Our 10 Favorite Garden Gnome Ideas
Updated: Apr. 16, 2024
A garden gnome adds fun and whimsy to any yard or garden. Here are some of the best ones to consider.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
“Gnomes add whimsy and fun to a garden,” says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, the Houseplant Guru. Fairy gardens are another popular way to spruce up 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.
via amazon.com
Best Classic Garden Gnome
Weather-Resistant Lawn 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.”
via amazon.com
Best Mini Garden Gnomes
Safari Limited Gnome Family
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.
via hayneedle.com
Best Large Garden Gnome
Design Toscano Gottfried Gigantic 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.
via amazon.com
Best Bird Feeder Garden Gnome
Design Toscano Wheelbarrow Willie 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.
via amazon.com
Best Zen Garden Gnome
Design Toscano 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.
via wayfair.com
Funniest Garden Gnome
Biker Gnome Statue
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.
via amazon.com
Best Solar-Powered Garden Gnome
Gnome Solar-Powered LED Outdoor Garden Light
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.
via gardenfun.com
Best Garden Gnome Set
Miniature Garden Gnomes
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.
via amazon.com
Best Garden Gnome for Trees
Design Toscano Knothole Welcome Tree Door
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.
via wayfair.com
Best Female Garden Gnome
Gnomes of Toad Hollow Zelda
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.
What to Consider When Adding a Garden Gnome to Your Yard
Where you place your garden gnome is entirely up to you! But there are things you can do to help your new little buddy look their best. “You may want to place a patio block under your gnome so it stays cleaner and doesn’t ruin the color of the feet,” suggests Steinkopf. “Depending on the material, you may want to spray a clear sealant on it to keep it from fading or the paint chipping.”
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve written for home and garden publications for over 15 years, including Family Handyman and Good Housekeeping. I specialize in DIY home improvement, repair, safety and home trends.
I also contacted Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, blogger at The Houseplant Guru. Lisa is an avid outdoor gardener and has a column in Michigan Gardener magazine. Steinkopf is an expert on houseplants and how to care for them, after a decade-plus as the annuals and houseplants manager at Steinkopf Nursery and Garden Center. She’s also a member of numerous plant groups, including the Michigan Cactus and Succulent Society, the Town and Country African Violet Society, the Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society and the Southeast Michigan Hardy Plant Society.
How We Found the Best Garden Gnomes
To find the best garden gnomes, we turned to the retailers and brands we’ve long trusted for their quality, reliability and customer experience. We then sifted through all their offerings to find the best looking of the bunch, before researching the materials they’re made of and their overall durability. We also looked through the reviews of real customers to find out how the garden gnomes stood up to the elements over time.
Originally Published: July 10, 2020
