If a loved one has a penchant for rustic décor, foraging and growing their own tea, they may already be living a cottagecore life – and you didn’t even realise it. As Christmas is approaching, Modern Gardens Magazine has curated an awesome cottagecore-inspired gift guide.
What is cottagecore?
Cottagecore is a fashion aesthetic popularised by teenagers and young adults celebrating an idealised rural life. Not only is it a form of escapism and nostalgia for a lot of people, but it seems to be a reactionary movement against modern life. But, essentially, it’s just a deep appreciation of the outdoors.
Plus, cottagecore encourages the philosophy of self-sufficiency (i.e. growing their own food). In line with current trends, cottagecore gives space for second-hand, vintage or upcycled furniture - which is a fabulous practice. From old galvanized milk pots to wiry antique benches, cottagecore promises a classic feel in modern society.
Cottagecore encourages ecological mindfulness and an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
As Modern Gardens Magazine contributor Selina Lake says: "It’s a positive concept that works in harmony with nature and focuses on growing our own food and flowers." Think of the biodiversity that comes with a cottage outlook!
When it comes to purchasing cottagecore gifts for your loved one this Christmas, you need to remember that simplicity is important and anything too modern is off the table. The cottage trend is all about pastoral life, particularly. With that being said, we've rounded up our top picks of cottagecore gifts for your loved ones.
Best Cottagecore Gifts UK 2022
www.davidaustinroses.co.uk
A cottagecore garden isn't complete without mixed, pastoral flowers. And - this English Climbing Rose is beautiful. The petals are a subtle apricot-pink and soft yellow, almost like an apricot.
www.worm.co.uk
Cottagecore's ethos focuses on nature and its beauty. With that, comes all creatures great and small. Here, with this tower, you can give your ladybirds somewhere to over-winter in. They're an important insect for a garden, after all.
www.annabeljames.co.uk
Perfect for your shed, this handmade bunting is pretty and unique. It's comprised of six tools: a rake, a hoe, a shovel, a watering can, a bucket and a hand fork. Plus, it's made from sustainably sourced yarn and recycled metal, too.
This beautifully-rusted bird cage has an aged effect that is very charming. It can be used as decoration with ribbons, ivy and climbing flowers - to give that desired cottage feel.
www.laredoute.co.uk
Acquiring old galvanised metal tubs and containers is simply perfect for adding colour to small gardens or courtyard spaces. This galvanized iron milk churn is bursting with rustic charm, frost resistant and is UV stable.
www.lights.co.uk
Battery-powered, this pretty LED solar light has a twilight sensor and an operating time of approximately six hours.
www.gardenesque.com
Why not opt for this garden stake solar light for your loved one? It's a hassle-free and unique addition to your garden. Pretty and practical. this light is effective and reduces your carbon footprint.
www.therange.co.uk
This effortlessly elegant garden bench has an antique grey finish, compact design and subtle distressed details. Perfect for a cottagecore gift, this bench is shabby-chic.
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
Let's give back to our little winged friends in the sky with a bird bath. From the National Trust, every one of these bird baths is unique. That's what makes them so special. They're charging, rustic and handmade. Perfect for a garden.
www.worm.co.uk
Another one on our best cottagecore gifts list: a great way to organise your shed, kitchen, home office, or even greenhouse. This hang-it organiser pegboard plays with the traditional style metal pegboard noticeboard.
www.therange.co.uk
These rusty metal boxing hares would look great on the lawn, amongst the blooming flowers.
Cottagecore gifts under £15
www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
Featuring fresh citrus notes of bergamot, pineapple and nettle, this terracotta candle is perfect for keeping insects away. Plus - it treats you to a delightful scent.
www.rhsplants.co.uk
Coming in an antique brass finish, these echinacea plant hooks can be used indoors or outdoors. Why not grab three? A row of these would look amazing in your shed, outhouse or greenhouse.
www.dobbies.com
Rich in mealworms, this Peckish Extra Goodness Crumble Food is great for summer feeding and will bring all the birds to your garden. They're packed full of nutrients. With this, you can say thank you to our beautiful wildlife.
www.dobbies.com
Want to add some attractive flowers to a loved one's garden? This special seed mixture is packed full of seeds, which will create a colourful display all season long. For this Bee Friends mix, the carbon footprint is very low and more eco-friendly than other mixtures you might find.
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
Another addition to our round-up. These deadheaders are ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in the palm of your hand, with a finger loop for ultimate control and stability with minimal effort. Make these deadheaders your next cottagecore garden purchase.
www.etsy.com
This is a beautiful bluebird wind chime, perfect for a cottagecore garden.
Get inspired each month with Modern Gardens magazine. In every issue you will find the latest trends and shopping hints (that won't break the budget), easy and simple DIY projects with clever upcycling ideas, and a look at some of our readers' gardens for you to enjoy. Love your outdoor space even more with inspiration from our magazine. Whether you're looking for the latest digital edition or are interested in our monthly subscription, Modern Gardens has everything you need. Available to download on Android and Apple devices so you can take Modern Gardens with you wherever you go. Not only that, make sure you look out for our exclusive gifts when buying either your digital or print subscription.
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