Arbor Day gift?
April 13, 2022 8:36 PM   Subscribe

My sister's birthday is on Arbor Day this year. Do you have any ideas for a tree-themed gift for her? But not an actual tree for her yard; I think she is happy with her current landscaping.

She is in her late 50s and enjoys camping and related outdoor activities. She also likes shooting photos, travel, and cooking. We are in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My budget for this is $50 or less.
posted by NotLost to Grab Bag (16 answers total)
 
What combines the Southwest, photography, outdoor activities, and trees, with a dollop of beauty and detail, and costs almost exactly $50?

Why, the book Ansel Adams: Trees, of course.
posted by amtho at 8:57 PM on April 13, 2022 [1 favorite]


Uh, I don't really understand this, but there seems to be a second Amazon listing for a lot less money. Which is wonderful since I really, really want this book now.
posted by amtho at 8:59 PM on April 13, 2022


Response by poster: Great idea, antho! I think the difference in price is that the first is new, and the second is used.
posted by NotLost at 9:07 PM on April 13, 2022


This may be out of your budget and time constraints, but can you either --
Get together for a day hike / nature walk / beach day and then have a nice meal together, maybe even rent a cabin for the night?
Or pick a weekend and do separate local hikes and send each other pictures and videos during the day? Bonus points for live feedback.
You can't put a price tag on memories.
posted by TrishaU at 9:12 PM on April 13, 2022


Indoor bay laurel (Laurus nobilis; other edible "bay leaf" plants and what to avoid), and she can use the leaves in recipes? More reliable than indoor citrus trees, & low maintenance for someone who loves camping and travel. Do not buy if there are cats or dogs in the house.
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:27 PM on April 13, 2022 [3 favorites]


The UK has a charity which allows you to dedicate a tree or area of woodland, as part of conservation efforts. Perhaps your area has a similar charity?
posted by Erinaceus europaeus at 9:28 PM on April 13, 2022


Gift card for a small tree tattoo?
Tree earrings
Some kind of mini tree model from Etsy
Fancy dish towels with pretty tree art
Sponsor a tree(s) being planted somewhere
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:39 PM on April 13, 2022


Have your family tree drawn up if appropriate. If you put together the details i expect that's someone available to do it on Fiverr.con
posted by Iteki at 10:12 PM on April 13, 2022 [2 favorites]


A tree of life pendant or other piece of jewelry/accessory/other useful item? I have a tree of life keychain that I love.
posted by orange swan at 10:19 PM on April 13, 2022


Morning Star brand pine, cedar, and cherry incense are very nice, if she's into such things.
posted by eotvos at 3:31 AM on April 14, 2022


The book “The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World”. Pretty fascinating.
posted by Sassyfras at 4:40 AM on April 14, 2022 [2 favorites]


Clothing from TenTree, which plants trees for items sold. She'll receive tokens that show where the trees were planted.
posted by rawralphadawg at 7:48 AM on April 14, 2022


I love trees and the outdoors. I would love (more) books on tree ID (you will want to find one relevant to SW US / NM) and tree-related hikes. Other ideas are membership to a local botanic garden (NM Bio Park?) or plant society (e.g. NPSNM). I have never been to NM so don't know anything about those things I linked.
posted by bread-eater at 7:55 AM on April 14, 2022 [1 favorite]


The Ansel Adams book may have been remaindered, a brief bargain opportunity.

Richard Powers, The Overstory

LED lighting
Camp chair
Lifestraw water bottle
posted by theora55 at 11:33 AM on April 14, 2022


Response by poster: These are all creative ideas. I wish my birthday were on Arbor Day.

I am leaning toward a book or earrings. Thank you!
posted by NotLost at 6:08 PM on April 14, 2022


Response by poster: I also thought about a shirt from TenTree, but I ended up buying a tree planing for her.

In case anyone else is interested in getting trees planted in the USA, i got it from The Trees Remember.
posted by NotLost at 6:57 PM on April 14, 2022


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