A well-built solitary bee house will attract bees.

Holiday gifts that support pollinators and wildlife are welcomed by gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

With many spending more time at home, appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors is growing.

For the holidays, give the gift of nature to inspire novices to become involved in the outdoors and to support experienced gardeners' ongoing endeavors.

Collecting gift items for a theme basket is one idea that organizes similar items in one package.

For example, a hummingbird-themed basket would include one or two hummingbird feeders, two packs of food, and a book about hummingbirds.

For a family with young children, select a small wheelbarrow or cart and pack it with child-sized garden tools, gloves, hats and aprons. Include packs of seeds that quickly germinate, such as beans, and an age-appropriate book about gardening.

A focus on birds could include a basket with a tube feeder and seed, a suet feeder and a few packs of suet, along with a field guide for identifying birds that feast at the feeders.

Gardeners interested in indoor seed starting would benefit from a basket that includes a grow light, heated germination mat, a few packs of seeds and pre-packaged seed starting containers with domed lids. Include a book about seed starting, too.

For the gardener who has everything, gift cards for their favorite nurseries are appreciated.Ornamental gifts add a touch of whimsy and function to the garden.Such gifts include shepherd's hooks for hanging flower baskets in the summer and bird feeders in the winter.Water features, such as heated and non-heated bird baths, are available in elaborate designs and made from sustainable materials.Unique plant markers, garden banners and holders, decorative pots and containers and interesting statuary make memorable gifts, too.Bat boxes are available through garden centers and online stores. Choose bat boxes that have at least three or more roosts and are endorsed or manufactured by nature-based organizations.Native solitary bee houses provide habitats for these peaceful, non-stinging pollinators. Home gardeners can attract these beneficial insects by installing native solitary bee houses.  Purchase solitary bee houses from reputable manufacturers that deal exclusively in native pollinators and methods to attract and maintain them. Look for manufacturers that sell phragmite reeds as nesting tubes that are cut at the correct length.These manufacturers offer tips as to what the bees need in their habitat in addition to a nesting box and sell the bees themselves. Bee houses purchased elsewhere usually are decorative and do not meet the requirements for attracting and housing solitary native bees.Elderly family and friends will be grateful for your gardening services. Give “coupons” for future services, such as leaf raking, lawn mowing, pruning, planting and other tasks that older individuals may not be able to do themselves. Give the coupons with a holiday plant or wreath.Holidays come and go, and nature remains. Giving family and friends gifts that support nature promotes environmental conservation and benefits pollinators and wildlife year round.<i>Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.</i>

A bird-themed basket would bring joy to the human recipient and bird beneficiaries.