Life

Unwrapped: 12 Gifts For The Plant Parent In Your Life

Things to keep their green thumb glowing

'Tis officially the season for gift-giving. For us, that's a full month (31 days!) in which we'll be providing gift ideas for everyone on your list with our Unwrapped holiday gift guides. So make your holiday shopping a breeze this season, and let us help you find gifts for all the people in your life—and maybe even a spoiled pet or two.

Have you heard? Instead of having babies, millennials are buying houseplants. It's a fiscally responsible decision if you ask me, but more than that, it's a trend. All to say, it's more than likely you have a proud plant parent in your friend group who, over the years, has managed to flank every empty corner and window ledge in their apartment with greenery. That, or they got a cat.

If you're friends with the former, we've come to you with gift suggestions (and if you're friends with the latter, we'll have something for you, too, in a couple of days). Shopping for those with green thumbs can be tricky because it's not like you can get them a plant—they probably have way too many already. Plus, that would be so predictable. Ahead, then, are items that will help your friends embrace their plant parent title while also aid in the success of their mini greenhouse. Maybe they'll gift you with a cutting in return?

Watering your plants can be meditative, but it can also be tedious figuring out which one needs attention when. This self-watering plant stake should help. All they need to do is plop it in the pot and it will slowly release water as the soil starts to dry.

Urban Outfitters, Peace Sign Self-Watering Plant Stake, $8, available Urban Outfitters

For when their Instagram feed doesn't provide adequate enough inspiration, give them this to flip through.

Urban Jungle: Living and Styling with Plants, $23.79, available at Amazon

If they're lucky enough to have the right environment to grow herbs, they're also going to need these markers to keep track of what's going where.

Ariana Ost, Brass Plant Markers, $50, available at Anthropologie

So they can bring their plants with them wherever they go.

Vicky Webb, iPhone Case, $26.99, available at Society6

And wear their plant parent pride on their... chest.

DressedToThrillShop, Plant Lover Shirt, $24.75, available at Etsy

Yes, we know, your friend likely doesn't need another plant, but if you're going to add to their family, at least have it be the rare and hard-to-find Pilea Peperomioides.

GreeneryNYC, Pilea Peperomioides, $45, available at GreeneryNYC

Same goes for pots! They probably have a ton! Do they have a hand-painted boob one, though? Probably not.

Group Partner, Dark Tanlines, $65, available at Group Partner

Houseplants don't usually emit a scent, which is fine, but for those times when your friend wants that fresh just-stepped-out-of-the-greenhouse smell, they can light this candle.

Keap, Green Market, $35, available at Keap

Picture this image in your friend's apartment, draped by hanging plants and flanked by potted ones. Greenhouse effect guaranteed!

Anyuka Art, Greenhouse Art Print, $5, available at Etsy. 

Chances are, your friend has always wanted this but never had the heart to shell out $30 for a damn mister. Be the friend who entertains their indulgences and get it for them.

Sarah Burrows and Nick Behr, Brass Succulent Mister, $30, available at Uncommon Goods

Air plants are creepy! Embrace their creepiness and get this octopus-inspired hanger.

Tictail, Air Plant Holder, $26, available at Tictail

This isn't technically about houseplants or how to take care of them or anything, but it includes very pretty illustrations of them. Plus, it's fun and great for all of the 20-somethings who didn't channel enough of their inner immature child with those adult coloring books.

Houseplants and Hot Sauce: A Seek-and-Find Book for Grown-Ups, $11.96, available at Amazon