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Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The best garden kneelers for comfort and support, tested by a gardener and injury specialist
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. It's important to kneel down when rooting around in your garden or pulling up weeds by hand as this minimises your risk of developing back pain (the most common gardening injury). But kneeling can quickly become uncomfortable or cause other injuries without correct protection. Using a long-handled weeding tool can help in some instances, but when you need to get close to the plants you're tending, a good garden kneeler is the way to go. Garden kneelers may seem similar at first glance, but as with garden hoses and leaf blowers, the differences soon become apparent once you start trying them out. Prices range from £15 to £60 and leading brands such as Burgon and Ball, Sarah Raven and Lakeland Active offer a wide range of designs. You'll even find some that double as seats which have metal frames to help elderly gardeners or those with limited mobility to get up and down. To help you make the best choice, this article is updated regularly. Best garden kneelers: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best garden kneelers I'm a gardening expert and former soft-tissue injury specialist, so I know first hand how important it is to take care of your body when tending to your flower beds and veg patches. Choosing the best garden kneeler can limit direct injuries like scratches and bruises, and inflammatory conditions that develop from kneeling on hard surfaces, such as prepatellar bursitis. Start by considering how you usually garden. If you have problems with mobility, look for a kneeler with a metal frame to support you as you lower onto the kneeling pad. They also flip over to become a seat, which great for a quick rest, though they are less portable. If you tend to move around your garden a lot then use a lightweight kneeling pad which has a carrying handle for easy transport. You can also try knee pads that strap around your legs to leave your hands free to carry secateurs and other tools. Larger but heavier kneelers let you reposition yourself without dislodging the pad while smaller, more portable kneelers are good for quick jobs but offer less padding. Consider materials, too. Hard-wearing textiles like canvas and leather are more expensive but for rough surfaces like gravel, paving or brick, they are a necessary investment to ensure longevity. If you're only going to use the kneeler on soil or grass, then a softer, cheaper material will suffice. How we test garden kneelers I took an armful of kneelers to my garden and allotment to test them out, firstly on a bark chip surface, where I carried out some much-needed weeding and dead heading, then on paving slabs, and finally on gravel. I even scratched the kneelers along the ground to test the durability of the fabric. Gardening can test the fitness and endurance of even the sprightliest of us, and transporting a wheelbarrow full of tools for every job can get tiring quickly. So, I wanted the kneelers I recommended to strike a good balance between being easy to carry around and comfortable. I judged everything from set-up to handle design (and even seat design if a kneeler was multi purpose). I was also looking for kneelers that were waterproof and would stay put on muddy ground if needed, useful in all seasons, clean easily and crucially appeared as though they would stand the test of time. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best garden kneelers of 2025 1. Best Buy Garden Kneeler: Genus Gardening Kneeler As one of the more expensive kneeling pads on this list, I was hoping for greatness and happily, I was not disappointed. It's also the thickest pad I tested, offering protection for long days in the garden. It is made from hard-wearing polyester fabric that feels comfortable on bare knees and is tough enough for all garden surfaces. It's also waterproof, so you can use the kneeler in wet conditions without ruining your trousers. Helpfully, the cover is also removable, which makes it easy to maintain; either sponge clean or brush away small amounts of dirt, or hand wash the cover in soapy water if it is really mucky. This pad is big enough that you can place your hand onto it too, negating the need for gardening gloves, which you'd want if you put your hand in the soil to balance yourself. This also takes some pressure off your back. It's heavy duty but still light and easy to carry with two handles, so you can grab it and go straight onto the next task. Key specifications 2. Best Value Garden Kneeler: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Garden Kneeler Available in 18 different colours and patterns, this Burgon and Ball Kneelo kneeler will add a little fun to your garden shed. A layer of thicker foam is sandwiched between two layers of soft memory foam, a combination that protects your knees when on rough surfaces and feels comfortable for long periods. The outer layer is made from neoprene, which felt breathable and soft when I had bare knees, and it dried quickly and was easy to clean. Lined neoprene isn't the most hard-wearing fabric though, so this kneeler will have a longer lifespan if only used on softer surfaces such as bare soil or grass, even if it's more than padded enough for use elsewhere. This kneeler is similar to the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Kneeling Pad below, but is slightly wider, softer and lighter. This is unlikely to make a huge difference to your experience, but the Burgon and Ball is better if you like to kneel with the tops of your feet flat on the ground, putting more weight on your shins than knees. It also will need moving less frequently, giving you room to shift your position on the mat to reach different parts of your garden beds. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 52cm, W 30.5cm, D 6cm Material: Neoprene cover, EVA and memory foam filling Special features: Wide range of colours and patterns 3. Best Gardening Knee Pads: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Knee Pads These knee pads are a refreshing alternative to the traditional gardening kneeler. Designed for active gardeners who are constantly on the move, these pads secure comfortably to your leg, letting you go anywhere without concern for potential knee pain or injuries. The Velcro straps mean the fit is adjustable, with one positioned above the knee and one below, leaving the back of your knee clear of any extra fabric. The pads are thick and contain cushioning memory foam, similar to that of the Kneelo Garden Kneeler, and are covered with neoprene, which is waterproof to protect your skin and trousers from getting wet. Wash them with a sponge and some soapy water; I found they could withstand some scrubbing with a soft brush too. I will admit to feeling slightly self-conscious wearing these pads at first on my allotment, but I soon started enjoying my newfound freedom. If you're never in the same place for too long, these knee pads are the best choice for you. Available in 10 different colours ranging from bright yellow to a soft grey, there is something to suit every gardener, though be warned they can get hot in warm weather. Key specifications 3. Best Garden Kneeler for Comfort and Style: Sarah Raven Kneeler This kneeling pad uses firm but comfortable foam covered in waxed cotton with a leather carrying handle and pouch. The handle is big enough to loop it over your arm, leaving your hands free to carry gardening tools. The pouch also comes in handy if you have a lot to carry as there's extra space for secateurs or gardening gloves. This kneeler is quite narrow at just 21cm wide, so it would suit if you're someone who puts weight on your knees rather than placing your shins flat. It provides good cushioning while the waxed cotton cover wipes down easily and offers a level of water proofing. I noticed scratches and scuffs though, and while it doesn't affect overall use it can look unsightly. If this is likely to bother you, the Niwaki, Genus and Sophie Conran kneelers are all made with scratch-proof fabric. This one offers more protection for your knees than the Sophie Conran design, and is softer than the Niwaki and Genus kneelers, so it's a case of prioritising your preferences before you make a purchase. Otherwise, the quality of the Sarah Raven Kneeler is exceptional, and with its aesthetically pleasing design, it would make an excellent gift too. Key specifications 4. Best Garden Kneeler for Serious Gardeners: Niwaki Kneeler This wide, firm garden kneeler is excellent for tough surfaces in the garden. It has five centimetres of relatively hard foam, covered by a thick and durable layer of canvas. It's a no-nonsense design that will protect your knees, but as the foam is quite hard it might not suit some people's taste. It would favour heavier gardeners or anyone who doesn't want soft cushioning. One benefit is that rather than sinking into the padding, it makes standing up a little easier. The other is that firmer kneelers like this one offer some stability on uneven ground, though you may find you can't spend as long on your knees. I particularly liked its width, too. At 29cm there's ample space for your shins and hands to push yourself up, and it remains lightweight despite its size. The fun, bright red handle is even large enough to carry looped over your arm. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 48.5cm, W 28.9cm, D 5.4cm Material: 16oz coated canvas cover, spongy inner Special features: It floats 5. Best Garden Kneeler for Beginners: Sophie Conran Kneeler This classy little kneeler is easy to carry, lightweight and offers a decent amount of cushioning for a low price. Its thick cotton cover is coated with PVC, making it easy to clean and surprisingly durable. The fabric is waterproof and can be quickly wiped clean after use, too. There's no compromising on looks, protection or comfort here. The carrying handle is large enough to loop over your arm. And while the padding is relatively thin, it feels comfortable, even on stony ground. My only gripe is that it's quite small. This makes storing it easy but you'll have to move it regularly if you are shifting position. As an affordable all-rounder, this kneeler would make a lovely gift and is a great choice for new gardeners looking to add some eye candy to their garden shed. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 44cm, W 23cm, D 5cm Material: PVC coated cotton cover, padded inner Special features: Leather tag 6. Best Kneeling Pad for Comfort: The Kew Gardens Collection Patterned Cushion Kneeler from Spear and Jackson Score: 8/10 We like: The soft, deep cushioning and different colours Like a good pair of gardening gloves, this padded kneeler will help protect your knees from sharp objects on the ground and provide comfort while pruning and tending. The cover is made from lined neoprene, making it waterproof and easy to clean, though I noticed it can snag and catch on sharp objects. I tested a fair few of this type of kneeler and this is one of the deepest, providing excellent cushioning for your knees. The Spear and Jackson Kneeler has quite a small pad size, which is pinched in the middle, so you'll likely need to adjust it as you move around for optimum support. The trade off is that it is easier to store. It has an ergonomic carrying handle, though the thick padding around it means it's a bit of a challenge to carry additional tools like a gardening fork in the same hand. It's available in eight different colours, so at least you should be able to match it to the rest of your kit. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 47cm, W 28cm, D 5.3cm Material: Neoprene cover and memory foam filling Special features: Available in eight different colours 7. Best Garden Kneeler with Handles: Draper 2-in-1 Folding Garden Kneeler This kneeler offers a solution for gardeners with limited mobility, as its metal frame provides handles to help you lower yourself down and give you support when standing again. And if you flip it over it becomes a seat, too. It's not padded, mind, and at just 32cm high, it's fairly low and likely won't feel that comfortable for long, especially if you are tall. Large sunken holes on the seat pad aren't great in muddy conditions either, as they can be difficult to clean. With that said, the pad on the Draper kneeler is much wider than the one on the similarly designed VonHaus (below), which is comfortable and gives you more flexibility for its use. While some slightly unappealing plastic buttons adorn the pad, I didn't notice them during testing. Overall, the kneeling pad feels sturdy and comfortable. It is lighter than other folding garden kneelers I tested, easier to fold away and set up and has a greater weight limit of 19.7 stone. It's just a shame the seat isn't a tad more inviting. Key specifications Design: Folding garden kneeler and seat Size: L 24cm, W 12cm, D 4.8cm, H 40cm Material: Metal frame and dense foam pad Special features: Easy to fold 8. Best Garden Kneeler with Seat: VonHaus Garden Kneeler Seat and Tool Set This clever kneeler is a good choice for any gardeners who struggle to go from standing to kneeling and vice versa. With handles that double as legs for a seat and foam padding on both sides, it is versatile and supportive, and should help you to garden for longer. There's even a nifty tool pouch on the side attached with a Velcro loop making it adjustable for accessibility at all times, whether you're seated or kneeling, and it comes with a set of tools to boot. The metal frame feels sturdy and easily takes your weight as you lower yourself onto it (although the 15 stone weight limit is lower than the Draper above and it's a heavier frame overall). It is a little clunky to fold down and requires you to pull in a handle while folding in the legs on either side. With this type of kneeler it can be difficult to work on the ground, however. As it is slightly elevated, it means you have to lean forward more which can put pressure on your lower back. Additionally, the pad itself is quite narrow, at only 15.5cm wide, which can feel a bit uncomfortable if you need room for your shin as well as your knee. If it suits your gardening style, however, it's a sensible buy. Key specifications Design: Folding garden kneeler and seat Size: L 59.5cm, W 27cm, H 49cm Material: Metal frame and dense foam pad Special features: Comes with tool pouch and three tools 9. Best for Seniors: Crocus Folding Garden Kneeler This garden kneeler is rather similar to the VonHaus folding design, though I found its smooth coated metal handles slightly easier to clean. There's no tools holder, but it feels sturdy and well-built; to set it up, simply pull the legs out until they click and turn it upside down to turn it into to a seat. The overall height and padding on both sides makes this device comfortable to use whether as a kneeler or a seat. The weight limit is 15 stone, which will accommodate most gardeners. Disassembly felt a bit awkward, as you have to pull in a bar next to the seat while folding in one leg and then repeat on the other side. Again it's the same mechanism featured on the VonHaus, but this one seems a tad smoother. It is not as easy to carry as a kneeling pad; the handles add weight and bulk, so I'd only opt for this design if you want to benefit from the additional support and the seat. I'd recommend using a wheelbarrow to transport tools and the kneeler around the garden. Key specifications 10. Best Kneeler for Small Gardens: Lakeland Active Thistlewood Memory Foam Garden Kneeler This small and pretty garden kneeler offers excellent comfort over long periods. It should tidy away neatly and is available in six different colours and patterns, adding a little pop to your potting shed. As a relatively firm kneeling pad, this will give you good protection from uneven and hard surfaces, helping to absorb the feel of stones and other bits on the ground. This kneeler would suit working in tight spaces but bear in mind you will need to continually shift it underneath you as you move. This is not uncommon, but the smaller the pad, the more you will need to adjust. A comfortable carrying handle makes it particularly portable. In all, this kneeler would be a good choice if you have a small garden and limited storage space. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 49cm, W 30cm, D 5cm Material: Neoprene cover and memory foam pad Special features: Available in six different colours and patterns 11. Best Garden Kneeler for Muddy Gardens: Senua Kneeling Pad £11.99 Buy now Price at Amazon This heavy duty no-frills garden kneeler is both budget and knee friendly. Made from foam, it is tough, durable and waterproof with a lightweight feel and carry handle that make it suitably portable. You can choose between black and blue colourways, too. It has nearly four centimetres of padding and it is particularly firm, so will easily cushion your knees against rocks and other hard and uneven areas in your garden. The support is such that it shouldn't flatten underneath you, even if you're a heavier build. I even found it comfortable to sit on when I needed to give my knees some respite. However, as the hardest kneeler on this list, it certainly won't feel as comfortable if you are using it for longer periods of time. It's not the one to choose for sink-in comfort, but if you want a hard-wearing kneeler that you can hose down once you're done, look no further. It's an excellent alternative to the often trickier-to-maintain fabric covered designs. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 45cm, W 28cm, D 4cm Material: Dense foam Special features: Easy to clean Garden kneeler FAQs What is the best type of garden kneeler for comfort and support? The best type of garden kneeler for you depends on your levels of mobility, writes gardener and former injury specialist, Becky Searle. With handled kneelers, they are always a few inches above the ground, and this can make reaching towards it more uncomfortable. If you just want to protect your knees while gardening, choose a cushioned kneeling pad or knee pads. Are all garden kneelers waterproof and easy to clean? No, not all garden kneelers are waterproof, but most are easy to clean. Garden kneelers with handles have more parts to clean, and textured fabric is more difficult to wipe than smooth fabrics; coated fabrics are easier to maintain than uncoated ones. Many garden kneelers are covered in neoprene, which is easy to clean but can snag on sharp objects such as thorns, unlike coated or waxed cotton, leather or canvas. Are garden kneelers with handles easy to use for getting up? Getting up from a kneeling position can be a challenge even for younger gardeners after a prolonged period, so having handles to push yourself up is extremely useful. The handles either side on this type of kneeler help you to distribute your weight evenly across both sides of your body, helping you to stand.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Empty seed packets. Tools that snap in half: As it hits 'financial difficulty', how gardening queen bee Sarah Raven's £27m empire is wilting fast
The news is likely to have horticulturalists up and down the country reaching not for the secateurs but for the smelling salts. For as the Daily Mail's Richard Eden revealed yesterday, life for Sarah Raven, the 62-year-old queen bee of the gardening world, is not exactly a bed of roses right now.
Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Six-piece plant set worth £80 that's ideal for new gardeners gets slashed by 50%
Whether you're an experienced gardener or a green-thumbed beginner, this six-piece collection is a great addition to your garden, allotment or patio - and right now it's half-price Calling all gardeners looking to expand their current plants and flowers, this six-piece set is an absolute bargain as it plummets to half price. Normally, this Hebes collection would retail for £79.95, but is now up for grabs for the reduced price of £39.95 while this Gardening Express deal lasts. This impressive collection of hardy evergreen Hebes will add a variety of lovely colours and textures to your garden all year round. They require minimal maintenance while offering a maximum impact on your outdoor space. Featuring a random mix of six plants, this is an unnamed selection of superb hardy varieties. Hebes are touted as the ultimate foliage plant, growing in uniform, compact and colourful arrays. These wonderful shrubs are also evergreen, so they keep their spectacular foliage all year, giving your garden a bright and impressive flair from the first day of the year to the last. Named after the Greek Goddess of youth, Hebes plants will add a breath of fresh air to any garden, patio or allotment with their vibrant colours and spectacular growth. Hebes are loved for their low-growing domes of densely packed leaves, ensuring they don't take up too much room, block natural light or grow wild. They are excellent for providing contrast and texture in a border of your garden, but they will also thrive in patio containers. Hebes are virtually maintenance-free evergreen shrubs, fully frost hardy and tolerant of drought, shade, sun and poor soil, so they are more than comfortable in the UK's turbulent climate. They are also very slow-growing, meaning you can plant them pretty much anywhere and just leave them to be. All Hebes in this collection complement each other and are supplied as strong healthy plants in approx. 1.5-2.5 litre containers. All you have to do is simply plant and stand back, making this set the new best friend of new or inexperienced gardeners. Hebe Heartbreaker Hebe Emerald Green Globe Hebe Sapphire Hebe Purple Hebe albicans Red Edge Hebe Vernicosa Hebe Pewter Dome For alternative Hebe collections to shop, check out this Pack x12 Hebes 'Mixed Varieties' Garden Plug Plants on Amazon for £14.95. Elsewhere, you can find this Evergreen Shrub Collection from You Garden, where prices start at £19.99. If you're considering something a bit different, Sarah Raven has this All Summer Long Pot Collection for £18.48.
Times
08-05-2025
- General
- Times
Adam Nicolson: ‘Our small home is made of oak trees from 1590'
When my first marriage ended — and feeling, as one does, pretty broken by it — I came to live with my now wife, Sarah Raven, in Hammersmith, west London. It was a lovely house but I couldn't bear living there. I felt sterilised by living in London and persuaded Sarah that we should find a place that was beautiful to be in — and that's what Perch Hill was. It's embedded in a belt of ancient woodland in the Sussex Weald and you feel protected. Our small house is made of the oak trees that were cut down from the surrounding fields in 1590. That feeling of rootedness was magic for me in 1994. Nobody would have chosen it except us. A friend said:
The Guardian
17-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Beat brain rot: clear your mind with 55 screen-free activities, from birdwatching to colouring books
I'm sure many of us are guilty of relying on our phones to decompress, even when taking some downtime. But if your social media feeds are anything like mine – an endless stream of fad workouts, meal plans and extravagant skincare routines – it's more likely to whip you into an anxious frenzy than leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Whether you have social media anxiety, insomnia or are just terrified by the idea of 'brain rot', you need a way to de-stress that doesn't involve a screen, especially when many of us stare at one all day for work or school. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I'm sure we're all familiar with the concept of mindfulness and how the practice can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and boost concentration. But you might not realise how easy it is to incorporate it into your everyday life – after all, at its core, mindfulness is just about keeping yourself in the present moment. So to help you do just that, I've compiled a list of screen-free activities to help you clear your mind, get outside (if the weather allows) and be more mindful, without meditating. It's hardly new information that immersing yourself in nature can positively affect your mental health. But exposure to the great outdoors isn't the only benefit of gardening – all that planting, pruning and weeding is also a great way to calm your mind and focus on the present. So, whether you have a back garden, allotment or a few plant pots to tend to, here are some tools to help you get stuck in. Three-month vegetable seed subscription £36 at Not on the High Street£36 at Virgin Experience Days Among the most therapeutic and satisfying parts of gardening is growing your own plants or crops. Start a vegetable patch with three deliveries of four seasonal vegetable seeds, from Swiss chard to chillies. Each pack comes with tailored growing instructions for each vegetable, making it a great option for beginners. Burgon & Ball bypass secateurs £23 at Farrar & Tanner If your garden is in need of a tidy-up, you'll no doubt need a trusty pair of secateurs. When Matt Collins, head gardener at London's Garden Museum, put the best pairs of secateurs to the test, this surprisingly affordable model from Burgon & Ball came out on top. Niwaki hori hori knife £39 at Burford Garden knives are among the most versatile tools in any gardener's arsenal, taking on weeding, planting and digging (to name a few of their uses). Experts swear by the Niwaki hori hori knife. For more gardening inspiration, check out our guide to getting your garden ready for summer Bulb planting augers From £5.59 at Crocus Level up your garden with these gamechanging augers that make it easier to plant bulbs. Velvet gladioli collection £34.50 for 90 corms at Sarah Raven If you want to plant some bulbs now, these gorgeous gladioli would make an excellent addition to any garden, and you can expect them to flower from July. Copper gardening tools From £49 at Burford For a satisfying gardening experience, you need the right tools. Gardening expert Alys Fowler says these copper gardening tools are 'a joy to handle, lightweight and comfortable, and the more you use it, the more the copper shines'. Large terrarium DIY kit £52.49 at Debenhams£69.99 at Argos If you're not lucky enough to have a garden, you can still reap the calming benefits of gardening with a terrarium. This DIY kit comes with the glass bowl terrarium as well as charcoal, gravel, sand and rocks to get you started. Then you can buy some terrarium plants of your choice to create a perfect miniature garden. For more expert recommendations, check out our guide to the best gardening tools The focus needed to complete jigsaw puzzles can stop your thoughts from wandering elsewhere and help you stay in the now. Find one that fits your interests, whether you're a Wes Anderson fan or an avid cook. Accidentally Wes Anderson 1,000-piece jigsaw £16.26 at AbeBooks£18.39 at WH Smith Piece together a gallery wall featuring framed pictures of locations that capture the aesthetic of film director Wes Anderson. Michael Storrings Cherry Blossoms 1,000-piece jigsaw £13.45 at Hive£14.99 at WH Smith A beautiful scene of cherry blossoms in a Washington DC park by award-winning illustrator Michael Storrings. Cooked 1,000-piece jigsaw £14.35 at Hive£18.99 at Amazon Complete this puzzle to reveal a collection of your favourite chefs' cookbooks designed by illustrator Harriet Thomas-Bush. The world of Jane Austen 1,000-piece jigsaw £16.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£16.99 at Waterstones Step into the world of Jane Austen and celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth with this puzzle inspired by her life and works. If your children tend to be glued to a TV, phone or tablet, entice them away with a puzzle of their favourite characters. Jigsaws are thought to help children develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Paddington 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle £7.50 at Argos Paddington gets around, whether that's having tea with the late queen or getting up to mischief in Peru. If your kids love the films, then perhaps a Paddington puzzle is just the thing to give them a screen break. Stitch 3D puzzle £9.99 at Argos£14.99 at Ravensburger If they're more of a Disney fan, they might enjoy this 3D Stitch puzzle, a really fun take on a traditional jigsaw. Bluey 4 in a box jigsaws £5.59 at John Lewis£5.59 at Amazon For younger ones, this set comes with four puzzles featuring scenes from the kids' cartoon Bluey. The jigsaws range from 12 to 24 pieces, so they can gradually build up their puzzle skills. Birdwatching and observing wildlife in general are other ways to relax and unwind in the great outdoors. Try reconnecting with nature by sitting in your garden or a park and watching any birds, insects or other animals that cross your path. RSPB Cabin nest box £25 at RSPB Entice more birds into your garden with this sweet bird house, perfect for species such as blue tits, house sparrows and nuthatches to set up camp. Hand-crafted in the UK using FSC-certified timber, the side panel of the house opens so you can carefully empty it at the end of nesting season and make room for the next occupant. Roosting pockets £15 for three at RSPB These handmade roosting pockets are made from natural materials and offer a safe shelter for small birds. They come with two different-sized holes that you can switch between depending on the size of bird you wish to attract. Our Garden Birds £14.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£9.99 at Amazon This beautifully illustrated book of British garden birds offers a whimsical tool for identifying all the species you spot. RSPB Birding Journal £15 at RSPB If you need somewhere to keep track of your observations, this birdwatchers' journal from the RSPB is the perfect place to keep notes. Plus, it's made of 100% recycled paper. Nikon Monarch M7 binoculars 8x30 £319 at John Lewis£319 at Jessops If birdwatching is an activity you'd like to do more of, then investing in a good pair of binoculars could really enhance your experience. When researching the best for beginners, this pair from Nikon cropped up again and again on birdwatching forums and blogs. It has 8x magnification and offers a wide field of view so you can track moving birds more easily. Celestron Nature DX 10x42 £159.99 at Argos£159 at London Camera Exchange If you're not ready for such a big investment just yet, this more affordable pair of binoculars is also highly recommended by birdwatchers. The design is waterproof and fog-proof, making it ideal for use even during April showers. Children's Nature Trail Journal £4.95 at Rex London£4.95 at Hive Get kids excited about nature with their own journal. This book is full of illustrations of animals, plants and insects that may be found along a British nature trail, with room to make notes of everything you spot. Colouring isn't just for kids: it's seen a real rise in popularity among adults in recent years, with many people claiming the pastime helps them to relieve stress and focus on the present moment. Manchester colouring book £14.99 at Etsy£14.99 at Colour Your Streets Colour Your Streets has a range of books filled with landmarks from cities, counties and areas around the UK and abroad. From Barcelona to York, dozens of places are covered, so there's sure to be a book for somewhere meaningful to you. Coco Wyo colouring book £7.42 at Amazon Coco Wyo's colouring books have become popular with adults thanks to their cute and comforting scenes. Immersing yourself in these books will no doubt soothe your inner child and leave you feeling cosy. Mindfulness colouring book for adults £6.43 at WH Smith£3.49 at Amazon If you're after something with a more mature feel, intricate patterns like those in this book take more focus and help you to stay in the moment. Let your kids colour outside the lines with colouring books, sticker mosaics and crystal art kits that nurture their creativity and keep them off their phones. Jumbo doodle chalk £6 at John Lewis For those fair-weather days, encourage them to take their creativity outside with jumbo chalks that are perfect for drawing on pavements. British Museum: Around the World colouring book £6.99 at Blackwells£6.43 at Amazon From an ancient Greek marketplace to a traditional dragon parade, scenes inspired by the British Museum's artefacts are the canvas in this book. Football Heroes colouring book £7.35 at WH Smith From Messi to Haaland, bring football heroes to life with this 80-page colouring book filled with legends of the game. Sloth crystal art kit £19.99 at Craft Buddy A modern take on paint-by-numbers, this canvas reveals an adorable image of a sloth once you place the coloured crystals on to their corresponding places. Animal kaleidoscope sticker mosaics £4 at Hobby Craft Use the different neon stickers to complete these kaleidoscopic wildlife mosaics. This set comes with 32 pages to keep your kids occupied. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion For a satisfying colouring experience, make sure you choose the right tools. Pencils are better for beginners thanks to their finer tips, which offer more control. They're also better for building colour and creating shading, which can allow you to be more creative with your colouring. Alternatively, felt tips are better for creating more vibrant pictures, and many come with dual tips, allowing you to cover large areas quickly and do finer details. 36 colouring pencils £9.99 at Ryman£10 at Argos 120-pencil set £19.19 at Amazon 48 colour alcohol-based pens £38.99 at Amazon 80 graphic dual-tip markers £12.85 at Art Discount Staying present is already a big part of yoga, but why not take your practice outside for that extra serotonin boost? Lululemon 5mm yoga mat £88 at Lululemon Whether you want to stretch it out on the beach, at the park or in a forest, a thicker yoga mat will keep you comfortable on uneven surfaces or help to flatten down thick grass. This mat from Lululemon is 5mm thick and made with FSC-certified rubber, so it can be easily wiped down after outdoor use. Nonslip jute travel mat £57.99 at Complete Unity Yoga£65.55 at Etsy If you want a more portable mat, this travel one can be rolled up or folded, so you can easily transport it wherever you want. It's made from jute fabric and sustainably harvested natural tree rubber. Journaling is great if you're hoping to practise gratitude as well as mindfulness. A journal with prompts is helpful for beginners who aren't sure where to start, but if you just want an outlet for your thoughts with no structure, then go for a blank notebook. Gratitude journal £26 at Papier Papier's gratitude journal contains daily prompts and activities to help you feel grateful even after a bad day. It also comes in various colours, so you can find one that suits you. The Calm Workbook £20 at the Guardian Bookshop£15 at Blackwells A workbook full of exercises and prompts to encourage self-compassion and help build a calming routine into your daily life. MindJournal £10.99 at the Guardian Bookshop Aimed at men, the MindJournal contains writing exercises to help you understand how to look after yourself and help build a healthier and happier life. Journaling isn't just an outlet for adults, it can also help children to better understand their feelings and improve their emotional regulation. Find a journal aimed at kids and encourage them to have a quiet moment to reflect on how they feel. HappySelf Junior journal £24.90 at HappySelf Journal Created for six- to 12-year-olds, this journal is intended to be used for a few minutes each day. It's designed to encourage gratitude and reflection on emotions. Big Life Journal for kids £24.90 at Big Life Journal The Big Life Journal aims to teach children how to believe in themselves, face challenges and grow from their mistakes through stories, illustrations and activities. Recommended for ages seven to 10. Lego has been around since the 1930s, and it's as popular as ever. Share it with the next generation and get a set you can build together (you might even enjoy it more than they do). With sets aimed at various age groups, it's the perfect activity to keep restless hands busy and help hone concentration skills. R2-D2 £66.99 at John Lewis£89.99 at Lego This 1,050-piece R2D2 is the perfect dose of nostalgia for grownups and a fun activity for kids aged 10+. Wild Animals: Panda Family £27.99 at John Lewis£34.99 at Lego From Lego's Wild Animal range, this adorable panda family comes in 626 pieces and is aimed at children 8+. Beekeepers' House and Flower Garden £89.99 at Lego£90 at Argos This super-cute beekeeper's house will keep them entertained even after it's built, doubling up as a doll's house. Aimed at kids 12 and older, this set comes in 1,161 pieces. From landmarks and buildings to animals and plants, there are seemingly endless Lego sets for adults. And just like jigsaws, the repetitive but mentally engaging activity can help to clear your mind. The Botanical Garden £289.99 at Lego Put together this 3,792-piece set to reveal a beautiful botanical garden with 35 different plant species. Tuxedo cat £89.99 at Lego£90 at Argos This furry friend comes in 1,710 pieces and can be built into different poses – puurfect for cat lovers. Wildflower bouquet £43.99 at John Lewis£54.99 at Lego For flowers that will last for ever, check out Lego's range of buildable bouquets and plants. Studies have shown that combining mindfulness and physical exercise can improve your mental health more than either practice alone. With this in mind, running is great for helping to clear your mind while also improving your cardiovascular health. Get outside for a run and try to focus on not letting your mind wander. Kiprun hydration running belt £14.99 at Decathlon This handy running belt is perfect for keeping your keys, phone and a small drink on you. For more, read our guide to the best gifts for runners New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Shoes £160 at New BalanceFrom £152.20 at Amazon If you predominantly run on roads or pathways, try these trainers from New Balance. They were deemed the best trainers for road runs in our guide to the best running shoes. Asics Trabuco Max 4 £160 for women's at Asics£160 for men's at Asics If you're more likely to run on rough terrain or nature trails, the Asics Trabuco Max 4s come highly recommended for trail runs. Puzzle books are a great way to work out and distract your brain. Whether you want an achievable challenge or something that takes a bit more thought, there are plenty of options from sudoku to word searches. The Mindfulness Puzzle Book £9.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£9.19 at WH Smith Wind down your mind with this book of fun and achievable activities designed to relax you. Wordle Challenge Puzzle Book £7.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£7.99 at Waterstones Remember Wordle? If you've been hooked on this addictive word-guessing game, try the puzzle book version so you can play without adding to your screen time. Guardian sudoku and crossword books From £7.99 at the Guardian Bookshop For puzzle traditionalists, you can't beat a sudoku or crossword to train your brain. This Guardian collection of classic puzzles is a good place to start. If your kids could benefit from something more challenging than relaxing, then puzzle books are a good way to go. Get them flexing their mental muscles with fun but stimulating riddles, mazes and mysteries. I Spy Spooky Night picture riddle book £13.94 at Amazon Take a trip through a haunted house filled with spooky riddles. Each page contains a creepy scene in which rhyming riddles must be solved to locate objects. Fun for all ages thanks to the varying difficulties of each page. Planet Earth Mazes puzzle book £7.99 at Usborne Mazes that become increasingly harder, set in scenes around the world – from piles of recycling to the rainforest. This book is a brilliant way for kids to learn about the planet while honing their focus skills. Murdle Junior: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds £5.99 at Scholastic£7.49 at Waterstones Filled with code-breaking, map-reading and maze-solving puzzles, this junior edition of the popular Murdle books will keep them entertained while they practice their problem-solving skills.
