Are gardening gifts on your holiday list this year? They should be. Eighty-three percent of American homeowners polled said that they work in their yards and gardens on a regular basis (weather permitting, of course). Millions more list gardening as their favorite extracurricular hobby (it is ranked in the top three of all outdoor leisure activities). Yet people are often hesitant to buy their loved ones gardening gifts for the holidays because they think the gifts won’t be used for another six months. Or they have difficulty finding gardening products, since garden center shelves are typically cleared this time of year to make room for holiday decorations.

Keep in mind, however, that true gardening enthusiasts are thinking about gardening year-round. A new garden kit or tool set will give them something to look forward to once the warm weather hits. And while your loved one will likely be thankful for any gift you give them, they will be sure to notice and appreciate the extra thought you put into getting them a gift you know they will use and love. And if you’re having difficulty finding garden products on retailer shelves in winter, keep in mind that the Internet allows for out-of-season shopping 24 hours a day.

Garden gift ideas can be found at www.gardenway.com.

Some other gift ideas your gardening loved one is sure to enjoy include: • A subscription to a gardening magazine

 A gardening book or a book about plants

 Gardening gloves (gardeners can always use an extra pair)  Garden clogs  Potted plants

 A garden chair

 The promise to lend a helping hand when garden season rolls around

Remember too, not to leave the kids out of the gardening fun this holiday season. Gardening is becoming more and more popular among children and is just as enjoyable for them as it is for adults. Check out The Budding Gardeners line of children’s gardening tools. These sturdy tools are made small enough for kids to do real gardening yet are just as sturdy as adult-sized tools.

Visit www.thebuddinggardeners.com for more information on these products as well as gardening games, content and toys for the children.

Courtesy of the University of Vermont