15 Last Minute Gifts for Flower Lovers
Easy, simple and thoughtful gift ideas for the flower lovers and gardeners in your life.
When I think of the flower and garden lovers in my life, I can’t help but smile—they’re some of the most down-to-earth, kind-hearted people I know. But, let’s be honest… sometimes, that also means that they might be tricky to shop for. So, if you find yourself looking for the perfect last-minute gift for the flower lovers or gardeners in your life, I’ve got you covered!
Now, this isn’t your typical gift guide filled with affiliate links to massive online retailers. I’m not saying you can’t go that route but instead, this is a collection of truly last-minute ideas you can find at local shops in your community. Gift giving doesn’t have to be about grabbing something random just to check a box—it’s an opportunity to be thoughtful. By considering who you’re buying for, how you spend, and the broader impact of your choices, you can give gifts with intention and that is a win for the giver and the receiver.
So, whether you’re looking for something new, thrifted, or homemade, here are 15 thoughtful last-minute ideas to inspire you.
NEW Gifts
I’m a big fan of gifts being practical, so you’ll notice that many of these NEW gifts are things that will come in handy to help make their gardens grow. And since these are things that most gardeners and growers need (and want) they’re nice to not always have to buy for themselves!
Gift Card to a Local Garden Center
Perfect for letting them choose their favorite plants, tools, or seeds for the upcoming season. Any time you can give back to the earth when you’re gifting is a big win in my book.
Hand Tools
A quality trowel, pruners, snips or a hori-hori knife from a local hardware store or gardening shop. Having the right tools to get the job done really does make a difference.
Gardening Gear
Gloves, knee protection, sun hats… you get the idea. I love the phrase “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear” because it (generally speaking) is true. Having the right gear can make such a difference when you’re working in the harsh conditions of Mother Nature. Look for durable, comfortable options at your neighborhood garden supply store.
Gardening Journal
A beautiful notebook to track planting dates, sketch garden plans, or jot down observations from the garden. If you want to add some personal flair, you could always write a nice dedication on the inside cover or decorate the front cover with something that feels personal to the receiver.
Seed Packets
Pick out a variety of seeds from a local shop. Opt for native plants or flowers with sentimental meaning. I also like to look for seeds that serve dual purpose. Could they be used in cooking or edible decoration? Could they be used in aromatherapy crafts? Could they be used to dye fabrics? Now with that, PLEASE read the labels of seeds and look for any cautionary information. There are gorgeous flowers that are poisonous to pets and humans (like Larkspur) so you’ll want to be mindful of that.
THRIFTED Gifts
In general, the thrifting culture has come a long way in recent years thanks to the sustainability movement, a resurgence in vintage trends, tools such as Facebook Marketplace, and, let’s be honest, because of rising costs elsewhere. Not only are many people being more mindful of how they pass on their things, but people are also interested in how they purchase. Thrifted or used is not a dirty word when it comes to gifting (even though some people might feel that way). In fact, it’s often a place to find those one-of-a-kind gifts that might just be the perfect option.
Vintage Flower Pots
Hunt for unique and charming pots and planters at your local thrift store, antique shop or on Facebook Marketplace. In fact, I find that most of the time those planters have a nice “used” look to them which provides some extra character.
Gardening Books
Pre-loved gardening books often have a history and character that’s hard to resist. As an added bonus, some of these books offer incredible images of flowers that can be used as art in the home (or garden shed) of the receiver.
Baskets
Woven baskets are perfect for harvesting flowers or produce, and they’re also lovely for displaying dried flowers or other garden treasures in the home. They add a natural warmth and texture that is hard to beat.
Decorative Vases
A thrifted vase paired with a seasonally foraged bouquet is a thoughtful combo. Vases are one of those things that always come in handy for gardeners, and thrift shops or antique stores can be a treasure trove for unique options. Also, you can think outside the box (or vase, lol) here a bit. Look for things that might not look like a traditional “vase” but that could be, especially if they resonate with the person. Just make sure that they’re water tight!
Garden Decor
Keep an eye out for whimsical yard art, birdhouses, or wind chimes to add charm to their outdoor space. I’m always amazed at how charming it is to hear the wind chimes blowing while I’m outside. Garden charms are a thing for everyone and they’re not “your grandma’s garden charms”. The variety of options can serve all design style from modern to traditional to eclectic. Also, “garden decor” can mean different things to different people, so don’t be afraid to get creative with what you find!
HOMEMADE Gifts
This might be my favorite option. Maybe it’s because I love to create and craft, or maybe it’s because I’m a big sentimental mess when it comes to giving, but there is nothing quite like a homemade gift. When I think about the homemade gifts I’ve received, not only is it the end product that’s special, but it’s also special knowing that someone spent their time and energy making something that they thought I would appreciate. With many of us leading busy lives, to know that someone carved that space out of their day to make something feels really special.
Coupon Book
Create a booklet of gardening favors like "one hour of weeding," "watering while you’re gone," or "help with planting day." If you garden or grow, you KNOW how helpful these tasks can be!
Homemade Floral Sugar Scrub
Mix sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil. Add flower petals like rose or lavender for an extra special touch. Or, if you don’t have access to flower petals, replace these with seasonal herbs like rosemary, mint or even evergreens.
Holiday Ornament
Craft a simple ornament using natural materials like twigs, dried citrus slices, or small pinecones. Or, find some floral napkins and decoupage them onto an ornament. If you do a quick Pinterest search for ideas, you’ll find an endless supply of options that could easily be done in a couple hours.
Garden Pavers or Decor
Create hand-painted garden signs or stepping stones using materials from a local craft store. Personalize them with their favorite colors, quotes or trinkets (think beads, stones, crystals, etc. if that’s up their alley).
Herbal Sachets
Sew small pouches filled with fragrant herbs like mint or rosemary for a fresh and simple homemade gift. Or, if you don’t have a sewing machine, find a fun pair of socks and place the herbs inside and then tie off the opening with a nice ribbon or rubber band. Bonus if the socks can be worn at some point when they’re done with the herbs!
No matter which route you choose, these gifts are sure to delight and inspire the gardeners and flower lovers in your life—and they come with the added joy of knowing your choices were thoughtful, intentional, and supportive of your local community. And by shopping local or crafting from the heart, you’re supporting your community while spreading a little extra joy this season.
Happy gifting, friends!
photo credit: Unsplash