For a swell holiday gift, here’s why unique birdhouses are sure to please!

• A birdhouse to match everyone’s personality
• Long lasting (the good ones anyway)
• A purchase with purpose
• Gives back to nature, provides cavity nesting birds a place to raise their young
• Beautifies the garden, porch, balcony or landscape
• Gifts of nature soothe the soul, nothing to plug-in or download!

Birdhouses for all tastes include classic or funky, modern or traditional, rustic, whimsical or just plain weird for the one who may be… well, a tad off!

Materials range from wood, vinyl, glass, pottery, copper and recycled plastic. Even textiles make a cool birdhouse like this hand-felted gingerbread pick.

There’s edible birdhouses which serve as 2-in-1 gifts for use as a feeder now and a real wooden birdhouse for spring. Not all are created equal, but the Bed & Breakfast and Wren Casita promise to host many successful broods over the years!

On a more classic note, go for these architectural birdhouses (matching feeders too). Stunning in the landscape and fine housing for feathered friends, these vinyl birdhouses are guaranteed for life.

Some rustic birdhouses include driftwood from Indonesia, vintage church birdhouses and natural log front bird abodes. The latter replicate cavities in trees and snags where birds with no housing will seek safe digs to rear young. The salvaged logs are chosen for their uniqueness and deep openings. Forming a natural predator guard, they keep nestlings safe from intruders and cozy dry in the worst elements.

Birdhouses serve friendly fliers well throughout the year. Aside from nesting in spring, most offer up a cozy roosting spot for cold nights. They add character to the garden and simply help feathered friends thrive! All in all, a totally swell idea for any nature buff on your list!