December has a funny way of bringing out two types of shoppers. There are the ones who bought their first present in August and wrapped it by September, and then there are the rest of us who suddenly realise the calendar has vanished at alarming speed and we still haven’t sorted gifts for anyone. Be it the garden lover, the family DIY enthusiast, or the grandparent who insists they “don’t need anything at all” but definitely does. This is where practical presents come into their own. No gimmicks, no novelty gifts destined for the charity shop by January. Just well chosen, purposeful ideas that make someone’s outdoor life easier, warmer or far more enjoyable, even in the peculiar, soggy charm of a Norfolk winter.
A good garden or DIY themed gift is one that earns its keep. It solves a problem the receiver probably hasn’t mentioned out loud, or it inspires a project they’ve been meaning to start for months. It might even encourage them outdoors when the whole world seems glued to the radiator. The magic isn’t in sparkle or sentimentality, it is in usefulness. Norfolk Sheds has a knack for offering products that fit that exact space. They are practical, sturdy, and free from fuss, yet they strike the perfect note for people who prefer meaningful gifts over clutter. From small pots of timber paint for the enthusiastic tinkerer to playhouses that save parents’ sanity on wet winter afternoons, there is something unexpectedly thoughtful in choosing a gift that lasts well beyond the season.
This guide brings those ideas together, mixing Norfolk Sheds’ best offerings with added recommendations for tools, garden accessories and winter ready treats. Full of options to suit gardeners, DIY lovers, cyclists, families and those who simply enjoy sitting outdoors in a sturdy seat with a hot drink while the sun disappears before teatime. December might be cold, windy and occasionally dramatic, yet it is still a cracking month for practical gifting.
Why Practical Outdoor Gifts Make Sense in December
There is something quietly brilliant about giving an outdoor themed present in the middle of winter. By December, the garden has surrendered to the season. Leaves are gone, gloves are essential, and even the most dedicated gardener finds themselves rummaging in the shed more than digging in soil. This is exactly what makes practical gifts so welcome. They bring a bit of hope, a spark of motivation and sometimes a touch of relief. They are gifts that turn the colder months into planning season rather than hibernation. For those who love home improvement, pottering around or tending to plants, there is no better moment to give something they can enjoy right away.
Garden lovers often spend December preparing for early planting. A compact greenhouse becomes a quiet sanctuary where seedlings can begin their gentle journey away from frost and wind. It is a place for calm, careful tasks. That is part of the appeal. When the weather outside is unpredictable, a greenhouse feels like a warm promise of the coming year. It is difficult to beat that feeling.
For DIY enthusiasts, December is the only time the shed becomes a refuge rather than a storage disaster. A gift that encourages them to organise or improve that space hits the mark without feeling flashy. A storage shed transforms chaos into calm. It is a gift with purpose, space and dignity, which is more than you can say for novelty socks or a tin of shortbread.
For kids, winter can be a challenge. They want to play outdoors, but the mud, rain and dwindling daylight make it tricky. A playhouse solves that problem in one simple stroke. It gives them the excitement of an outdoor space that still feels safe and sheltered. Parents love it for that exact reason.
And then there are gifts for the older generation, who enjoy a moment of peace outdoors regardless of season. A well made bench or companion seat offers comfort and simplicity. It is a gentle nod to the idea that the garden is still theirs to enjoy, even in the quiet of winter.
Practical presents feel personal because they reflect something real about the person receiving them. They say: I know what you enjoy and I want to give you something you will use. And in a season filled with last minute gifts that end up in drawers, cupboards or lofts, that sincerity is refreshing.
Gifts for the Gardener
Garden lovers are a particular type. They can tell you the difference between compost and soil by smell alone. They wander outside in December wrapped in three layers and still insist it is warm enough to prune something. Choosing a gift for them can be tricky because they tend to own everything already, yet not quite the right version of anything. This is where thoughtful, practical presents shine, especially those that help them nurture plants through winter or prepare for spring.
One standout gift is the Heydon 3x2 Greenhouse. It is compact enough for smaller gardens yet large enough to serve as a genuine working space. For gardeners who want somewhere sheltered to pot seedlings, tend herbs or experiment with early crops, a greenhouse feels like a quiet luxury. December is the start of planning season, and a greenhouse becomes the anchor for all that gentle optimism. It also has the advantage of being useful immediately, not just in the spring. There is something satisfying about hearing the wind whistle outside while standing inside a warm greenhouse organising seed packets.
If you want a smaller gift, the Royal Horticultural Society offers excellent gardening tools and accessories that work beautifully in winter. Items such as high quality hand tools, leather gloves or insulated kneelers make December gardening less of a frost bitten challenge. You can find these online at the RHS shop. It is a reliable place to choose gifts that are practical rather than decorative. No unnecessary ornaments, just solid, dependable tools.
For gardeners who enjoy a project, Crocus also provides a range of winter friendly tools and accessories such as potting trays, cold ready planters and heating mats that give early seedlings a fighting chance. Their selection is here on the Crocus Shop. These are the sorts of useful extras gardeners never buy for themselves but appreciate when someone else has thought ahead.
If you want to give something with sentimental value that does not cross into kitsch, consider a hardy perennial in a frost proof pot or a bird feeder. Winter can be quiet in the garden, so a feeder brings life and movement back into a space that would otherwise feel dormant. The RSPB website offers good quality feeders and seeds.A bird feeder is a gift that keeps the garden lively despite cold mornings and early sunsets.
Gardening might slow down in December, but the passion never does. Giving someone the tools or spaces to prepare for spring is a gesture that lasts far beyond the festive season.
Gifts for the DIY Lover
DIY enthusiasts are a predictable bunch in the most endearing way. They have a shed full of tools, yet somehow never have the exact one required for the job. They enjoy spending December evenings fixing, painting or organising something that has been neglected all year. Gifting for them is not about novelty gadgets. It is about things that improve their space or encourage their next project.
A smart starting point is Norfolk Sheds’ own paint range. Paint might sound simple, but for a shed tinkerer or home improver, a good quality timber treatment is both practical and oddly exciting. It means fresh colour, refreshed panels and renewed energy for projects. Winter is an ideal season to repaint or reseal timber because the cooler temperatures help the surface cure evenly. Offering paint in a colour they love is thoughtful without being fussy.
If you want something with more presence, the Caldey 6x4 Storage Shed is a clever gift for someone who constantly complains about tools going missing or tripping over garden clutter. It is compact but robust, the sort of shed that grows with its owner’s ambitions. It provides a dedicated space for power tools, ladders, gardening equipment or half finished DIY projects waiting for attention. Gifting a shed might seem bold, yet it is exactly the sort of present that creates long term satisfaction.
If you want to support their growing toolkit, Screwfix has a collection of reliable tools, storage solutions and winter ready accessories that make excellent gifts. Their range includes drill bit sets, heavy duty tool bags and practical cordless tools suitable for beginners and experienced DIYers.
A gift for a DIY enthusiast does not need to be flashy. It needs to make their hobby easier, more organised or more enjoyable. And if that helps reduce the likelihood of a chaotic shed filled with scattered nails and forgotten sandpaper, then everyone benefits.
Gifts for Families with Kids
Winter has a habit of turning children into human pinballs. They bounce from sofa to hallway to kitchen with the sort of energy that makes every parent long for a small, safe place where their little ones can play without destroying the house. This is precisely why outdoor gifts with purpose are such a blessing in December. They give children a space of their own, even in the colder months, and they give parents just enough peace to drink a cup of tea while it is still hot.
One of the most thoughtful gifts for young families is a dedicated playhouse and something like our Hide 4x4 Playhouse fits that need beautifully. It is compact, charming and sturdy enough to handle Norfolk’s lively winter winds. Kids love the sense of ownership that comes with a playhouse. It becomes their den, their reading nook, their art studio or even their pirate ship, depending on the day. The colder months only add to the appeal because it offers shelter from drizzle without sacrificing the fun of being outdoors.
Playhouses also encourage imagination, which is vital when screens begin to dominate winter afternoons. They give children control over a space that feels like a world apart from home, allowing creativity to carry them through shorter days. Parents appreciate this gift because it keeps kids active, entertained and happily occupied. It also reduces that familiar December chorus of “I’m bored” that echoes through living rooms across the country.
Alongside a playhouse, consider adding creative supplies such as washable paints, craft sets or waterproof cushions that make cold weather play more comfortable. These are easy to wrap and surprisingly cherished. Families often remember gifts that create memories rather than clutter shelves, and a playhouse sits firmly in that category. It becomes a backdrop for stories and games long after December fades.
If you want to add a thoughtful touch, tie in a small set of fairy lights designed for outdoor use. They bring a little warmth and wonder to a dark afternoon, transforming the playhouse into a cosy retreat. For families with several children, you might also pair the playhouse with a bird feeder from the RSPB, as earlier mentioned. Kids enjoy watching birds gather, and it becomes an educational moment that enriches time outdoors.
Winter does not need to push families indoors. With the right gift, it becomes a season full of gentle adventures, shared moments and plenty of laughter.
Garden Furniture Gifts for Parents and Grandparents
Parents and grandparents are often the toughest to buy for. They have lived long enough to own most of the things they want, and when asked what they need, they usually reply with something unhelpfully vague like “nothing at all” or “save your money”. Yet, oddly, they are also the ones most moved by practical gifts that reflect how they spend their time. In Norfolk, that often means something for the garden.
A beautifully made bench is a surprisingly heartfelt gift for someone who enjoys peace, quiet and fresh air. Our Willington Bench is a perfect example. It is sturdy, elegant and comfortable, the sort of bench that suits a sunny patio or a tucked away shaded corner. Even in December, many older gardeners enjoy stepping outside for a moment of calm, cup in hand, wrapped in a coat. A bench gives them a dedicated place to pause and breathe.
For couples who enjoy their garden together, the Willington Companion Seat offers something genuinely thoughtful. With its two joined seats and built in table, it encourages conversation, shared tea breaks and relaxed early evening sits. It is a gift that says: spend time together, enjoy the view, share a moment even on cold days when the sun dips behind the hedges early.
Furniture gifts also work well because they enhance the garden without creating clutter. They are functional without being overly practical, charming without being overly decorative. They offer simple pleasure throughout the year. They also give people a reason to step outside during December, which is good for the soul. Fresh air and a few minutes on a well made bench can work wonders on mood and energy.
If you want to pair the furniture with something small, consider a set of thermal outdoor cushions or a waterproof blanket. They make winter sitting comfortable without being extravagant.
A good piece of garden furniture is a gift that quietly becomes part of someone’s daily life. It becomes the place where they read, rest or simply watch the world go by. It is thoughtful in the simplest, purest way.
Weather Ready Garden Gifts for Winter
Winter gardening can be rewarding, but only if you have the right gear. Choosing weather ready gifts means giving people the tools and accessories they need to enjoy their garden even when the forecast looks questionable. These gifts are practical, affordable and welcome to anyone who has ever tried pruning roses with freezing fingers.
High quality gloves are an easy place to start. A proper insulated pair helps gardeners tackle December jobs without discomfort. Look for waterproof linings and reinforced palms. RHS and Crocus both offer gloves designed specifically for winter conditions that keep hands warm while still allowing easy movement.
Kneeling mats are another practical option. Winter soil tends to be unforgivingly cold, and kneeling on it for even a few seconds can be enough to make anyone reconsider their entire gardening hobby. A thick, insulated kneeler is a small gift with big impact. It protects the joints, keeps trousers dry and encourages gardeners to keep tending their beds without hesitation.
Outdoor lighting is another clever idea. Winter evenings begin early, so solar or battery powered lights help illuminate paths, patios or seating areas. They make gardens safer and more welcoming, even on the shortest days. Lighting is the sort of gift people rarely buy themselves but appreciate immediately when received.
Weather ready gifts may not seem glamorous, but they are thoughtful and genuinely useful. They are the sort of presents that people use often, appreciate deeply and remember long after December ends.
FAQs
What makes practical outdoor gifts a good choice for December?
Practical outdoor gifts stand out in December because they offer year round value. They are not gimmicky or seasonal in a way that restricts their use. Instead, they support hobbies people enjoy regardless of weather. Gardeners appreciate tools, greenhouses and feeders that help their winter planning. DIY lovers enjoy paints, storage solutions and accessories that prepare their shed or workspace for spring. Children benefit from playhouses that keep them occupied during dark afternoons. Parents and grandparents often prefer useful items such as benches or companion seats that enhance their garden space without adding clutter to their home. Practical gifts tend to be memorable because they improve someone’s routine rather than adding to their belongings. December can feel overwhelming with novelty presents or items destined for the loft. A practical gift avoids all of that because it is chosen with genuine thought, matching the recipient’s passions. It is not just something to unwrap. It is something that supports their daily enjoyment throughout the winter and beyond.
Is December too late to buy a greenhouse for gardening enthusiasts?
Not at all. December is one of the best months to buy a greenhouse. Gardeners begin planning their early sowing well before spring arrives. A compact shed or greenhouse gives them the perfect sheltered spot to clean tools, organise seeds and prepare soil without waiting for warmer days. Greenhouses also act as a peaceful retreat when the weather turns blustery. There is something deeply comforting about pottering inside a warm structure while winter presses in outside. It becomes a place of anticipation, a way to stay connected to gardening when the ground is too cold to work. Buying a greenhouse in December means the gardener can use it through late winter for hardy seedlings or early vegetables. By the time the growing season truly begins, they will already be ahead. It is the kind of gift that feels immediately useful and grows more valuable with time.
Are storage sheds good Christmas gifts for DIY lovers?
A storage shed might seem like an unusual Christmas gift, yet it is exactly the sort of present many DIY enthusiasts secretly want. Those who enjoy projects often find their existing sheds cluttered or overloaded, especially after a busy summer. A well built shed gives them a fresh start. It becomes a dedicated space where they can store tools properly, organise materials, and even begin new winter projects. December is a great time to set up a new shed because the colder months naturally encourage indoor or sheltered activities. A DIY lover can spend their weekends lining walls with hooks, fitting shelves or setting up workbenches before spring arrives. This sort of gift is thoughtful rather than flashy. It helps someone pursue their interests more comfortably and more efficiently. It is often remembered long after the festive season ends because it becomes part of their daily routine.
What are good winter gifts for children who love being outdoors?
Winter can be limiting for children because daylight fades early and gardens become muddy or damp. A thoughtful gift solves this by giving them a sheltered outdoor space that fuels their imagination. A playhouse is ideal for December gifting. It creates a safe, cosy nook that encourages children to play, create and explore without parents worrying about weather. A playhouse becomes a base for crafts, reading corners, pretend shops, tea parties and countless made up worlds. It also provides a sense of independence that children adore. You can pair the playhouse with accessories such as waterproof cushions, battery powered fairy lights or art supplies. These small additions turn it into a mini home where they can spend hours despite cold weather. For families trying to limit screen time, a playhouse is a gentle and effective solution. It promotes fresh air, creativity and active play throughout winter.
What garden furniture works well as a December gift?
Garden furniture might not seem like a winter present at first, but parents and grandparents particularly appreciate something they can enjoy all year. A bench is a classic choice. It offers a simple, sturdy place to sit and enjoy the garden, even on bright winter days when a coat and a cup of tea make the outdoors feel peaceful. For couples, a companion seat is a thoughtful step up. It brings two seats together with a small shared table for drinks or books. It encourages conversation and shared moments. These pieces are especially appreciated because they enhance the experience of the garden without overwhelming the space. They fit neatly into patios, lawns or quiet corners. Furniture gifts also suit December because they carry an unspoken promise of warmer days ahead. It is a gift that lasts, and one that quietly becomes part of daily life. A full garden set of chairs and a table would also make a great gift, as this is often something homeowners would love, but don't think to buy themselves!
Why are weather ready gifts useful during the winter season?
Winter is challenging in the garden. Soil becomes cold and hard, frost threatens fragile pots, and even simple jobs require resilience. Weather ready gifts help people stay comfortable and effective outdoors. Items like insulated gloves, kneeling mats and frost proof pots keep gardeners safe and supported. A kneeling mat protects joints from frozen ground. Waterproof gloves ensure hands stay warm and nimble. Frost proof pots safeguard plants and prevent breakages that often occur in traditional ceramics. Bird feeders are another excellent winter gift because they bring wildlife into the garden at a time when it feels quiet. The RSPB offers high quality feeders and seeds that attract various species throughout the colder months. Weather ready gifts show an understanding of the realities of winter gardening. They remove small frustrations and make outdoor tasks more inviting. In doing so, they extend the time someone can enjoy their garden, even during the darkest weeks of the year.
Are tools a good present for DIY lovers, or do they already own enough?
DIY lovers rarely feel they have “enough” tools, even if their shed suggests otherwise. Tools go missing, wear down or lack the specific features needed for certain projects. Thoughtful tools and accessories remain excellent gifts. Reliable retailers such as Screwfix offer winter ready toolkits, storage bags and practical items that help keep everything organised. Winter is a particularly good time for tool gifting because many DIY hobbyists use colder months to work on indoor or sheltered projects. Seasonal tool sets, such as drill bits, sanding blocks or multi tools, support those plans. If you are unsure what they already own, consider organisational items rather than specialist equipment. Tool bags, wall hooks or magnetic strips make sheds far easier to use and reduce clutter. Tools do not need to be high tech to be appreciated. Sometimes the simplest, strongest items bring the most satisfaction.
Should I buy paint or timber treatments as a gift?
Timber paint and treatments make surprisingly thoughtful gifts for someone who enjoys working on their garden buildings or outdoor projects. Norfolk Sheds’ paint range offers colours and finishes that refresh tired wood and protect it from rain and frost. For a DIY lover, receiving paint is a sign that someone understands their desire to improve and personalise their space. Winter is an ideal time for painting because cool temperatures help coatings cure evenly, and many sheds benefit from a protective layer after a damp autumn. If you want to create a themed gift, pair paint with brushes, sandpaper or varnish cloths. It becomes a small project kit that offers hours of satisfying work. People often appreciate gifts that acknowledge their hobbies rather than items that distract from them. Paint fits that category perfectly.
What are affordable garden or DIY gifts for December?
You do not need to buy something large to be thoughtful. Plenty of budget friendly gifts make a strong impact. Weather resistant gloves, kneeling mats and frost proof pots are simple choices that gardeners use often. Bird feeders are affordable and add charm to winter gardens. For DIY lovers, tools such as sanding blocks, basic multi tools or well made storage boxes are ideal. External retailers such as Crocus and Screwfix offer a wide range of smaller items that suit December gifting without straining your budget. Even small accessories can create a wave of appreciation when they make someone's hobby easier or more comfortable. Practical gifts do not need to be expensive to be valuable. They simply need to be chosen with care.
Find Your Perfect Garden Gift Today
If you want to give a present that feels thoughtful, practical and genuinely appreciated, our range of greenhouses, storage sheds, playhouses and garden furniture is a brilliant place to start. These gifts make outdoor life easier, tidier and far more enjoyable, even in the heart of winter. They offer real value long after the festive season fades, whether someone is planning their first seedlings, organising a cluttered shed, giving children a cosy space to play or creating a peaceful corner for quiet moments. Explore Norfolk Sheds today and find a gift that suits their garden, their lifestyle and their plans for the year ahead.
Norfolk Sheds has spent many years helping customers across Norfolk choose the right buildings for their outdoor spaces. Our team understands the quirks of local gardens, from windy coastal plots to sheltered city yards, and we provide guidance that reflects real experience rather than guesswork. Customers regularly tell us how much they appreciate straightforward advice, sturdy build quality and a delivery service that understands local conditions.
Browse the collection and pick your gift while stock lasts. Winter delivery is available on many products, giving you the chance to surprise someone with something practical and meaningful when they least expect it. If you need any help or have any questions, get in touch. And don't forget to check out our Winter Sale too... you might find a last minute bargain!