On Saturday, Jim and I went to one of the local big box stores to pick up a few household items. It is likely I won’t repeat that mistake anytime soon. Halloween is hardly over, and Thanksgiving is a week-and-a-half away, but the crowd obviously was shopping for Christmas. Everyone was busily filling their carts with decorations and gift items, and I haven’t even begun to think about the holidays. It is time for me to start.
Since 2017, I have written a gift suggestion column for the gardeners among your friends and family members, so here are some gift ideas for 2024. Most of the items listed can be purchased online from small or privately owned companies. I haven’t noticed an appreciable increase in prices over last year. I look for gifts in the $10 to $40 range. All prices I have listed are approximate.
One of the first items I came across is one I wouldn’t mind receiving: a black PVC-coated polyester container with three compartments for hauling tools, plants, muddy boots, and othe...