Gardening for the past several years has been the number one leisure time activity for most American. So in the holidays roll around and it’s time to meet some of those though gift giving challenges, I bet someone on you’re list is either a gardener or interested in gardening.

The range of gadgets and widgets you can find these days is mind bugling everything from elaborate tools to choose can be found for the gardener in your life. When I’m choosing a gift for someone I try to keep a couple of things in mind.

First I have to ask will this gift mean more work for that person or will it save them time or help them in some way. For instance a bag of tulip bulbs can be a special gift but it means getting out there and planting them immediately. Whereas this simple little knee pad can save them a few aches and pains and make they’re working time more pleasant.

Bird feeders are always a great gift. They’re easy to use and fun to watch. But you might think about including the seed along with the feeders. Otherwise it’s like giving a battery operated toy to a child without the batteries.

When it comes to tools you can never go wrong by giving someone a really good pair of hand pruners. And if you really want to be a hero give them a set of the ratchet type and of course there are gardening magazine’s subscriptions, video tapes, and gift certificates that only require phone if you’re short on time.

I just try to keep in mind that a well made and useful gift will probably be more appreciated than something that’s cute and trendy. From the garden, I’m Allen Smith.

For more on this topic and other information just check out my website P.AllenSmith.com and make sure you watch me on MBC today show on December 6 and 8 where I’m going to show some holiday tips.