Retirement gift ideas

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: 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: From Spear & Jackson, making tools in Sheffield since 1760. The Japanese-style hori hori digs, weeds, cuts and measures planting depth.

• Stainless steel blade
• Straight and serrated edges
• Depth markings
• Holster included

What owners say: Well made and sturdy, and brilliant for digging out stubborn weeds.

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.

Why we picked it: Sticks to the window so the birds come right up to the glass: a front-row seat to the garden from the armchair.

• Strong suction cups
• Removable seed tray
• Clear acrylic
• For small birds

What owners say: Sturdy and stays firmly on the window. One owner says it survived gale-force winds and attracts plenty of birds.

Why we picked it: Roberts has been making radios in Britain since 1932. The PLAY10 keeps it simple: big buttons, station presets and batteries for the garden.

• DAB, DAB+ and FM
• Station presets
• Mains or batteries
• Headphone socket

What owners say: Well designed, easy to set up and use, and it sounds good. Great in the kitchen or garden.

Why we picked it: The front panel comes off, so it works as a classic hole box for tits or open-fronted for robins.

• Wooden
• Removable front panel
• Suits tits, robins and sparrows
• Easy to mount

What owners say: Well made for the price, looks good and is easy to put up.

Why we picked it: Flip it one way to kneel and the other to sit: kinder on knees and backs, with handles to help her up again.

• Kneeler and seat in one
• Padded EVA foam
• Handles to help you up
• Detachable tool bag
• Folds flat

What owners say: Sturdy and easy to set up, and a real help for anyone with a bad back or knees.