Novelty Garden Gifts

Garden Gnomes

• Ceramic garden gnomes were first manufactured in Germany in the late 1840s. In modern times these gnomes are created from materials ranging from terra cotta to concrete to plastic. Garden gnomes were originally depicted as farmers and merchants, and were intended to scare off bad spirits or thieves. Garden gnomes of the 21st century are available in shapes that display a wide variety of activities, such as roller skating, sleeping or riding a motorcycle.

Garden Gazing Balls

• Garden gazing balls were once highly prized. The glass globes were hand-blown, originally appearing in 13th-century Italy. The globes were said to bring good luck and keep witches away. Acquiring a garden gazing ball puts you in the company of European royalty, as the item was a favorite of King Ludwig II, ruler of Bavaria during the 1800s.

Garden Sculptures

• Many garden sculptures are made of inexpensive materials such as plaster or plastic. Variety outpaces quality when it comes to these sculptures, and a person will be able to find almost any depiction he wishes. Some of the more popular examples include ubiquitous plaster lawn burros, politically incorrect lawn jockeys, mildly frightening renditions of Humpty Dumpty, and an entire spectrum of raccoons, squirrels, zebras and bears.