Terrarium Gift Ideas: DIY Kits, Ready-Made Terrariums & More
Looking for a gift that feels thoughtful, lasts longer than a bunch of flowers and does not end up in a drawer? A terrarium is a small living garden under glass. It looks beautiful on a desk or shelf, needs very little care, and if you choose a DIY kit, it comes with a calm, creative afternoon built in.
This guide covers the best terrarium gift ideas for every budget and every person on your list, plus tips for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
Why a Terrarium Makes a Great Gift
- It is alive, but easy. A closed terrarium recycles its own moisture, so it needs very little watering. Perfect for busy people and self-confessed plant killers.
- It is personal. With a DIY kit, the recipient chooses where every stone, plant and piece of moss goes. No two terrariums look the same.
- It is an experience and an object. The building is the fun part. The finished terrarium stays on display for years.
- It suits almost anyone. Plant lovers, design lovers, people who have everything, people with small flats and no garden.
DIY kits, ready-made terrariums, workshop vouchers and gift cards, all in one place.
DIY Terrarium Kit or Ready-Made Terrarium?
This is the first decision, and it depends on the person you are buying for.
Choose a DIY terrarium kit for someone who enjoys making things, wants a mindful project, or likes to put their own stamp on their home. Each of our DIY terrarium kits includes the glass, plants, moss and all the layers, with step-by-step instructions, so no previous experience is needed.
Choose a ready-made terrarium for someone who would simply like to enjoy it, or if the gift needs to look finished from the moment it is unwrapped. Our ready-made terrariums arrive fully assembled.
Terrarium Gift Ideas by Budget
Under £50
- 'Porto' bottle terrarium kit: a compact bottle terrarium that fits on any desk. A great first kit.
- 'Tenerife' kit: two colourful Fittonias and moss in a conical jar, with tweezers included.
- 'Paris' closed terrarium kit: one of our most popular kits, with two Fittonias and cushion moss in a handmade glass jar.
£50 to £80
- 'Perth' bonsai terrarium kit: a miniature bonsai landscape under glass.
- Duo kit for two: two bottle terrariums to build side by side, ideal for couples or friends.
- Artisan 'Cotswolds' kit: decorative layers in copper tones for a more detailed build.
- 'Tokyo' ready-made bonsai terrarium: planted and finished, ready to display.
- 'Portland' globe bonsai kit: a round globe jar with a bonsai at its centre.
£80 and Above
- 'Berlin' ready-made terrarium: a Fittonia and a fern in moss, arriving fully assembled.
- 'Siena' XL bonsai kit: a 45 cm statement piece for a dining table or hallway.
- 'Geneva' ready-made bonsai terrarium: our premium planted terrarium, delivered fully assembled.
Planted, finished and ready to display, for anyone who would rather enjoy it than make it.
Terrarium Gifts for Everyone on Your List
- For her: a Fittonia kit like 'Tenerife' or a ready-made terrarium for her desk.
- For him: bonsai kits are a popular choice. Browse our gifts for dad for more ideas.
- For couples: the Duo kit, or a workshop voucher with a Plus One ticket so they can create a terrarium together.
- For a new home: a ready-made terrarium is a housewarming gift that does not need a vase or a garden.
- For the office or a colleague: a compact bottle terrarium suits a desk and needs very little attention.
- For the person who has everything: an experience, like a workshop voucher, or a gift card so they can choose.
Christmas Terrarium Gifts
A terrarium kit is a lovely Christmas gift and an even better Boxing Day activity. Build it together at the kitchen table, add a tiny figurine for a festive touch, and you have a living decoration that lasts long after the tree comes down.
Browse our full Christmas terrarium gifts collection for this season's favourites.
Christmas delivery
You can choose your preferred delivery date in the calendar on the cart page. Christmas delivery slots are limited and fill up quickly in December, so we recommend ordering early. Check our Christmas delivery page for the latest information.
Sending it straight to the recipient? Add a personal gift message at checkout. We never include an invoice in the parcel.
Gift Experiences: Terrarium Workshops
If you would rather give a memory than an object, a terrarium workshop at our London studio is a calm, creative experience. Everything is provided, from the glass container to the plants and moss, and guests take their finished terrarium home with them. Our flexible-date voucher is valid for 12 months, so the recipient can pick a date that suits them.
A 1.5-hour workshop at our London studio, valid for 12 months and redeemable on any workshop date.
Valentine's Day and Mother's Day
Terrariums are a lasting alternative to cut flowers. For Valentine's Day, see our Valentine's terrarium gifts, and for Mothering Sunday, our gifts for Mum.
Tips for Giving a Terrarium
- Add the LED lid. Many kits offer an optional cork lid with LED light, which makes the terrarium glow in the evening. It is decorative, not a grow light.
- Add a tool kit. Optional tools make building easier, especially in bottle jars with narrow necks.
- Think about where it will live. Terrariums like bright, indirect light and dislike direct sun. Our guide on where to place a closed terrarium explains why.
- Share the care basics. Every kit includes instructions, and our guide to watering a closed terrarium is a helpful extra.
FAQs
Is a terrarium a good gift?
Yes. A terrarium is a living gift that needs very little care, suits almost any home and lasts far longer than flowers. A DIY kit also gives the recipient a relaxing creative project.
Is a DIY terrarium kit suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our kits include the glass, plants, moss and every layer you need, with step-by-step instructions. No experience or special tools are required, although an optional tool kit makes building easier.
Can I send a terrarium directly to the recipient?
Yes. You can add a personal gift message at checkout, and we do not include an invoice in the parcel.
How much care does a terrarium need?
Very little. A closed terrarium recycles its own moisture, so it usually needs only occasional watering. Keep it in bright, indirect light, away from radiators and direct sun.
What if I am not sure which terrarium to choose?
A gift card lets them choose for themselves, or a workshop voucher lets them build one with our help.
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