If you are a gardener and have children are your children gardening with you? If not, now is a good time to get them started, and if they are do they have their own tools.

Gardening is a rewarding way to spend time with your child and if the child is allowed to have a garden of their own (under your guidance, of course) then the child can develop their sense of independence and enhance their self-esteem.

Gardening can be a fairly simple activity and you do not need much space to grow the flowers, herbs and vegetables of you and your child’s choice. I suggest you involve them throughout the whole process from seed and plant section right through to the harvest.

There are tools that are specifically designed for children to use and these can make a great gift at any time of the year whether it is Christmas, or a birthday.

For example, Rittenhouse  makes a line of children’s gardening tools that are real and attractive. In addition to having the proper tools for the job, the child can learn how to take care of their tools. This will help them evolve a sense of responsibility while doing something they like.

Rittenhouse also sells gardening gloves that are built to suit the child’s hands, so they do not have to struggle with oversized gloves.

As well as tools and gloves, there are watering cans and wheelbarrows that are ideal for the young gardener. Or, a gardening tote so that all the essentials can be kept right at hand when out in the garden. Be sure to purchase products that are age appropriate for your child or children.

Books are always good gifts and when it comes to children and gardening there is quite a selection available.  The choices include both how-to and stories about gardening and growing.

For example, City Green tells the story of how a group of people transformed a vacant lot into a community garden of flowers and vegetables.  Sharon Lovejoy’s classic Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together With Children   is a favourite with many parents and their children.

If you have ever spent time in the garden with children you know that it can bring a smile to their faces and grab their attention and awake their enthusiasm gifts that engage them in gardening can only increase the experience. Books, seeds, plants and tools all make great garden gifts for kids.