A Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get the Bonsai Lover in Your Life

Looking for the perfect gift for the bonsai lover in your life? Or maybe loved ones are asking what you want for the holidays?

Read on for some shopping inspiration from National Bonsai Foundation board members and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum volunteers. If you make any purchases on Amazon, please use our Amazon Smile link to help support NBF with each dollar you spend!

A NEW TOOL

For the budding bonsai master 

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For newbies, grab this eight-piece beginner’s tool set from Bonsai Outlet. A battery-operated toothbrush is a great tool to rid tree trunks and branches of algae. If you’re looking to splurge, we’re coveting this electric carver from Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers.

 

A GOOD READ

For the bonsai bookworm

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NBF published many books about the trees of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in the last few years, including: 

  • Bonsai & Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty (Ann McClellan)

  • In Training: A Bonsai Photo Book (Stephen Voss)

  • The Peace Tree from Hiroshima (Sandra Moore)

  • Forest, Rock Planting & Ezo Spruce Bonsai (Saburo Kato) 

  • John Naka’s Sketchbook 

Find them in the NBF bookstore.

We also recommend John Naka’s Bonsai Techniques, Volumes 1 and 2, which many consider the “bible of bonsai,” and Michael Hagedorn’s latest book Bonsai Heresy.

 

UNLIMITED ACCESS

For the one who can’t get enough of bonsai

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A subscription to International BONSAI magazine is a gift that keeps giving throughout the year. Each issue of this educational, professional publication is like a mini lesson on specialized bonsai topics.

A subscription to Ryan Neil’s Bonsai Mirai Live will provide weekly web presentations on all aspects of bonsai and access to an incredible archive of the last year’s presentations.

 

BONSAI PRIDE

For the fashionista

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New this year, we are offering National Bonsai Foundation branded merchandise. A portion of proceeds from every sale is given to the National Bonsai Foundation to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum so your bonsai-lover can wear their pride and know they are supporting their passion as well. Shop sweatshirts, t-shirts, tote bags and even mugs.

 

A GIFT THAT CAN’T GO WRONG

For the one who’s impossible to buy for

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A gift certificate to a bonsai vendor. The American Bonsai Tool Company, Dallas Bonsai and Brussel’s Bonsai are some of our favorites. 

 

A GIFT OF PRESERVATION

For anyone who loves bonsai, history or nature

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A donation in their name to the National Bonsai Foundation to preserve the art of bonsai and penjing for future generations. Click HERE for more on how your donation supports NBF and the Museum. Happy Holidays!