by Amanda Rose Newton
Parents are the most difficult people to shop for. With the amount of time, love, and finances they devote to you, gifting something meaningful in return is intimidating.
Gifting items that give back, such as plants or travel, are ways to extend the life of your purchase. For dads who love nature and being outside — and yes, grilling counts — there are numerous simple, affordable gifts that create meaning and add value to everyday life. Here is our short list of 7 gifts that just about any dad (or human) can enjoy.
Fruit Trees
Few gifts embody the keep-on-giving mojo quite like a fruit tree. Here in Florida, you have the opportunity to grow everything from exotic tropical fruits like mango or soursop to traditional temperate favorites like figs and peaches.
Easy to care for, trees are a great way to introduce a newbie to gardening, and between the fruit and the flowers, this gift will be appreciated by many more than just the giftee.
Bonsai
If your dad’s yard is too small for a fruit tree, growing a bonsai is just as rewarding and takes up far less real estate.
Giving a bonsai as a gift is also giving someone a new hobby, a way to cope with anxiety, and an easy way to add greenery inside or out. Growing bonsais has been linked to lower blood pressure and increased patience, which is a gift many of us could use.
Grilling Container Garden
Grilling season countrywide is upon us, and you can create a simple affordable gift by pairing herbs and even fruits like peppers and tomatoes in a container.
Keeping this stationed by the grill means Dad has access to the perfect herbal accents to give meals a special touch.
Chiminea
Okay, so maybe I am the only person in Florida who thinks it gets chilly at night, but no one can disagree that a chimenea is a fun feature for any outdoor living space.
For the few times a year the temperature dips, it can ensure you maximize your outdoor time by keeping it toasty. For dads who love the outdoors, this is a perfect touch to ensure they get to enjoy every second of it in comfort.
Gardening Tools
Nothing is more stereotypical for Father’s Day gifts than tools! You can play into this by gifting Dad a few new gardening tools this summer.
Pruners are always a needed item as well as gloves, especially for those of you who have bougainvillea to trim back in which case your Dad will be grateful for those gloves!
Lunch at the Garden
Everyone needs lunch and nothing is quite as enjoyable as eating in a beautiful garden!
Treat your dad to lunch at the Farmer’s Market where he can select from a range of craft beers and plant-based delights from Garden Party.
Seminars and Classes
If you have a Dad who loves to learn, check out RG’s event page which has all the upcoming seminars, classes, and make-and-takes coming soon. Purchase tickets (if you need to) in advance and enjoy a memorable opportunity to bond (and learn) over plants.
For outdoor-loving dads, we have you covered! Even a stroll around the garden is a gift. Plants are the ultimate gift that gives back, so whatever you choose know your purchase will bring months of memories and joy.
