Give the Garden

Posted in Around the Garden on December 9 2013, by Matt Newman

So right about now you’re probably in the throes of gift-giving season, hunting down the perfect gift for that special someone, or even something to wrap up for yourself. And I know, Black Friday has already passed (I think that’s a collective sigh of relief I hear). But don’t worry—the NYBG is home to a wide variety of thoughtful gift ideas that’ll help you win genuine smiles from family and friends. And part of the proceeds will support the Garden as well!

Whether it’s a unique domed terrarium from Shop in the Garden, a Membership that offers year-round enjoyment, an exciting Adult Education course in one of a multitude of interesting subjects, or a dedicated bench on our historic landscape, there’s a gift that will both bring joy to the recipient and help carry out far-reaching education, research, and conservation efforts in our New York community and around the globe—a mission we have been committed to for more than 120 years.

Our shop is the first stop for many gift-hunting visitors, and with good reason. It offers a bevy of gifts in rich botanical textures and seasonal themes, as well as books, music, home decor, edibles, and plants for the window sill or home garden. Looking to set someone up with all the necessary gardening kit? We’ve got you covered there, too, with plenty of tools to suit the trade.

Membership is another big winner among our gift offerings this year, as it’s more than a box with a bow on it—it’s an entire year of exploration in our 250-acre sanctuary, complete with access to ongoing Garden activities, exhibition tickets, discounts, and exclusive invites to Member Days, trips, and events. It’ll also give the recipient access or discounts at over 200 gardens and arboreta nationwide, which is a little feature we’re pretty proud of (not to brag, but we have a lot of amazing institutional friends).

Giving the gift of education is also pretty handy if you’ve got a self-starting hobbyist on your hands. Our Adult Education course offerings leap across the spectrum from intensive certificate courses in horticulture and landscape design to one-off class series on home brewing, floral design, and more. For recipients who value new skills and knowledge over another gift card to their favorite coffee shop, this just might be the route for you.

If you’re looking for a worthy cause for a tax-deductible contribution, the Garden can provide that too! Make a special gift before year’s end and a generous Garden Board Member will match your contribution dollar for dollar. Or consider a charitable gift annuity, which provides you fixed payments for life, part of which is tax-deductible.

With over 120 years of New York history under our belt, we think we’ll have something to suit almost any taste, so keep us on your list if you’re still struggling with gift ideas!