8 gardening and garden-themed gifts for the holidays, from tools to smart tech

Give the gardener on your list a little green this holiday season. From clever tools to practical essentials and even an indulgence or two, these eight gardening and garden-themed gifts will inspire, entertain and help them prepare for the next growing season.

Inspired by traditional African keyhole gardening, Vita’s Urbana 4-by-4-foot Keyhole Composting Garden combines a vegetable garden and composter into a single space. Place the raised bed on grass or soil. Add kitchen scraps to the compost basket at its center, and they’ll decompose naturally to nourish the surrounding plants, help retain soil moisture and reduce watering needs. Made from BPA- and phthalate-free PVC, the lightweight bed assembles easily without tools or screws. The company also gives back by supporting sustainable gardening programs in Africa and around the world. $239.99.

A cross between a long-handled shovel and a handheld trowel, Sneeboer’s Great Dixter Planting Spade is the Goldilocks of gardening tools. Perfect for digging when you’re on your knees, the tool also has two side-by-side handles for comfortable maneuverability. Its small size makes it easier to work in established gardens without disturbing surrounding plants. The Dutch-made, heirloom-quality tool’s hand-forged, stainless-steel blade is angled and curved to scoop soil efficiently; its unfinished, 16½-inch (42 centimeters) ash hardwood handle is replaceable, ensuring a lifetime of use. $109.

The tomato grower on your list might appreciate some liquid holiday cheer to celebrate their past (and future) harvests. Crop Tomato Organic Vodka is an award-winning, USDA-certified organic spirit that’s gluten-free, distilled from non-GMO corn harvested in Minnesota, and infused with the essence of vine-ripened tomatoes. With the flavor profile of a savory, garden-fresh tomato, it’s well-suited for a Bloody Mary, martini or a cocktail of your own creation (fresh basil, anyone?). Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $34.99 for a standard bottle.

Sure, you can use sticks or moss poles to support your climbing houseplants, or you can make a decorative statement with a Treleaf trellis. Made in Atlanta from locally sourced materials, each nature-inspired support is a work of art. Available in 13 designs, in finished or unfinished wood, including modular options you can extend as your plant grows. $24-$45.

Get up close and personal with backyard birds as they bathe, drink and splash in the Birdfy Bath Pro solar-powered smart birdbath. Its dual-lens camera is positioned for optimal viewing and streams live to your phone via a free app. Built-in artificial intelligence identifies more than 6,000 bird species, and an optional paid membership provides additional benefits. The integrated solar fountain includes interchangeable spray nozzles and a shut-off feature to conserve water. Around $259.99 with stand; $199 without.

The Stihl BRA 200 battery-powered backpack leaf blower will clean up your garden without noise — or smelly, polluting gas fumes. The blower delivers consistent airflow, with an easily handled lightweight, ergonomic design that lets you lock the throttle at any position to reduce hand strain. And it operates at just 64 decibels — quieter than an average conversation. $729.99.

Mosquito repellant might not be on their wish list, but your gardening friends will appreciate your practicality every time they head outdoors wearing your gift during buggy season. Each Parakito wristband comes with two refills that use a blend of seven natural essential oils, promising 15 days of protection apiece. It's available in a multitude of patterns and solid colors in four sizes, including one for kids. Made in France of adjustable neoprene, the wristbands can also be worn on ankles. $19.99; additional refills are sold in sets of two for $13.

Houseplants die all the time, but houseplant parents don’t always know why, or how to prevent it. The LeafyPod uses artificial intelligence to teach them how to care for their specific plant. After potting up a plant in the smart container, filling its reservoir with water and downloading the free app, users upload a photo for identification. The pot uses sensors to track soil moisture, then releases the right amount of water at the right time. It monitors light levels, humidity and room temperature, then communicates its findings to the app, which alerts you when the plant needs attention. $145.

This gift guide originally published Nov. 2. It was updated Nov. 3 to reflect changes to the Birdfy Bath Pro's subscription model.

For more holiday gift guides, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gift-guide.

This image provided by Stihl showa the BRA 200 battery-powered backpack leafblower. (Stihl via AP)

This image provided by LeafyPod shows the LeafyPod AI-powered, self-watering planter. (LeafyPod via AP)

This product image provided by Parakito USA Corp. Shows a Parakito mosquito-repellant wristband. (Parakito USA Corp. via AP)

This image provided by Sneeboer shows the hand-forged Great Dixter Planting Spade. (Sneeboer via AP)

This image provided by Treleaf shows a Flora model Treleaf decorative plant support. (Treleaf via AP)

This image provided by Crop Vodka shows a bottle of Crop Tomato Vodka. (Crop Vodka via AP)

This image provided by Vita shows an Urbana 4-by-4-foot Keyhole Composting Garden. (Bisi Alawode/Vita via AP)

This image shows a solar-powered Birdfy Bath Pro smart birdbath and fountain with a stand. (Birdfy via AP)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after a soccer player died following an on-field collision with the opposing team's goalkeeper in a second-division match.

Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died after he suffered cardiac arrest following the on-field collision, his club said Tuesday. He was 30.

De Miguel was challenging for the ball near midfield on Monday when he was struck in the chest by FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who came running from the opposite direction in an apparent attempt to make a clearance. Owono was shown a straight red card for the incident, which happened in added time.

The country’s National Police said Tuesday that an investigation had been opened. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely, noting that the collision occurred during play.

De Miguel was taken to a hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was abandoned after the incident.

The club located on Spain's Canary Islands said it was “heartbroken.”

Tenerife's largest shareholder Rayco García told reporters that De Miguel's body would be transported to Navahermosa, in the Toledo province, at the request of his family. He said De Miguel's teammates and club officials would be present for a “final farewell.”

On Saturday, fans will gather at the team's stadium to honor the player, García said.

“We will all join forces and get through this together,” García said.

Club president Felipe Miñambres said players and their families would likely need help to cope with De Miguel's death.

“We will need professional help and the help of all of our fans," he said. “They will be feeling the same way that we are feeling today.”

The club asked for its league game at Granada on Saturday to be postponed.

The heavy collision happened when Owono rushed out of his area all the way to midfield to challenge for a long ball that De Miguel was trying to reach.

De Miguel initially curled on his knees, clutching his torso for a few seconds, before he fell over onto his back, with his arms falling to his sides.

Owono was walking off the field after being shown the red card but turned around and joined the other players rushing to check on De Miguel.

The goalkeeper's Instagram account, which had nearly 30,000 followers, had been deactivated on Tuesday.

Another player with the same last name of Owono, Michel Owono, who plays for sixth-division Spanish club Can Vidalet, denounced a wave of racist insults against him by people thinking he was the Andorra goalkeeper.

De Miguel, a Madrid native, began his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 and subsequently played for a number of lower-division clubs in Spain. He joined Tenerife last year.

There were no local media reports about De Miguel having a pre-existing health condition. The precise medical cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Spanish media said De Miguel is survived by his wife and their daughter.

“There are no words of comfort,” the club statement read. “There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community.”

Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, also offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish soccer federation and La Liga.

“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement.

Piqué said on X: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

The players of Real Madrid held a minute of silence for De Miguel during training, while fellow topflight club Espanyol postponed the presentation of its new coach.

Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé said on social media: “So much sadness. There are no words.”

Argentina great Lionel Messi said on Instagram: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”

English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool joined in offering their condolences on social media.

The Spanish soccer federation postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. UEFA said a moment of silence would be observed at all its matches this week.

Life-threatening injuries from collisions in soccer are extremely rare.

Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered during a collision in a fifth-division match. Colindres goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days later.

In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died from head injuries sustained in a collision during a match while playing for CSKA Moscow.

Malaga goalkeeper José Antonio Gallardo died in January 1987, more than three weeks after a collision with Celta Vigo forward Baltazar in a second-division game.

Azzoni contributed from Madrid.

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

Andorra players react after FC Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel collides with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a soccer match in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (AP Photo)

Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono reacts after colliding with FC Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a soccer match in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (AP Photo)

Players from Andorra and Tenerife react after Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel collides with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a soccer match in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (AP Photo)

FC Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, left, duels for the ball during a soccer match against Andorra in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (AP Photo)

FC Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel is carried on a stretcher after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a soccer match in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (AP Photo)