We’ve made our holiday lists and are checking them twice. And while we’re at it, we thought it might be nice to share some of the items that caught our fancy as we looked for the perfect gifts to match with the interests and passions of our friends and family. With price and practicality in mind, here are our picks:
Gifts for the gardener
Haws Watering Can
$148
A true heirloom for the avid gardener, this traditional watering can from Haws is inspired by the styles of yesteryear and built to last for decades. Made in England using time-honored methods, heavy-gauge steel is hot dip galvanized for rust prevention, then paired with a hardwood handle and Haws’ iconic, removable brass rose. With a thoughtfully balanced design for comfortable carrying, this can holds 2.4 gallons.
Seed Money
$12.50
Stuff a stocking and spread seeds of happiness. These special coins may look like small change, but they’re minted from handmade paper embedded with seeds, so you can plant them in the ground and watch your investment grow. There are four different coins, each one carrying a different kind of seed: pennies grow non-invasive flowers; nickels grow herbs; dimes sprout root vegetables; quarters grow a salad mix.
Pocket Pruners
$14.95
These handy pruners feature a non-slip grip and are sized for precision cutting. Designed ergonomically to reduce hand fatigue, they’re perfect for light pruning and deadheading, as well as harvesting herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. A sliding lock lets you stow them safely.
Corinthian Bells
50″ Wind Chime—Scale of A
$179.98
Turn your favorite gardener’s backyard into a serene spa-like space with the deep, soothing sounds of these wind chimes. Hand-tuned to the key of A, the 50-inch chime features six aluminum powder-coated tubes assembled with heavy-duty nylon cording. A high-density striker provides a clear tone and high resonance. Want to be sure you’re getting the sound you want? An audio file for each chime is provided on the website.
photo credit: froggoestomarket.blogspot.com
Hand Care Gift Basket
Make up a gardener’s hand care set including gardening gloves, a nail brush, hand soap, hand cream, and cuticle balm. Present the items in a decorated box as seen here, in a pretty basket, or in a rustic cachepot.
Vivobarefoot Waterloo Wellies
$90
Every gardener needs a good pair of wellies. Designed to keep feet dry when mucking about outdoors, the bungee closure at top and Thinsulate™ insulation keep feet warm as well. With comfort in mind, these wellies feature an anatomically designed toe box that allows the foot to splay and flex naturally.
Flutterbye Cypress Butterfly House
$69.95
The Flutterbye is the perfect gift for the gardener hoping to attract butterflies to the backyard. A copper-detailed hipped roof tops cypress siding. The slotted front allows access for the butterflies so they can nest safely inside, away from predators. A copper butterfly embellishment competes the look. Copper-covered clean-out and mounting stake attached.
Prairie Farmhouse Birdhouse
$88.20
If birds are more your gardener’s thing, opt for a birdhouse designed in a classic American style for a touch of distinction that you just won’t find buying the standard wooden cube in one of those box stores. 1.25-inch openings are perfect for wrens, chickadees, finches, and nuthatches. The included mounting bracket will give you the option of standing this birdhouse on a post or fastening it to a tree or fence.
Gathering Basket
$39.95
The functional design of this Paulownia wood-trimmed, antique-finished wire basket makes it a reliable companion in the garden. Sturdy galvanized metal contains fresh-picked fruits and vegetables while allowing escape for excess dirt and debris. The oblong container easily accommodates longer vegetables, fruits and foliage and can also be used to tote garden tools.
Herb Marker Set
$98/set
An elegant addition to indoor and outdoor gardens alike, these five keepsake herb markers are cast in pewter from natural plant cuttings. Each marker is finished in antique bronze and crafted by designer Michael Michaud.
Gifts for the traveler
Eagle Creek Pack It Large Garment Folder
$32
The Pack-It Large Garment Folder helps your traveler manage packing space as efficiently as possible. The Large Garment Folder is sized to hold up to 15 items – shirts, slacks or dresses. They help to keep items flat and wrinkle-free, while also compressing your clothing to take up less space, and making it easier to find what you’re looking for. The included packing board helps you to fold your garments the exact right size.
Eagle Creek Black Pack-It Wallaby Organizer
$36
Make sure your jet-setter has everything necessary to freshen up while traveling with the Pack-It Wallaby Organizer. Large size toiletries and accessories fit nicely in the zippered mesh pocket at the top while the middle section features a full-size zippered pocket and open pockets for travel bottles, soap boxes, and tubes. The organizer folds up compactly and zips to close, then unfolds and hangs on a towel bar, hook, or doorknob for easy access to the contents.
Old Fashioned Carry-On Cocktail Kit
$24
Make it a smooth flight with Old Fashioneds for two when you gift this personal cocktail kit. The kit will sail through security and supply your traveler with everything needed to practice mixology at 30,000 feet: pure cane sugar, small batch bitters, and a mini bar spoon / muddler. Just order a mini bottle of rye, and mix up a classic, jet set cocktail. The flight-themed tin and linen coaster add a dash of first-class flair to the affair.
BeSafe Large RFID Guide Bag for iPad
$84
Give your traveling friend peace of mind when out and about or abroad with the BeSafe Guide bag designed with high-security features and thoughtful organization. An external RFID-blocking SafePocket™ protects the personal information embedded on your passport, credit cards, and small electronics. Slashproof steel cables run the length of the strap. The interior has an RFID-blocking zip pocket and a double-ended leash for keys and a wallet. Outside, a supersized smartphone pocket fits any phone while a secure TechPocket™ secures your tablet. Retractable security clasps hook through zipper pulls. Available in Black, Sage, and Cherry.
Portable International Travel Voltage Converter
$42.99
The BESTEK 200W travel adapter & power converter is the ideal companion for your international traveler. The unit converts overseas voltage from 90-220V to 110-120V and powers up US electronic devices safely. It includes 3 AC outlets and 4 USB charging ports to charge 6 devices simultaneously. Three plug adapters included support outlets in more than 150 countries.
Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City’s Creative Heart
$19.28
Take a stroll through the real Paris with this beautifully photographed and gorgeously packaged book. Organized by arrondissement, Paris takes readers through the city’s most charming streets, revealing best-kept secrets and little gems at every turn. The accessible writing invites readers to dip in and out and provides history and context for each spot on the journey.
Navy Blue Travel Laundry Bag
$4.99
Help your favorite nomad keep laundry sorted while traveling with this compact, lightweight travel laundry. Thanks to its trim size, it takes little room in a suitcase. It’s also ideal for use on trips to the gym or when camping. Made of easy-to-clean nylon, it includes a compact carry case with clip.
Eagle Creek eTools Organizer Pro
$35
Super-rugged and designed for easy portability, the eTools Organizer Pro is smart storage for electronics accessories. A gusseted front pocket accommodates bulky items such as laptop power cords, chargers and adapters. Inside the main compartment, there’s space for nearly everything else with mesh pockets, padded pockets, loops for pens or earbuds and a document sleeve with hook and loop closure.
Mightlight Rolling Suitcase
$156.22
Give the gift of maneuverability and packing capacity with the Samsonite Mightlight Spinner 30. Four multi-directional spherical spinner wheels ensure easy mobility and the bag rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm or shoulder. Integrated carry handles provide comfort when lifting a fully packed case, while large, self-mending coil zippers offer flawless closure.
Travel Blanket
$255
For the splurge-worthy tourist on your list, this gorgeous travel blanket is just the right size for snuggling up in tight quarters. There’s also an inside pocket for an eye mask, phone, or paperback.
Post feature image is a public domain photo by Petr Kratochvil.
© Caruth Studio