Home and Garden Gift Ideas

Don't get caught empty-handed before a party, celebration or visit to a friend or family member's home. Wine is nice, but how about something that will last a bit longer, is thoughtful, environmental or outdoorsy and will be loved and appreciated by its recipient? Check out our gift ideas for the home and garden lover on your list.

Anytime is the right time to give a gift to that special woman: your wife, mother, girlfriend, sister, aunt, niece, etc. Mother Earth sets the stage for that female-outdoors connection. So, it's only appropriate that many gifts revolve around nature and a woman's outdoor environment. She might get a spiritual, nurturing or renewal fix from gardening, her patio, relaxing outside, dining outdoors or enjoying gatherings with family.

Some guys like to spend their days outdoors, regardless of the weather. Maybe it's that manly hunter-gatherer-stereotype, but the idea of a guy fixing good eats at the barbecue or grill with an apron, matching chef's hat and shiny grilling tools seems to epitomize the whole scene. No wacky gag gifts or wear-once t-shirts here. These outdoors guy gifts are for the Patio Daddy-O, with a twist.

Many households that are Jewish, interfaith, or those who want to honor all the winter holidays like to decorate outdoors for Hanukkah. After all, the original point of outdoor lights and decorations was to brighten up the darkest time of the year, when the days are shorter, trees and foliage are bare, and -- except for snow -- the landscape can be colorless.

For Hanukkah, why not give a hostess or loved one a symbolic and festive decoration they can use year after year?

While considering toys and gift ideas for children, keep in mind that the current generation of kids spends less time outdoors than any other generation in history. While a computer game or screen may be on your favorite child's list, why not introduce them to the pure, low-tech world of outdoor toys and activities?

Check out our list of some of the top outdoor toys and activities that the child on your list will love.

What's the best gift to give your pool and patio lover? Think about the setting: a bubbling hot tub, moonlight on the patio, a romantic walk along a lighted pathway, colorful lanterns floating in a pool, the warmth of a big thirsty towel waiting for you as you step out of the spa. Sound good?

Outdoor pillows and cushions vary in price, depending on the fabric, brand or designer. Garden-variety pillows in solid colors from discount stores are usually more plain or neutral, but digging around to find the deals may garner you a chic-looking pillow that looks lots more expensive than it really is.

If you're going to buy a higher-end patio pillow, consider grouping it with cheaper neutrals. Check out our patio pillow "picks."