6 Great Gift Ideas for Plant Lovers
Shopping for a plant lover can be tricky, especially when their shelves are already packed with pothos and their windowsills are full. Instead of adding another leafy green to the mix, consider a gift that celebrates their passion in a fresh, creative way. From botanical candles to decorative pots, these thoughtful ideas are perfect for plant parents of all experience levels.
What not to gift the true botanist
Before you wander into the tangled thicket of garden center gift ideas, heed this warning, adventurer: not all plant-themed treasures are created equal. The well-seasoned plant lover already knows their stuff, so entry level hobby gifts aren’t going to cut it. Here’s what to avoid when shopping for your green-thumbed friend.
Common houseplants
Snake plants, pothos, peace lilies—these are great plants in their own rights, but a true plant enthusiast likely has a jungle’s worth already. Gifting another spider plant might earn you a polite nod and a secret “I have five of these already” sigh.
It’s also worth noting that many common houseplants are also toxic to pets. Any diehard plant lover who also has pets already knows what is and isn’t safe around their furry friends. So, unless you’re a knowledgeable plant expert yourself, steer clear of the garden center for this gift.
Basic watering tools
Unless it’s enchanted with automatic moisture detection (or at least looks like it might be), skip the plain watering cans and misting bottles. Diehard plant folks already have their preferred tools, often collected over years of trial, error, and critical plant-saving rolls.
Soil and fertilizer
Unless they’ve given you very specific instructions, steer clear. Soil types, nutrient ratios, and brand preferences vary wildly, so gifting the wrong type of soil might actually be nothing more than a bag of dirt.
Gimmicky plant gadgets
Self-watering globes shaped like birds? Flashy grow lights in pastel colors? Unless it serves a real function or adds to their aesthetic, it’ll likely end up recycled or regifted.
Generic plant books
If it's on a big box store endcap, they probably read it three seasons ago. Go niche or go home—think rare botanical guides or region-specific field journals if you really want to impress.
6 gift ideas for plant lovers
Whether you're shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just because, here are 6 gift ideas that go beyond the usual greenery.
1. Gift card
If your plant lover has the greenest thumb and decades of experience, the best possible gift you could give them is a gift card to their favorite nursery or plant store. It may not feel personal at first glance, but serious plant lovers will appreciate it more than a guess.
A gift card allows them to choose exactly what they need, whether it’s a rare plant, upgraded soil mix, or another grow light. It’s a practical option that shows you respect their expertise. You’re giving them the flexibility to shop when the timing (or the season) is right.
2. Decorative pots or planters
New planters are always welcome in a plant lover’s home (because you never know when you’ll need one). Look for designs that match their interior style—ceramic, minimal, colorful, textured, or even wall-mounted. Make sure they include proper drainage or come with matching saucers to be fully functional. Even if their plant collection is already large, finding the right pot for a new propagation or repotting project is always a plus. It’s a way to refresh their space and give their favorite plants a stylish new home.
Image courtesy of Sanctuary Ceramics.
Our recommendations
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This one-of-a-kind Handmade Ceramic Planter from Sanctuary Ceramics.
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This Space Cats Planter by BreadandBadger.
3. LEGO Botanicals Collection
Any self-respecting plant lover has a respectable disdain for fake plants… except when they’re made of LEGOS. These creative sets are perfect for plant lovers who also enjoy puzzles and crafts as well as plants. The LEGO Botanicals line includes detailed floral sets like orchids, succulents, and bonsai trees that look great on display once completed. It’s a unique, low-maintenance option for someone who may not have room for more live plants but still wants to surround themselves with botanical beauty. This gift brings a bit of playful creativity into their routine. Plus, LEGOS rock!
4. Botany Collection - Cantrip Candles
Candles that mimic the scent of real plants and flowers are a great way to bring the outdoors inside, especially during colder months or for plant lovers who can’t keep every variety alive. Look for clean-burning candles made with natural waxes and botanical scent profiles, like green leaves, herbs, florals, and citrus.
Our resident botanist, Osric O’Malley, regularly ventures out across the planes to seek out the most alluring botanical scents imaginable—and this time, he’s outdone himself. We were overcome with bardic inspiration and made three new candles inspired by his findings.
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Bergamot Citron: Bright notes of lemon mellow beautifully with hints of black tea, an invigorating aroma
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Fiddlehead Fern: With notes of moss, earth, and everything green, this candle smells like spring itself
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Flowering Wisteria: Sweet and delicate, notes of graceful wisteria transport you to the gardens of Cathpasia
Our 100% soy wax candles are hand-poured in our LA shop by the most passionate nerds you’ll ever meet. We know our new botanical line of candles is sure to please any plant lover in your life.
5. Botany Naturalist's Notebook
The Botany Naturalist’s Notebook is the perfect gift for plant lovers who want to take their passion beyond the windowsill. Whether they’re wandering through a local trail or exploring their own backyard, this notebook encourages them to observe, sketch, and document the native plants they encounter. With space for field notes, seasonal observations, and plant identifications, it’s a great way to deepen their knowledge and appreciation for the natural world. It turns every walk into a learning experience and helps cultivate a closer connection with the environment. For anyone looking to branch out into outdoor plant study, this notebook makes a thoughtful and inspiring companion.
6. Botanical jewelry and accessories
Jewelry or small accessories that reflect their love for plants—like leaf-shaped earrings, enamel pins, or pressed flower pendants—make for unique and thoughtful gifts. These pieces allow them to show off their passion in a wearable way, without being too literal or over-the-top. They work well as stocking stuffers, add-ons to a larger gift, or stand-alone tokens of appreciation.
We’ve got an admirable collection of botanical inspired enamel pins that will delight any plant lover. Check them out:
Great gifts ripe for the picking
When it comes to gifting for plant lovers, it’s all about finding something that complements their hobby and brings a little extra joy to their daily routine. Whether it’s a beautifully scented candle, a new planter, or a creative way to display their love for plants, these gifts show you understand what makes them thrive. Skip the guesswork and give something they’ll truly appreciate—no watering required.
For a gift that suits any occasion, grab a Cantrip Candle! 100% soy wax, hand-poured in Los Angeles, and inspired by the fantasy worlds you love.
Shop all candles, wax melts, and other collections today →
Candle making classes also make incredible gifts! Our classes are perfect for any occasion and allow you to create your very own unique scent! What's not to love?
