8 great gardening gifts for Mother's Day

If you can’t take Mom or Grandma to the tropics for Mother’s Day, bring the tropics to them! These inspired gifts will have them looking, digging, sipping and feeling like they're in Shangri-la.

An A-Peeling Vase

This whimsical banana will transport her to the tropics while cheerfully holding flowers in openings at both ends. Made in Spain, the curvy, bright yellow vase measures 8.4" x 2.3" x 7.4". $38 at uncommongoods.com

A Personal Photo Lab

Your gardening mom probably loves taking pictures of her plants almost as much as she does of her children, so why not give her the bragging rights she deserves? The compact HP Sprocket Studio Plus Photo Printer uses a wireless connection to print glossy, 4-by-6-inch color pictures directly from her iOS or Android cellphone for showing and sharing. Includes 10 sheets of photo paper, cartridge and a free editing app. $149 at sprocketprinters.com

Build a Bloom

Instead of a cut-flower bouquet, how about gifting a lifelike arrangement she gets to build herself, brick-by-brick? The LEGO®  Botanicals Hibiscus plant would make for a great rainy-day project — and the resulting blossoming plant will brighten her home on even the darkest of days. The 660-piece kit is intended for adults 18 and older. $69.99 at lego.com

Tropical Earrings

These hand-painted Tropic Post Earrings from The Pink Reef have a statement-making 2-inch diameter. Made of resin and 18k gold-plated brass, they're available in a choice of White, Sapphire, Turquoise, Purple, Coral and Mauve (shown). $115 at Anthropologie.com

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Sitting in your own tropical garden with a refreshing tropical dessert could very well be the definition of paradise! And The Essential Shaved Ice Machine makes it easy, churning out snow cones, slushies and even frozen cocktails for a crowd. Made of BPA-free plastic, the electric appliance has an adjustable blade and is just 6.5 inches wide and 14 inches tall. $59.99 at HawaiianShavedIce.com (flavored syrups sold separately)

Arm Saver Gloves

These long gardening gloves from Womanswork will protect her arms from scratches, insect bites and sunburn. Made of breathable cotton twill with a touch of spandex for a comfortable fit, there’s also a stretchy pull cord at the top that’s designed to keep debris out and arms clean. Available in three sizes and three designs, including this cheerful Garden of Paradise pattern. $39.95 at womanswork.com

Keeping It Cool

The vacuum-insulated, 40-ounce S’well Explorer bottle will keep her refreshed during marathon gardening sessions. Its triple-layered, BPA- and BPS-free construction keeps beverages cold for 54 hours (or hot for 12) and has a flip straw for easy hydration. Adorned with hand-drawn tropical flowers reminiscent of an artist's charcoal sketchbook, this limited-edition bottle will fit right in. $50 at swell.com

Paradise in a Pot

Nothing will transport your mom to the tropics faster than an exotic plant. Visit your local garden center for a flat of annuals or a potted hibiscus, mandevilla or palm that will turn her backyard into an oasis all summer long. And if you really want to be her favorite, you’ll plant it for her, too.