How to Buy a Lawn Mower as a Gift

A new lawn mower makes a great gift for someone who has just moved from a condo or apartment to a house with a yard (and all the responsibility that goes with it!). Here are some things to consider when shopping.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lawn Mowers

1. Think about your recipient, the new homeowner. Is this person likely to cut his or her own grass, or hire a landscaper? A lawn mower is an expensive gift - make sure it will be used.

2. Consider the size of the homeowner's yard. Is it an acre or more of high-maintenance lawn, or a little postage-stamp parcel of land?

3. Determine your price range. Expect to spend $100 to $500 for a basic walk-behind mower (higher prices will purchase more power and heavier construction) and $900 or more for a riding mower.

4. Decide whether you want to buy a mulching mower so the new homeowner doesn't need to worry about disposing of clippings.

5. Consider a self-propelled unit if the homeowner has a large or hilly yard. (Note that this type of unit will be in the higher end of the price range.)

6. Shop at the eHow store or at several local home and garden centers to find the best combination of features and price.

7. Review the warranties offered with each unit and take this into consideration when choosing the model.

8. Consider unpacking the unit (and assembling if necessary) and presenting it with a large ribbon or bow. A lawn mower is a very large and heavy gift to wrap conventionally.

Tips & Warnings

• Include a good book about lawn care as an add-on gift.
• You may want to consider partnering with someone on this present - a nice lawn mower is an expensive item, and it is better to get a good one with someone else than buy a low-quality model by yourself.