11 Gardening Gifts for Mom, Because She Doesn’t Need Any More Candles

According to chef turned backyard farmer Natasha Li Pickowicz, these durable, classic Chelsea boots work just as well in the kitchen as they do in the garden. “They’re already perfectly worn in, and unlike clogs they keep my ankles dry and safe from the clouds of mosquitoes that haunt my garden underbrush,” she says.

These heavy-duty pruning shears are chef and cookbook author Abra Berens’ top pick for a Mother’s Day garden gift: “I keep them right next to my door so I can easily snip herbs, zucchini, and even small branches for tablescaping. This pair is a little pricier, but that buys lightness, functionality, and durability. They feel good in your hand, just like a great chef’s knife.”

There’s no better home for Mom’s herb garden (or houseplants) than a Vayu plant pot, which has a dimensional surface that nods to brutalist architecture. It’s an expression of the focus, concentration, and tranquility that designer Farrah Sit feels when gardening. “I was taking care of a small veggie farm on my roof at a particular time in my life when I was trying to figure things out, and gardening gave me such a sense of peace. I wanted to bring that feeling to the planter design.” The planter comes with a drainage tray and is available in colors like Snowy Porcelain, Coal Black, and Matte Terra Cotta. 

“These thoughtfully designed cloches protect my precious strawberries and cauliflower from hungry wild bunnies without compromising the aesthetic of my garden,” explains Ghia CEO Melanie Masarin. “I wanted to find something that protected without hiding so I can still have the pleasure of watching things grow over time. I’m happy to report my strawberries are coming up right now.”

It’s tough keeping the bugs off your plants and outdoor garden (we recommend Bonide BT spray for that), but it’s equally hard keeping the bugs off of YOU—especially when you want a solution without harsh chemicals. The good news: This natural bug spray actually works. It’s DEET-free and features Indonesian citronella, vanillin, and cloves, which means it smells amazing too. 

The best gardening gifts for Mom are the ones that make her feel like a badass. For LuckyRice founder Danielle Chang, this adjustable tool belt does just that. “It’s made for carrying shears and seeds, but I also put in my phone, keys, and sunblock,” she says. "There’s a water bottle holder too! I’ll sport it while hiking because I love picking up leaves and flowers along the way and the pockets hold them without any crushing.” It can handle everything in Mom’s garden tool set.

Speaking of sunblock, Pickowicz loves Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen, a cult favorite for a reason. Made with an invisible oil-free formula, it blends into skin better than other sunscreens and lends a lightweight, velvety finish. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants. Is it a bit expensive? Yes. Would it make a good gift for any mom who spends a lot of time in the sun? Absolutely. Chuck it in a tote bag with some cute gardening gloves and some seeds and you’ve got a DIY gift set.

“This seed company understands the deep connection between restoring Indigenous traditions, reactivating heritage breeds, and creating a network of seed-saving growers,” says Urban Growers Collective cofounder Erika Allen. “We’re working with 15 different seeds from them, but I’m most excited about Potawatomi Pole Lima Bean, which comes from a member of the Potawatomi Nation, and Besobella, an Ethiopian basil.” Pair these with some plant markers for the perfect gift for Mom.

If your mom loves to cook with the produce from her vegetable garden, then her tasks don't stop after the harvest. This high-quality vegetable brush is made with durable beechwood and has two sides—one with soft bristles for gently buffing delicate produce like tomatoes and one with stiff bristles for cleaning sturdier veggies.