Classic terracotta plant pots
These porous pots are ideal for plant enthusiasts who appreciate traditional garden aesthetics and healthy root aeration.
Garden & DIY
Pots & planters
8 kinds worth knowing, 10 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Pots and planters make a practical gift for anyone who grows things, from a friend with a crowded windowsill to a new homeowner facing a bare patio. The gifts that get used fit a plant or a spot the person already has, so notice how they garden before you choose. Someone who kills houseplants by forgetting them will likely get more out of self watering planters than a fancy glazed piece. Someone who grows tomatoes on a deck needs large outdoor pots with room for roots. Think about size, where it will sit, and how much lifting and watering it will take. A good pot lasts for years, so plain and sturdy usually beats trendy.
Kind 1 of 8
Classic terracotta for everyday growing
Terracotta is unglazed clay. It breathes, dries out quickly and gives plants a warm, natural look that suits almost any room. It works well for herbs, succulents, cacti and anyone who tends to overwater. Before buying, check that each pot has a drainage hole and a matching saucer, since clay can mark wooden sills and floors. In Canadian and northern US winters, bring terracotta indoors or store it empty, because wet clay can crack when it freezes. A set in a few sizes gives room to repot as plants grow.
Kind 2 of 8
Self watering planters for busy people
These planters hold a reservoir of water under the soil, and the plant draws moisture up as it needs it. They suit people who travel, work long hours or simply forget to water. Look for a clear water-level indicator, a fill spout that is easy to reach, and a reservoir big enough to last a week or more. Check the planter size against the plants the person grows, since some are sized for herbs and others for larger floor plants. Wider bases stay steadier once filled.
Self watering planters
A thoughtful gift for busy individuals or new plant parents, these planters simplify plant care by providing consistent moisture.
Kind 3 of 8
Smaller self watering pots for shelves
Self watering pots are the compact version, sized for desks, windowsills and kitchen counters. They make a thoughtful gift for a coworker or a friend starting with a first houseplant or two. Some use a wick that pulls water from a lower chamber, while others have a double-wall insert. Check that the inner pot lifts out for cleaning and repotting, and that the pot is deep enough for real roots. A set of two or three matching pots looks tidy grouped together.
Kind 4 of 8
Outdoor planters for decks and railings
Outdoor planters include hanging baskets, window boxes, railing planters and freestanding pots for porches and balconies. They suit apartment dwellers with a small balcony as well as homeowners dressing up a front step. Before buying, check how the planter mounts or hangs and whether that suits the person's railing, window or hook. Drainage holes matter even more outdoors, where rain can drown roots. Materials that handle sun and cold, such as resin, fibreglass or thick plastic, hold up better through the seasons.
Hanging baskets for plants
Ideal for maximizing vertical space and showcasing cascading plants, these baskets bring greenery to eye level.
Charming window box planters
These planters are perfect for urban dwellers or anyone wishing to add a burst of color and life to their windowsills or railings.
Kind 5 of 8
Glazed ceramic pots that double as decor
Glazed ceramic pots hold moisture longer than terracotta and come in a wide range of colours and finishes, so they work as part of a room's decor. They suit people who care about how their space looks, such as a parent with a favourite corner or a friend who just redecorated. Check for a drainage hole, since many decorative pots lack one and are meant as covers. Match the colour to the person's home rather than your own taste, and keep in mind that large ceramic pots get heavy.
Decorative ceramic glazed planters
Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any indoor or outdoor space, these planters come in various colors and finishes.
Kind 6 of 8
Large pots for patios and entrances
Large outdoor pots anchor a patio, flank a front door or hold small trees, shrubs and vegetable plants. They suit new homeowners and keen gardeners with room to fill. Measure the spot first, and think about weight: a big pot full of wet soil is hard to move, so lighter materials like fibreglass or resin help anyone who rearranges or stores pots for winter. Check for drainage holes and a shape that stays upright in wind. Neutral colours fit more outdoor settings.
Robust large outdoor container planters
Suitable for homeowners looking to cultivate small trees, shrubs, or substantial floral displays on patios and decks.
Kind 7 of 8
Garden containers and raised beds for growing food
Garden containers cover grow bags, troughs and raised beds, anything built for growing vegetables, herbs or flowers in a set space. They suit someone who wants a vegetable garden but has poor soil, a small yard or a sore back. Check the depth, since tomatoes and root crops need more room than lettuce. For raised beds, look at how the pieces assemble and whether the material suits the person's yard. Elevated beds on legs save bending and fit well on patios.
Durable raised garden beds
A fantastic option for gardeners seeking ergonomic planting solutions or improved soil control in their outdoor spaces.
Kind 8 of 8
Indoor pots and herb kits for any room
Indoor plant pots cover everything from simple nursery-pot covers to herb kits and novelty planters for a desk. They suit city dwellers, beginners and anyone who wants a bit of green through a long winter. Herb kits are a friendly start because they include what someone needs to begin. Check the size against the person's windowsill or shelf, and look for a saucer or sealed base so water stays off furniture. Novelty pieces work best for someone who already enjoys small, easy plants.
Complete indoor herb garden planter kits
An excellent gift for home cooks and aspiring gardeners, providing fresh herbs year-round right in their kitchen.
How to choose pots & planters as a gift
- Notice where the person grows things now, such as a windowsill, balcony or backyard, and choose a pot that fits that spot.
- Pick a drainage hole over a sealed bottom unless the pot is clearly meant as a decorative cover.
- For forgetful waterers, a self watering design will be used far more than a decorative pot.
- Consider weight for older gardeners or renters, since lighter materials are easier to move and store.
- Neutral colours and simple shapes suit more homes than bold patterns or seasonal designs.
Usually safe to skip
- Tiny decorative pots with no drainage often end up holding pens, because plants struggle in them.
- Oversized heavy pots for someone without a yard or patio usually become a storage problem.
- Clay pots for outdoor use in cold regions can crack over winter if the person has nowhere to store them.
Questions people ask about pots & planters
- What is the difference between terracotta and ceramic pots?
- Terracotta is unglazed clay that lets soil dry out quickly, which suits succulents and herbs. Glazed ceramic holds moisture longer and comes in more colours, so it works well as decor for plants that like steady moisture.
- Do self watering planters work for all plants?
- They suit most houseplants, herbs and vegetables that like evenly moist soil. Succulents and cacti prefer to dry out between waterings, so a plain terracotta pot usually serves them better.
- Can outdoor planters stay outside through a Canadian winter?
- Some can, depending on the material. Resin, fibreglass and thick plastic usually handle cold better than clay or thin ceramic. Emptying pots or moving them to a garage or shed helps any planter last longer.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All pots & planters picks
Showing 1–10 of 10
Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot
A flat prep board that folds into a chute when it is time to move dinner into the pan.
