Are you searching for the perfect present for the plant enthusiast in your life? Someone whose home resembles a lush jungle and who can name every species of succulent? Finding a gift that truly resonates with a plant lover’s passion can be a delightful challenge. Forget generic trinkets; let’s delve into a curated collection of unique and thoughtful Plant Lover Gifts that will cultivate joy and greenify their world.
It all started with a whimsical thought around May the 4th, a nod to my own geeky side, about creating a gift guide for those who adore both plants and all things nerdy. Life, as it often does, had other plans. Months flew by, filled with plant-related explorations (like the endless rabbit hole of soil types!) and everyday responsibilities. But those initial ideas, scribbled on sticky notes, lingered. Now, half a year later, I’m thrilled to finally share this guide, enriched by new discoveries and personal experiences with gifts that I know any plant parent would cherish.
Finding that just right present becomes trickier as years pass. The novelty wears off, and the quest for originality intensifies. So, if you’re tired of predictable presents and seeking inspiration for your plant-obsessed friend, look no further. This list is brimming with plant lover gifts that go beyond the ordinary.
1. Cyanotype Kit: Sun-Powered Botanical Art
For a truly captivating and unique gift, a cyanotype kit is an exceptional choice. This present beautifully merges artistry with a touch of scientific wonder, appealing to those fascinated by photography, history, chemistry, or art. It’s not just a gift; it’s an experience that culminates in a personalized keepsake.
Cyanotype is a historic photographic printing process, one of the earliest methods developed. Imagine crafting blueprints, but with sunlight and botanical elements! Initially, botanists utilized this technique to document plant specimens, placing them directly onto chemically treated paper and exposing them to the sun. This process also became a popular method for reproducing architectural drawings, hence the term “blueprint.”
To create a cyanotype, you treat paper or fabric with iron salts, arrange your chosen design (leaves, flowers, stencils work wonderfully), and expose it to sunlight. The areas exposed to UV light react and transform into a beautiful Prussian blue, leaving a striking white silhouette of your design.
All you need is sunshine, some interesting foliage, and a cyanotype kit to unlock this magical process. Etsy offers a fantastic selection of cyanotype kits that are perfect for gifting.
Cyanotype Sun Printing Kit for botanical art projects
2. Terrarium or Terrarium Kit: Miniature Garden Worlds
Is your plant lover friend a DIY enthusiast? A terrarium or terrarium kit makes an excellent plant lover gift. These captivating miniature ecosystems are largely self-sustaining and require minimal upkeep, perfect for busy plant parents. The real joy, however, lies in the creation process. You can opt for a kit with or without plants, but including plants elevates this gift to another level of thoughtfulness. Terrariums are also ideal for those who might not have the greenest thumb, as their enclosed environment requires very little watering.
Building a terrarium presents a delightful and manageable project for plant lovers, especially those with limited time for extensive plant care.
For a complete and convenient option, explore succulent terrarium kits which provide all the necessary components to craft a desert-inspired miniature landscape.
DIY Terrarium Kit with glass container and plants
3. Botanical Poster: Vintage Charm for Plant Decor
For plant lovers with a penchant for vintage aesthetics, a botanical poster is a wonderfully fitting plant lover gift. These timeless prints, often vibrant, informative, and imbued with a sense of history, are sure to delight. You can choose classic botanical illustrations or explore niche themes like mycology for a cottagecore-inspired geek.
Original botanical plates from antique atlases or educational charts hold a special appeal, but high-quality prints offer superior paper and ink longevity. While the idea of gifting an authentic atlas page might sound appealing, older paper can be fragile and prone to discoloration. Opting for a print ensures lasting beauty.
To maximize your budget, consider purchasing an unframed poster and selecting a frame separately to perfectly match the recipient’s style. Discover a curated collection of botanical posters online for a wide array of styles and themes.
Vintage Botanical Poster with fruit illustrations
4. Sprout Pencil: Plantable Stationery for Eco-Conscious Geeks
For the zero-waste enthusiast who also appreciates stationery, the Sprout pencil is a truly unique plant lover gift. This innovative pencil, which I first wrote about in 2018, has gained even more popularity as sustainability becomes increasingly important. It’s a delightful present that merges practicality with eco-consciousness.
Once the Sprout pencil is too short to comfortably use, it’s ready to be planted directly into soil, either in the garden or a pot. Each pencil contains a biodegradable capsule at the end, filled with seeds like herbs, tomatoes, or chamomile. As the capsule dissolves in the soil, the seeds are released and begin to germinate. I personally adore this concept and have cherry tomato Sprout pencils myself, eagerly awaiting spring to plant them in my garden.
Sprout Plantable Pencil with seed capsule
Sprout pencils are crafted from sustainably sourced, certified wood, biodegradable seed capsules, and natural clay and graphite. Based in Denmark, Sprout operates globally. In the US, you can purchase Sprout pencils through Earth Hero. For those in the EU, they are available directly through the Sprout website. Manufacturing is in Poland for the European market and Minnesota for North America.
Interestingly, the colored Sprout pencils even have seed types that correspond to the pencil color! Sprout also offers a plantable eyeliner, vegan and ethically sourced, keep an eye on their store for availability in your region.
Sprout Plantable Colored Pencils set
5. Plant-Themed Board Games: Game Night with a Botanical Twist
For the geeky plant lover who enjoys game nights, plant-related board games are fantastic plant lover gifts. Combining fun with botanical themes or educational elements about nature, these games offer an engaging and entertaining experience.
While I’m planning a dedicated post on plant-themed board games, here are a few noteworthy titles to consider:
- Herbaceous Sprouts (Pencil First Games, 2019): A delightful card game for ages 8+, with 30-minute playtime.
- Agricola (Lookout Games, 2007): A more complex farming simulation game for ages 12+, playtime ranges from 30 to 150 minutes.
- The Yoga Garden Game (Yoga Kids): A fun and active game for ages 4+, blending yoga and gardening themes.
- Wildcraft (Learning Herbs): An educational game for ages 4+, teaching about edible and medicinal plants, with 30-40 minute playtime.
- Arboretum (Z-Man Games, 2015; Renegade Game Studio, 2018): A strategic card game for ages 8+, focused on creating beautiful arboretums, with 30-minute playtime.
6. Botanical Playing Cards: Cards with a Floral Flourish
If board games aren’t quite the right fit, consider botanical playing cards as a charming plant lover gift. These decks often feature exquisite botanical illustrations and sometimes include fascinating plant facts, making them both beautiful and educational.
Plant-themed playing cards can be surprisingly elusive, but after some searching, Etsy offers a selection of botanical playing cards that are worth exploring.
Gardening themed playing cards with floral illustrations
7. Online Plant Classes: Cultivate Knowledge and Skills
For plant lovers with a thirst for knowledge, gifting online classes is a thoughtful and enriching plant lover gift. Online learning offers flexibility, making it perfect for those who want to expand their plant expertise without rigid schedules.
A highly recommended houseplant course is:
- Plants at Home: Uplift Your Spirit and Your Space on Skillshare, taught by the renowned Christopher Griffin (Plant Kween).
8. Herbarium (or Antique Herbarium): Pressed Plant Keepsakes
Did you ever create a herbarium for a school project? While my childhood attempt was less than stellar, modern and vintage-inspired herbariums are beautifully crafted and dainty. This gift allows plant lovers to create their own collection of pressed botanical specimens, transforming foraged finds into lasting works of art.
Vintage style flower press for creating herbariums
9. Plant Moisture Meter: Tech for Thriving Plants
Stepping into the realm of tech, a plant moisture meter is a practical and helpful plant lover gift. This gadget eliminates guesswork from watering, accurately measuring soil moisture levels to prevent over or under watering. It’s perfect for the plant lover who also appreciates a bit of technology, or anyone who wants to ensure their plants receive optimal care.
A highly-rated plant moisture meter is readily available online.
10. Botanical Coloring Books: Relaxing Art Therapy for Plant Lovers
Adult coloring books have been popular for years, and for good reason. Coloring is a wonderfully relaxing and mindful activity, allowing for creative expression and stress relief. A botanical-themed coloring book is a thoughtful plant lover gift that encourages relaxation and creativity away from screens.
Consider gifting a coloring book filled with intricate botanical illustrations. A beautiful option is the A-Z of botanical illustrations coloring book for adults.
Botanical coloring book page with flower illustration
11. Plant Identification App Subscription: Unlock Plant Mysteries
A subscription to a plant identification app can be an invaluable plant lover gift, especially for those curious about the names and care requirements of their green companions. These apps are incredibly helpful for identifying mystery plants in gardens or unlabeled houseplants. No more generic “tropical foliage” labels!
Picture This is a highly recommended and user-friendly plant identification app. Alternatively, an app store gift card paired with a curated list of plant ID apps shows extra thoughtfulness.
12. Pop Culture Planters: Fandom Meets Flora
Pop culture-inspired planters are a fun and personalized plant lover gift, particularly for those who love to blend their hobbies. From Star Wars to Totoro and beyond, you can find planters that reflect a wide range of fandoms.
Etsy offers a vast array of pop culture planters. Simply choose a planter featuring their favorite movie, book, or character!
Totoro themed planter pot for succulents
13. Gift Card to a Plant Store: The Joy of Plant Shopping
While sometimes perceived as impersonal, a gift card to a plant store can be a truly appreciated plant lover gift. For many plant enthusiasts, the joy of selecting new plants for their collection is unparalleled. Consider gift cards to local nurseries, online plant shops, Etsy stores specializing in plants, or even small independent plant businesses.
I hope this guide sparks inspiration for finding the perfect present for the plant-loving geek in your life. Ultimately, remember that spending quality time, listening to their plant passions, and sharing their enthusiasm can be the most meaningful gift of all.
Explore curated gift collections for plant geeks by clicking on the images below.
Plant Lover Gifts Collection (US) Plant Lover Gifts Collection (Europe)
More Gift Ideas for Plant Lovers Children’s Books About Plants and Gardening Black Houseplants to Add to Your Collection
