What would be a good gift for a keen gardener?

[PenelopeChipShop]

I'm looking to get a nice present for a very keen gardener - they have a big garden and an allotment. Budget about £40 or £50 max. I was wondering whether a nice plant or bush for the garden would be a good idea - I assume there are websites where you can have them delivered? But as its winter is it not an ideal time to have something new to plant? Is there something tool-wise that is really useful? I don't really garden myself so am a bit clueless, any ideas welcome from those with green fingers!

Hi, my dh is a very keen gardener and wouldn't welcome a bush or plant as it would have to be exactly the right thing for a specific area, ie soil type, light, drainage, colour, height etc so a one in a million chance of getting it right!

A pair of very high quality secateurs wouldn't go amiss. You'd pay about £50 for them and they woud be appreciated, it's the sort of tool you want more than one of.

Yes, I agree that tools are a better option than plants. I'm a keen (although v amateur) gardener and I have very specific tastes about plants and heavy clay soil that doesn't agree with everything.

My DM is also a keen gardener and usually I take her for lunch and on a shopping trip to a really good nursery so she can choose her own plant. We make a nice day out of it to make it a special occasion- would that work for you?

Or simply gardening tokens.

I often get gardening related presents for my parents as they are keen gardeners. As well as tools, how about a book (particularly if there is one area they are interested in), nice pots/containers, vouchers?

Thanks for all the suggestions! Yes Eau that's probably the best idea as it sounds v easy to get it wrong otherwise. Have checked out your site too though Ethel, looks like a good idea to me.

I agree with everyone else - don't buy anything for the keen gardener other than a token/shopping trip or a lovely day out somewhere gardeney.

Have a look at the RHS website. They have some lovely gifts in the online shop.

An Opinel gardening knife is good.