Gifts for Grandma

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why we picked it: The family can send photos from their phones and they appear on the frame moments later, thanks to the popular Frameo app.

• 10.1-inch HD touchscreen
• Frameo app
• Photos and short videos
• Captions on photos

What owners say: Easy to set up and use, with a crisp screen. Owners love sending photos straight to the frame.