The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and as soon as I’ve digested all that food, our house starts getting ready for Christmas.
And about the time all the food has settled, Black Friday rolls around and we start shopping in earnest for the next holiday. While the rest of the world stampedes toward televisions, air fryers, and gadgets they’ll forget they bought by February, gardeners walk past the electronics aisle and head straight for the tools, the potting soil, and that shiny new pruner we’ve been eyeing since last spring.
If you’re a gardener—or you’re shopping for one—here’s a no-nonsense guide to what’s worth grabbing this season… and what’s better left on the shelf.
Start with quality hand tools, the top seller for gardeners every holiday season. Hand pruners, loppers, soil knives, and trowels all go on sale, and good ones are worth every penny.
Skip the bargain-bin, cheap-plastic, flashy-colored multi-tools. Buy the real tools—the ones that won’t snap the first time you meet a stubborn root.
Up next are battery-powered lawn tools. The garden industry is pushing battery equipment hard—and for good reason: no gas cans, no choke, no yanking a pull cord until your shoulder pops.
I used to be against them, thinking they were cheap and wouldn’t work well. Yet I have no problem using my cordless drill, impact driver, circular saw, and other battery-powered tools in my shop. Why not in the yard?
Black Friday discounts on battery blowers, trimmers, and pole saws are some of the deepest of the year. If you’ve been thinking about switching platforms, now is the time. Just remember: buying into a battery system is a bit like getting married—pick wisely, because you’re building a future together.
Also consider indoor growing supplies. With winter coming, this is the time of year when you can actually find deals. By February, everyone is planning their spring garden and prices go right back up. What’s worth grabbing on sale? Seed-starting trays, heat mats, LED grow lights, and potting mixes for indoor plants.
The backyard birding category quietly explodes every November. Feeders, suet, and bird seed all go on sale, and it’s one of the few things gardeners actually need every year.
It’s also the perfect gift because every gardener loves birds. And every squirrel loves to ruin bird feeders. So… replacements are always welcome.
Next up: soil, mulch, and compost. Bagged soil mixes and mulch often go on unadvertised clearance. Retailers know most folks aren’t gardening in November, so this is when they move stock. If you see raised bed mix, potting soil, or compost marked down… grab it.
What not to buy? A “Holiday Garden Kit” with flimsy tools. If it’s wrapped in plastic with a bow already attached, walk away.
Also avoid the discounted bulbs that should have been planted a couple of months ago. While you can still plant bulbs now, those bargain bags in the store are tired and dried up. Better to buy high-quality bulbs earlier in the season. Better yet, dig up and divide your fresh, spring-blooming bulbs to expand your beds or share with friends.
Gardeners don’t need flashy gadgets—we need tools that work, soil that’s good, and things that help us keep plants alive (or at least give them a fighting chance). Black Friday can actually be a great time to stock up… as long as you know what’s worth buying.
And if you do find yourself wandering into the electronics aisle, just remember that the 85-inch TV won’t prune your roses, aerate your lawn, or start your spring tomatoes any earlier.
