs inside the box, creating small compartments for different insects.
- Secure the materials with netting to keep them in place.
- Place the insect hotel in a shady spot in the garden where insects can find it.
Tip. It is advisable to prompt the new owner to replenish the hotel with new natural materials on a regular basis. You could even include a guide on which insects help the garden and how to attract them.
Why it’s a special gift:
An insect hotel adds an unusual, eye-catching element to the garden, In addition it helps local wildlife as well as the gardener to control pests naturally. Supporting native pollinators has a lot to do with increasing vegetable yields, which will be a huge plus for any gardener. And it does a great service to the future of our planet.
5. Handmade compost bin
Any serious gardener knows that compost is black gold. We always want to give or receive a gift that is not only practical, but also eco-friendly. And a DIY compost box is exactly that. You can easily recycle old materials to make a box that’s functional and fits perfectly into any garden.
Materials:
- A wooden pallet or large plastic container
- Drill (for holes for ventilation)
- Hinges and a lock (if you want to make a lid)
Instructions:
- Drill a few holes in the sides of the container or pallet for ventilation.
- Assemble the structure from pallets or just prepare a plastic container.
- Make a sign labeled “Compost” and attach a small instruction sheet telling you what you can compost.
Tip. Gift this compost box along with a compost thermometer or aeration tool from Amazon, it will come in handy for sure.
Why it’s a special gift:
Composting is one of the most common gardening techniques, and any environmentally-conscious, knowledgeable gardener will appreciate a DIY gift. Not to mention, it’s a great way to reuse materials you already have on hand. Composting also helps reduce household waste, which is important, and all together, it’s environmentally conscious.
Final thoughts: make your own and grow together
Whether you’re making a seed germination kit, an insect hotel, or an herb garden in Mason jars, DIY garden gifts are something you can’t buy at the store. They’re a carefully crafted way to support someone’s passion for gardening. Each of these gifts is not only practical, but personalized, made with love and meaning. And I think any gardener will appreciate such a gift.
Now it’s up to you, get creative! Try to make such gifts and share the joy of gardening with others. And for your next dose of inspiration, check out our post on how to revitalize an abandoned garden – who knows where and how your next gift idea will manifest itself.
