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The Best Garden Gnomes

anela.k/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated April 2023

Spruce up your garden area or inside space by adding a fun touch of personality with a garden gnome. If you want to add one of these little guys to your garden, here are some of our favorites.

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  Best Hanging Model Best for Trees Classic Design Best Set Best with Light
 
  TERESA'S COLLECTIONS
Cute Garden Gnome
Bits and Pieces
Elf Out The Door Tree Hugger
Alpine Corporation
Garden Gnome Holding Bird
TERESA'S COLLECTIONS
Set of 2 Garden Gnomes
VP Home
Firefly Jar Garden Gnome
 
Our SummaryEmbrace the whimsy of life with this unique garden gnome.This gnome fixture is for the tree hugger at heart.If you're looking for a familiar gnome that can fit into most spaces, this is your guy.Enjoy many laughs with friends, family, and neighbors over this silly garden gnome duo.Light up your garden with this adorable garden gnome that brings a touch of whimsy and charm to your space.
Pros✓ Cute design
✓ Interactive addition to your space
✓ Can withstand outdoor conditions
✓ Versatile hanging display
✓ Tree-mounted option
✓ Fun illusion
✓ Polyresin make
✓ Safe for indoors and outdoors
✓ Weather-resistant
✓ Classic garden gnome
✓ Polyresin make
✓ Weather-resistant
✓ Good size
✓ Beautiful and vibrant
✓ Well-crafted and well-finished
✓ Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
✓ Receive two gnomes
✓ Solar-powered lantern
✓ Multiple design options
✓ Durable
✓ Charming and well-made
Cons✗ Small size✗ Requires some assembly
✗ Bracket may wear down over time
✗ Very lightweight
✗ May tip over
✗ Too small for some✗ Batteries may not last long
✗ Solar light reliability issues
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The Best Garden Gnomes

a smiling and waving garden gnome with a blue hat and sky background
anela.k/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Garden Gnomes

Garden gnome next to mushrooms in the garden.
Laura Rae/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a garden gnome?

First and foremost, garden gnomes are meant to serve a decorative, and sometimes humorous, purpose as they come in various styles, colors, and designs. They are popular for those who want to add a unique and playful touch to their garden or yard. For instance, if you’re a cat lover, a cute garden gnome that comes with a cute cat as part of its design is a fun way to reflect that aspect of your personality. In many cultures, gnomes are believed to bring good luck and protect homes and gardens from evil spirits. Therefore, some people may buy a garden gnome to bring positivity and good fortune to their homes. Garden gnomes can also make for a fun and thoughtful gift for someone who loves gardening or simply appreciates a touch of whimsy in their outdoor space.

What should you consider in buying a garden gnome?

  • Design: Choose a garden gnome with a unique and interesting design that reflects your style and complements the overall aesthetic of your garden or outdoor space. Many versions of the classic garden gnome range from traditional to modern models. You’ll find funny, friendly-looking gnomes; gnomes meant to attach to trees, etc. Some even come with LED and solar lights to brighten your outdoor area.
  • Size: Consider the size of the garden gnome in relation to your garden (or whatever outdoor space where you plan to display it). A larger garden gnome can make a bold statement and draw the eye, while a smaller gnome might add a subtle touch of whimsy. Additionally, make sure the size of the gnome is appropriate for where you plan to place it, whether on a tabletop or nestled among plants in a flower bed.
  • Durability: A well-made garden gnome will be durable enough to withstand various outdoor elements, including harsh weather conditions, sun exposure, and even accidental bumps or knocks. This is particularly important if you plan to keep the gnome outside throughout the year, as exposure to rain, snow, and wind can cause wear and tear over time. For solar-powered LED gnomes, make sure they’re conveniently placed in direct sunlight to function properly.

What is the best material for a garden gnome?

To ensure your new garden gnome is of the highest possible quality, look for one made from resin or stone. These materials are common choices for garden statues since they’re known for their durability and resistance to weathering and the elements. Stone, in particular, is a nice and solid choice, with enough weight to hold it steady in windy weather and withstand being bumped or jostled.

It’s also important to consider the gnome’s finish. Look for a garden gnome with a weather-resistant finish, which will help protect it from fading, chipping, or cracking over time. A garden gnome with a UV-resistant finish to prevent fading from sun exposure is always a good bet.

Our Picks for the Best Garden Gnomes

Best Hanging Model

TERESA'S COLLECTIONS Cute Garden Gnomes

Embrace the whimsy of life with this unique garden gnome.

Pros: This adorable gnome is the perfect indoor or outdoor decor addition. Its cute and adorable design adds a fun touch to any space. It’s also an interactive addition to your space, as some note that their grandkids enjoy finding all the gnomes in their yard. Additionally, the gnome is durable and can withstand outdoor conditions, with several noting that they’ve had no issues with durability. It’s versatile and can be placed in various areas, such as in a tree, garden, or fairy garden. While the gnome may be smaller than expected, it still catches the attention and adds a touch of fun to your decor. Overall, this gnome is a must-have for anyone looking to add a bit of whimsy and charm to their space.

Cons: This gnome is small and may not meet your expectations if you want a larger statue. The smaller size means it may not be visible from further distances and thus not as noticeable as you might prefer.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a cute and durable gnome that can add a fun touch to your outdoor space, this little guy may be worth considering. He’s got the looks of a classic garden gnome with a fun twist that gives you more versatile display options.

 

Best for Trees

Bits and Pieces Elf Out The Door Tree Hugger

This gnome fixture is for the tree hugger at heart.

Pros: Look there, a gnome is climbing out of that tree! That window must be magical. Install this fun decor item on a tree using the notch on the back and a nail. It measures 12 by 7.5 by 3.75 inches. The illusion of the window swinging open is complete with the swinging metal pane. This polyresin item is safe for indoor and outdoor use and is weather-resistant to better hold up against extended exposure to the elements.

Cons: This gnome may be slightly tricky to mount to your tree, while the provided metal piece for the hanging process may detach over time. Inclement weather may exacerbate this issue, leading to a replacement being needed.

Bottom Line: This gnome can add a whimsical and imaginative touch to your tree and outdoor area. Not only is it a fun conversation piece, but it’s also made with high-quality materials to withstand any type of weather and warping.

 

Classic Design

Alpine Corporation Garden Gnome Holding Bird

If you're looking for a familiar gnome that can fit into most spaces, this is your guy.

Pros: This garden gnome is a delightful addition to any outdoor space. It features a classic design that will bring a touch of whimsy and charm to your garden or patio area. It’s crafted from weather-resistant polyresin, which ensures that it can withstand the elements and remain to look great for years to come. Measuring 5 inches long by 5 inches wide by 12 inches high, this gnome is a great size for any garden or patio. It’s not so large as to be overwhelming but not so small as to be overlooked. It’s the perfect size to make a statement and create a focal point in your outdoor space. And this gnome’s classic look and vintage feel give it a timeless quality that will never go out of style.

Cons: While this garden gnome is weather-resistant, it’s important to note that it’s relatively lightweight. This means it may be susceptible to tipping over in strong winds, especially if placed in an open or exposed area. If you live in an area with powerful winds or inclement weather, it may be best to bring the gnome indoors during storms or extreme weather conditions.

Bottom Line: This cute little garden gnome holding a bird adds a playful look, bringing magic and joy to your home or garden. Its traditional look will stand the test of time and ensure that it’ll look great in any garden or patio, no matter your style.

 

Best Set

TERESA'S COLLECTIONS Set of 2 Garden Gnomes

Enjoy many laughs with friends, family, and neighbors over this silly garden gnome duo.

Pros: If you’re looking for beautiful and vibrant gnome decorations that are well-crafted and well-finished, these gnomes are a great addition to your decor. They’re adorable and look great in flower beds and succulent gardens, and are made of good quality materials that hold up well to the elements. Despite their small size, they make a great addition to just about any space and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Overall, these gnomes are a great purchase that will add some whimsy and charm to your home or garden.

Cons: The small size of these gnomes may not work well as a focal point in a larger arrangement or garden; even with the pair together, it’s easy for them to get swallowed by bigger plants.

Bottom Line: This pair is a great option if you’re looking for more than one cute, well-made gnome with vibrant colors and painted details. While they may be too small for larger arrangements, they look great in smaller gardens and potted plants.

 

Best with Light

VP Home Firefly Jar Garden Gnome

Light up your garden with this adorable garden gnome that brings a touch of whimsy and charm to your space.

Pros: If you’re looking for a garden gnome that is both charming and well-made, the VP Home Firefly Jar Garden Gnome is worth considering. The gnome is the perfect size for their outdoor space, with some buyers even noting that it’s larger than expected. Its adorable design adds a fun touch to any outdoor decor with durable and well-made construction. The gnome also features a solar-powered lantern that lights up every night, adding a charming touch to your garden or patio. If the design of the gnome holding a jar of “fireflies” isn’t quite to your liking, there are 13 other design options from which to choose.

Cons: Some customers have reported issues with the light staying on, even after days of direct sunlight. Other reviewers note that the batteries need to be replaced shortly after receiving the gnome.

Bottom Line: This gnome is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a charming addition to your garden or patio. It’s well made and looks just like the picture, and the lantern lights up beautifully every night. Plus, it’s a great size that fits in perfectly with any outdoor space.

Final Thoughts

Keep things fun and interesting by adding a garden gnome to your outdoor space. These little men have their personalities, and now you and your guests can join in on the magic, humor, or mischief they bring. Give your outdoor area life with a garden gnome.

Meghan Herlihy Meghan Herlihy
Meghan Herlihy is a full-time writer for LifeSavvy and How-To Geek and has written across a wide variety of topics, genres, and formats, including radio talk shows, local sports journalism, and creative original fiction. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. When she's not writing, you're most likely to find her reading a book, petting every dog within eyesight, and indulging in her love of travel. Read Full Bio »
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