Kids’ Presents For The Holidays

The madman says, “You can never start too early.” And this time he’s not talking about seeds. He’s actually talking about future generations. You know, the ones who will inherit the earth from us. Maybe this year you can give the kids in your life something more lasting than the game they’ll never play with.

A few years ago, we put together a gift list for gardeners. The madman thinks it’s still a good list. This year, we have a list of kids’ presents for future gardeners. As you go through this list, please use common sense, and make sure the gift is appropriate for the child’s age and development.

Number 1

Top of the list is a good set of gardening tools. Remember, your child’s interest in the garden will vary with his or her development. Very young children are more interested in eating dirt, watching toads and playing with worms. Digging holes and getting dirty are top priorities here – no long handled or sharp tools needed. Have fun with them.

But, as they grow, children can become more interested in gardening. And here is where a good set of kid-sized tools would come in handy. Nothing is more discouraging than getting outside to find your tools fail you. Don’t let bad tools spoil the experience for your budding gardener. Stanley Jr. and True Temper are among the many manufacturers who offer sturdy kid-sized tools found in local stores. We’ve also found good reviews on sets made by Play22 which are available from a number of retail outlets.

Number 2

How about a little red wagon? And, we don’t mean a little one; we mean a full-sized Radio Flyer Red wagon. You know, the kind we all had when we were kids. Our oldest son Chris got one when he was small. The madman spent hours pulling Chris around the yard. Eventually brother Mike joined him. When the boys weren’t using the wagon, the madman grabbed it to haul around his plants, tools and brush – usually with the boys helping him. He’s still using the wagon today.

Number 3

Similar to a wagon is a kid-sized wheelbarrow – both Stanley Jr and True Temper have good ones. Your little gardener can carry tools, toys and transplants. And, if the child outgrows the wheelbarrow, it can be used as a planter. In fact, it can be your child’s planter.

Number 4

The madman is sure your child would like to look the part. So, don’t forget to outfit your little gardener. Here’s a few suggestions. How about a tee shirt and socks that will ward off annoying insects? Check these out from Insect Shield. Choice of a hat is a personal preference, but at National Park stores, you can get a Junior Ranger bucket hat that does double duty – use it for gardening or hiking. (By the way, they also have a neat vest for little ones.)

Small hands need protection, too, so throw in a pair of gardening gloves. And what little gardener doesn’t want to keep their feet dry. The madman always thought that frog boots were the coolest thing, and retailers still sell them. Since kids outgrow boots before they outwear them, you’ll have a cool set of planters one day. But we digress, on to the list.

Number 5

For a nice gift that can also be used as a science lesson, consider a transparent root box. Watching a seed sprout is one thing. Watching what goes on underneath the soil as the plant grows can teach as well as entertain. Just remember, growth is slow and care is needed. Sturdy kits are offered by Fat Brain Toys and Hearthsong, among others.

Number 6

If you’re looking for a decorative gift, consider a terrarium kit. This will show how plants grow together and it allows your child to be creative in designing and planting a small world. Although a google search brings up a bunch of kits, you might consider visiting your local nursery. They can help you select a container and plants for your indoor garden.

Number 7

A budding gardener needs to know how important pollinators are. A fun way to introduce this concept is with a Painted Lady or Monarch butterfly kit – lots of stores and online outlets sell them. These kits come with everything you need – everything except the larvae (caterpillars). When you buy one, make sure it contains a voucher to send for the larvae. If you don’t, the recipient has to fork out the money. A quick caveat: although this is a Christmas gift, the best time to send for larvae will be March, April or May.

Number 8

While we’re speaking of bugs, consider gifting a bug vacuum. Sounds simple, but it’s really cool, especially if it comes with a bug habitat and a magnifier for more exploration. Here’s one with all the bells and whistles from Hammacher Schlemmer. The madman also says this tool is great for the safe handling of stinging insects. He’s now on his second one.

Number 9

The madman and I have always felt that books make great gifts. In the genre of kids gardening, we have found a couple of newer books we like. I like Henry Helps Plant a Garden for 2-6 year olds. (It’s available from forsmallhands.com). The madman likes Gardening with Emma: Grow and Have Fun for older kids. This book is actually written by a 13-year-old girl. Penn State Extension offers a nice list of Books for Growing Young Gardeners – here’s a link.

Number 10

And, finally, what gardener, budding or not, can survive without seeds? Top on our list of seeds for kids is Sunflowers – almost any sunflower will do. The seeds are big and are pretty much guaranteed to grow without a lot of fuss. Other good flower seeds are Cosmos, Zinnias and Marigolds – all are easy to handle and produce well. For vegetables, keep it simple. Beans, peas and squash are good bets.

We hope you’ll find this list useful. Remember, the world will always rely on good gardeners. Do your part to encourage a kid.

Before we head out, I think we’ll have a nice cup of hot cocoa.