Our 10 Favorite Garden Gnome Ideas

A garden gnome adds fun and whimsy to any yard or garden. Here are some of the best ones to consider.

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Garden gnomes
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All About Garden Gnomes

Fairy gardens and gnomes are a popular way to add a little fun and whimsy to your garden décor.

German sculptor Phillip Griebel debuted small gnomes topped with pointy hats for the garden in 1884. They proved popular and eventually spawned a prank called gnome-napping. Someone steals a garden gnome, takes it on adventures and sends photographic evidence of the exploits to the owner. The 2001 French film “Amélie” prominently featured a pilfered garden gnome.

You won’t need to gnome-nap when you have your own. Here are 10 of our favorite garden gnomes.

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Best Classic Garden Gnome

If a traditional garden gnome is what you’re after, then check out THE Garden Gnome. No doubt you’ve seen this guy countless times in people’s yards and landscaping. Made of weather-resistant resin, he’s available in six-inch and 10-inch options. “So darn cute!” writes one reviewer. “Colors are bright, good quality for the price.”

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Best Mini Garden Gnomes

The Safari Limited Gnome Family is the perfect addition to your fairy garden supplies and other small-scale projects. You get six tiny gnomes that measure between 1-1/2 in. to 2-1/2 in. tall. The set includes mama and papa gnomes, along with gnomes in a watering can and on a toadstool, an accordionist gnome and a banjoist gnome. Each piece is plastic and hand-painted.

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Best Large Garden Gnome

If you’re looking for a large, statement making gnome, look no further than the Design Toscano Gottfried Gigantic Garden Gnome statue. This one stands nearly four feet tall! It’s made of resin and hand-painted by a company that specializes in statues and other replicas.

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Best Bird Feeder Garden Gnome

Design Toscano Wheelbarrow Willie Garden Gnome doubles as a bird feeder. He stands a foot tall and is ready to attract feathered friends when you fill his wheelbarrow with bird seed. He’s made of resin and hand-painted.

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Best Zen Garden Gnome

Design Toscano Zen Garden Gnome makes a perfect addition to a zen garden. This blissed-out gnome sits with his eyes closed in the lotus position. A little bluebird nests in his long, white beard. This chill guy, eight inches tall, is made of resin and covered in UV-resistant paint. You’ll have him around for years to come.

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Funniest Garden Gnome

You’re sure to bring smiles with this Biker Gnome statue in your garden. This polyresin garden gnome sports a leather jacket, gloves, a biker helmet and sunglasses. And yes, he’s also giving the peace sign. He stands 10 inches tall and weighs in at a sturdy three pounds.

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Best Solar-Powered Garden Gnome

For a garden gnome that does double duty as an outdoor light, check out the Gnome Solar-Powered LED Outdoor Decor Garden Light. An embedded panel collects solar energy during the day and powers a little can in the gnome’s hands when the sun goes down. Made of polyresin, this garden gnome stands 13 inches tall and comes with a rechargeable battery.

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Best Garden Gnome Set

If you’re after more than one, this set of six Garden Gnomes is a strong choice. These classic red hat-wearing garden gnome push a cart of flowers, carry buckets of water, enjoy a snack and more. They’re made of weather-resistant cast resin and stand 3-1/2 in. tall.

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Best Garden Gnome for Trees

Enliven a tree with the Design Toscano Knothole Welcome Tree Door. A classic garden gnome peeks out from behind a wooden door. Use the keyhole slot in the back to hang it from a tree or anywhere else. It’s nine inches tall and made from durable-crushed stone bonded with resin.

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Best Female Garden Gnome

A great option for a lady gnome is the Gnomes of Toad Hollow Zelda the female garden statue. An old European design includes the all-important pointy red hat. She stands a respectable 20 inches tall, and at four pounds is sure to stay put. Her special UV coating lets her easily handle intense sun.

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Amanda Austin Prischak
Amanda Austin Prischak has more than 15 years of writing experience for publications such as Family Handyman and Good Housekeeping. She specializes in DIY home improvement, repair, safety and home trends.