Gifts for Grandma

A closer look: Rather than being read cover to cover, it tends to come off the shelf for a quick check before a job: when to sow, how to plant, what to do with a tricky corner. A thoughtful choice for someone taking on their first garden, and slipping in a packet of seeds makes it feel like the start of a project.

Why we picked it: From the Royal Horticultural Society, a proper reference covering planning, sowing, planting and growing, for beginners and experts alike.

• Hardback
• Covers the whole garden
• Lots of photos
• Good for beginners and experts

What owners say: Really informative and easy to navigate, with lots of great photos.

A closer look: Handing it over with a good pen and a gentle target, say the next big birthday, helps it get finished rather than sitting on a shelf. Some grandmothers prefer to talk while a grandchild writes the answers down, which turns the prompts into lovely afternoons together. Once it’s complete, scan or copy it so every branch of the family has one.

Why we picked it: Guided prompts from childhood to words of wisdom. Once it’s filled in, it becomes a family treasure. A Nana version is available too.

• Guided prompts
• Childhood to present day
• Keepsake book
• Paperback

What owners say: Meaningful, thorough prompts, and a gift that gets treasured for generations.

A closer look: Long best-before dates mean it can be bought well ahead and tucked away until the day, and the tartan sleeve saves any wrapping. Add a favourite mug for a fuller present, or take it along when visiting so the kettle can go on and the box can be opened together.

Why we picked it: Edinburgh tea, Scottish shortbread and Walkers biscuits, gift-boxed for two. Ready-made for a cuppa and a catch-up.

• Brodies Edinburgh tea
• Scottish shortbread
• Walkers biscuits
• Gift boxed for two

What owners say: A nice selection, lovely tea and very good value. The Walkers biscuits are a hit.

A closer look: Left-handed gardeners can use them as easily as right-handers, which isn’t true of every pair. A quick wipe of the blades after pruning helps the non-stick coating keep sap from building up, and at around 230g they’re light enough to carry in a pocket through a whole afternoon of deadheading.

Why we picked it: Japanese SK5 steel blades that slice through stems up to 25mm cleanly, which keeps plants healthier than a crushing cut.

• Japanese SK5 steel
• Cuts up to 25mm
• Lightweight aluminium handles
• Squeeze-to-release lock

What owners say: Extremely sharp and comfortable. Owners say they go through thick stems like a knife through butter.

A closer look: Amber is the setting for reading in bed, with the softest glow, while the crisp white helps with small print in a crossword or a dim armchair corner. Charging is by USB-C, so the same lead as most modern phones will do, and at about 71g it sits lightly on a paperback.

Why we picked it: Clips to a book and throws a wide, even light, with a warm amber setting that won’t disturb whoever’s sleeping next to them.

• 19 LEDs, wide beam
• 3 colour modes
• Stepless dimming
• Rechargeable
• Remembers your setting

What owners say: Brilliant light with lots of brightness choices, and the battery lasts a good while.

Heads up: Gritin has just launched a Gen 2. This one is the proven version and usually costs less.

A closer look: Despite the heavy leather, the shaped thumb and fingers leave enough feel to grip loppers or tie in a climbing rose. After a wet session, let them dry slowly at room temperature rather than on a radiator, which keeps the cowhide supple. When buying as a gift, a snug size gives better control than a roomy one.

Why we picked it: Elbow-length cowhide that laughs at roses, brambles and nettles. The only gloves to reach for when pruning.

• Cowhide leather
• Elbow-length cuffs
• Thorn and nettle proof
• Men’s and women’s sizes

What owners say: They really do stop thorns, brambles and holly, and they last for years.

A closer look: Five layers of EVA and foam mould around the knees, and the neoprene lining stops damp lawn soaking through. The nylon cover wipes clean and dries quickly, and the handle lets it hang on a shed hook between jobs. Quicker to shift along a border than a kneeler seat, which suits weeding.

• 5 layers of EVA and foam
• Water-resistant neoprene lining
• Wipe-clean nylon cover
• Built-in carry handle

What owners say: Many owners call it the best kneeler they’ve had: thick, comfortable, a good size and built to last.

A closer look: Two books means one can stay by the armchair while the other goes in a bag for waiting rooms, train journeys or a visit to a friend. A set of highlighters makes a nice addition, since found words stand out clearly and nothing needs pressing hard, and a lap tray gives the A4 pages a firm surface.

Why we picked it: Big, clear print on A4 pages, with over 125 puzzles in each book. Hours of pen-in-hand relaxation.

• Extra large print
• A4 size
• 2 books
• 125+ puzzles each

What owners say: Easy to read and great value, with hours of fun for anyone with tired eyes.

A closer look: A hanging loop means it can live on a hook by the cupboard where the jars are, rather than disappearing into a drawer just when it’s needed. Beyond jars, it flips the caps off bottles and prises up stubborn lids, and it can go in the dishwasher when sticky jam gets on it.

Why we picked it: It releases the vacuum seal first, so even the most stubborn jar opens with a gentle twist. From Brabantia, the Dutch homeware brand.

• Opens lids 1–10cm
• Punches an air hole first
• Bottle cap opener
• 5-year guarantee

What owners say: Sturdy, well designed and a real help for arthritic hands.

A closer look: Finished, it measures about 68 by 49cm, so it needs a spare table or a puzzle board that can slide out of the way at mealtimes. With no picture to copy, sorting pieces by colour and texture early on pays off, and the clues tucked into the box-lid scene are worth studying before the first piece goes down.

Why we picked it: A Wasgij has a twist: you puzzle out what the character in the picture is seeing, not the scene on the box. Guaranteed to start a conversation.

• 1000 pieces
• Wasgij twist puzzle
• Funny scene
• Great quality pieces

What owners say: Great quality and properly addictive. Much more fun than just copying the box.

Heads up: Wasgijs are trickier than normal jigsaws, which is half the fun.