Best gifts for gardeners - picked by our green-fingered experts

If you're looking for the best gifts for gardeners, look no further. We've asked Which? Gardening editor Ceri Thomas to help pick the essential bits and bobs that any garden enthusiast would love to unwrap, from bird feeders to watering cans.

There's something for everyone, whether your loved one is a seasoned horticulturalist or a budding green thumb.

All of these items are tried and tested by us and score well in our tests, but you'll have to read our full reviews to see which earned a coveted Best Buy.

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Gardening gloves 

During cold or rainy weather, or when working with thorny plants and weeds, it can be harder to prune, pot and propagate plants without a reliable pair of gloves. 

Kew Leather Gardening Gloves

We like: Great for a range of gardening tasks

We don't like: Fleece lining can get a little warm

Brambles, sharp twigs and thistles were no match for these leather gloves. Both stylish and functional, they do a great job of keeping you protected in the garden.

Available from Kew (£35)

See our full verdict on these gloves, and see which other sets we loved in our guide to the best garden gloves

Bird feeders and nest boxes

Keeping local birds and wildlife sustained throughout the year is an important task, which is made easier with a sturdy feeder or nesting box. For the avid bird-watcher in your life, these options could be on your shopping list. 

Simon King Wildlife Predator nest box

We like: Extra-deep to deter cats reaching into the box

We don't like: Screwdriver required to open hatch

Unusually, the roof of this nest box slopes away from the front, encouraging rain to run away from the entrance hole and keep emerging birds dry.

The box is made from very thick wood and can be hung so that the back of the box stands clear of the surface you mount it on to.

Available from The Wildlife Community (£29.99)

You'll find our full review of this nest box and others in our roundup of the best bird nest boxes

Gardman Heavy Duty Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder

We like: It's made of very tough wire

We don't like: The bars restrict the size of birds that can feed

This bird feeder makes for a really useful gift if your loved one's garden is plagued by squirrels. It's quite affordable, the cage is robust, and it holds over 500g of seeds.

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Keep birds fed and pesky squirrels at bay with the best squirrel-proof bird feeders

Watering cans

A must-have in any gardener's shed, a sturdy watering can makes it much easier to give thirsty plants a drink. You'll want to find one that doesn't take up too much space, with a rose that won't dribble water everywhere.

Draper 84296 Plastic Watering Can 9L 

We like: Tall and streamlined shape

We don't like: Quite heavy when full

This watering can fits nicely under the tap and in between tight spaces. The rose gives a gentle flow of water over plants and seed trays, and the front section can be unscrewed for faster pouring if needed.

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Don't miss our expert review on the Draper 84296 and more in our guide to the best watering cans

A Which? Gardening membership

Give the gift of practical gardening advice - for a whole year! A Gardening subscription gets your loved ten editions of Which? Gardening magazine over 12 months, gardening advice from our experts via email, and access to our online gardening advice hub.

Use the button below or head over to Which? Gardening to gift a subscription today.

Gardening tools and equipment

A great gift doesn't always have to be big and flashy. Sometimes, a small yet incredibly useful garden tool is the perfect present, especially one that makes tending the garden that much easier.

Garland Jumbo Kneeling Mat

We like: Surface is easy to wipe clean

We don't like: Quite thin

This durable, double-length mat measures 88 x 39cm and provides plenty of space so you can adjust your position or move along a flowerbed without having to stand up.

It’s fairly thin, but protection from cold ground is decent and it’s waterproof, so you won’t get soggy knees as you garden.

Available from Altons (£18.99)

The best garden kneelers will make tricky garden jobs more bearable - see what we thought of the Garland Jumbo Kneeling Mat and others in our guide

Niwaki Okatsune Standard No.103

We like: Precise cutting

We don't like: Pricey

These secateurs impressed in our tests. The red-and-white handles were comfortable, and thanks to the bright colours, they're easy to spot if you put them down. You can replace parts when needed so it's a gift they'll enjoy for years.

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Read our full review of the Niwaki Okatsune Standard No.103 in our guide to the best secateurs

Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Long Oscillating Hoe

We like: Ergonomic grip

We don't like: Handle is shorter and heavier than some other models

Every gardener needs a hoe to kill weeds. There are sharp cutting edges on both sides, so the wide head moves easily through the soil, cutting weeds effectively on the push and pull. 

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We tested 16 models to find the best hoes for weeding

Secret Jardin LED Grow Light 

We like: Simple to set up

We don't like: Stand sold separately

Give plants a boost with this grow light that will provide the extra light they need, especially when raising seeds and cuttings during the winter months.

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Help seedlings flourish with one of the best grow lights for plants

EarlyGrow Heated Propagator 

We like: Effective ventilation

We don't like: No thermostat

Perfect for anyone who enjoys raising plants from seeds and cuttings, this propagator fits perfectly on a windowsill. It helped plants germinate quickly in our tests, and the lids are nice and tall to allow plenty of room for seedlings.

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Propagators can help improve seed germination - see the best heated propagators for our expert's hottest picks

Grow-your-own flowers

Stepping up from the usual bouquet? Why not buy your loved one a potted or bare-rooted plant that will flower year after year?

Rose 'Absolutely Fabulous'

We like: Beautiful colour

We don't like: May fall victim to blackspot in autumn months

This variety repeat-flowers quickly with golden-yellow blooms all throughout the summer.  A great gift choice for those looking to add a splash of colour to their garden.

Available from Thompson & Morgan (£14)

This is one of our favourites, but check out more of the best rose varieties for gifting. Plus, keep your favourite blooms lasting longer with our 3 easy ways to preserve flowers at home

Looking for more gift inspiration? See our guides: 

• Best gifts for women
• Best gifts for kids
• Best gifts for dogs
• Best gifts for men
• Best gifts for foodies
• Best tech gifts
• Best last-minute gifts