5 Creative Garden Gnome Ideas

Garden gnomes are probably the most popular decorative garden statues. Most of the times, they are cute, lovely to look at, and loved by almost everyone. However, since they are so popular, it is sometimes a hassle to find an original garden gnome for your outdoor space.

If you love garden gnomes but hate stereotypes, then you could decorate your garden with an original garden gnome. To help you out, we selected some of the most creative garden gnome statues to inspire you.

Curious about it? Use the links in the table below to check out our selection. Alternatively, read through this guide to find out more about garden gnomes and how to select them.

Product Price Rating
Mischievous Cat Massacre Garden Gnome Statue $$$$$ Star rating 4 of 5
BigMouth Inc The Great Garden Gnome Massacre $$$ Star rating 4.5 of 5
BigMouth Inc "Game of Gnomes" Garden Gnome Statue $$ Star rating 4.5 of 5
Design Toscano Loonie Moonie Bare Buttocks Garden Gnome Statue $ Star rating 4.5 of 5
Gifts & Decor Slumbering Gnome Garden Statue $$$$ Star rating 4.5 of 5

A Garden Gnome’s Brief History

Gnomes are legendary human-like creatures associated with wisdom but also considered treasure keepers in many European cultures. Often associated with the Earth element, gnomes are common throughout the world and almost all cultures report legends and myths about similar fellows.

Gnomes are usually associated with a male figure that rarely exceeds two feet in height. Dressed in solid colored clothes and inevitably wearing a bright red hat, gnomes are thought to either protect or punish people, depending on each individual’s deeds. Moreover, gnomes are considered magical protectors of the earth and some even consider that they are involved in the hidden processes of plant life.

Given that many farmers, winemakers, and gardeners follow principles based on these beliefs, it is easy to understand why garden gnomes became such popular figures.

The first garden gnome how we know it was designed by Philip Griebel in the second half of the 19th century. Griebel was a German sculptor of terracotta animals and shaped the first red-hat garden creature according to the local folklore, to allow people to enjoy the myths of gnomes tending their gardens.

The statues became so popular that many manufacturers started to produce their own versions of garden gnomes. Moreover, these adorable garden statues spread throughout the world. Associated along the years with the working class, garden gnomes have become so popular that they determined the creation of true movements and associations that either protect or hate them.

Nevertheless, a garden gnome can find its place in most outdoor décors and, if chosen wisely, it can easily make a statement about the owner’s personality.

Garden Gnome Fun Facts

  • Gnomes are short creatures but Ron Hale built the world’s largest garden gnome that is 25’11’’ tall. Originally built for an amusement park, the gnome is currently standing on the grounds of a petrol station, according to the Guinness World Records.
  • The British Royal Horticulture Society has banned the “brightly coloured mythical creatures” from participating in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show since the earliest times, before the WWI. The decision was seen as discrimination and snobbery, yet the ban was only temporarily lifted in 2013 for the 100 year’s celebration of the show.
  • The Garden Gnome Liberation Front is a movement that militates for the freedom of the garden gnomes “forced” to garden labor. There are true sanctuaries dedicated to hosting liberated garden gnomes.
  • “Gnoming” is the practice of stealing a garden gnome from someone’s garden and take it on a journey to famous places around the world. The gnome must be photographed in all these places and then sent back, together with the photos, to its owner.
  • Since 2007 at Inman’s Park Festival in Atlanta, there is held a garden gnome march. The participants dress up in gardening clothes, wear pointed red hats and hold fun homemade signs with the most creative claims and issues.

How To Select The Perfect Garden Gnome

Love them or hate them, there is no other way to deal with garden gnomes. If you love these adorable creatures but don’t have one in your garden just yet, you might want to find out how to choose the best. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Material: garden gnomes are made of the most various materials, including terracotta, wood, clay, stone, or even modern materials such as resin or concrete. Some of the materials are more resistant to harsh weather than others. I recommend choosing either a resin, porcelain, or concrete gnome painted with UV-resistant varnishes.
  • Size: another important thing to consider is the size of the garden gnome. These statues vary from a few inches to a few feet in height and it is usually easy to match them with your outdoor space. For most gardens, a medium-size garden gnome might be the perfect option, while for larger spaces you could opt for a set of gnomes.
  • Theme: garden gnomes are manufactured to match various themes. They can be adorable, naughty, humorous, classic, and so on. The choice will most likely make a statement about your personality while the gnome will create either a traditional or original space.
  • Setting: the layout of your landscape is also important when choosing a garden gnome. You can place the garden gnome under a tree or a bush, next to a garden pond or on the edge of a flower bed. Use your imagination to match the design of the gnome with your environment.
  • Features: some garden gnomes have interesting features, such as solar charging lights, motion detectors, bird feeders, and more. Consider these feature before investing in a garden gnome and make sure you pick the right model for you.

Best 5 Garden Gnomes For An Original Garden

1. Mischievous Cat Massacre Garden Gnome Statue

GARDEN GNOME STATUE - Cat massacre

If you love garden gnomes but hate traditional designs, the Mischievous Cat Massacre Garden Gnome Statue is certainly a statue to consider. This decorative element is far from being a boring artwork and will easily become the centerpiece of your yard.This garden gnome statue is handcrafted and made of lightweight resin material. Despite its weight, the statue is durable and coated with a weather-resistant varnish that keeps the colors bright for a long time.Regarding its size, the statue is defined as big enough to be noticed but small enough to fit on a bookshelf. In detail, the statue measures 9.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches and it is perfect to be used as a centerpiece in a flower bed or decoration between the veggies in your garden.The statue features four garden gnomes caught by a mischievous cat and it is perfect either as a garden decoration or as a gift for a garden gnome lover.

Check Price on Amazon

Things We Liked

  • Design: this garden gnome statue is designed as an attractive and funny interpretation of the traditional garden gnomes. The mischievous cat has an adorable look while the gnomes represent an original addition.
  • Colors: the bright colors used for both the cat and the gnomes are coated with a weather-resistant transparent varnish and are guaranteed to last in time.
  • Quality: the statue is made of durable resin which is lightweight and that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
  • Original: this interpretation of the garden gnome statues is original and will certainly make a statement in your garden.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The statue is rather small and might be hard to see if placed between lush vegetation.

2. BigMouth Inc The Great Garden Gnome Massacre

Things We Liked

  • Hilarious: this garden statue is great to match with a non-conformist garden. It offers an unusual garden gnome perspective and is simply hilarious.
  • Size: the statue is 9 inches tall, the perfect size to stand out in a small garden or even on a bookshelf.
  • Material: made of durable cast polyresin, this statue is designed to withstand the weather elements and maintain its beauty in time.
  • Colors: the statue is characterized by a bold choice of bright colors. Moreover, the varnish used is specific for the outdoors.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Because the product is hand painted, sometimes the paint might be sloppy.

3. BigMouth Inc “Game of Gnomes” Garden Gnome Statue

BigMouth Inc Game of Gnomes

If you are a fan of the “Game of Thrones”, then you might appreciate this “Game of Gnomes” statue designed to bring a touch of fun to any outdoor environment. This garden statue is perfect to be placed anywhere in your yard or vegetable garden.Moreover, thanks to its dimension, the statue is also perfect to be placed in a flower pot or used as a centerpiece in a flower bed or raised garden.The statue is made of ceramic and manufactured to withstand the weather elements. Regarding its dimensions, the statue is approximately 9,5 inches tall and it fits well indoors as well, in a patio or on a bookshelf.Regarding the manufacturing process, this gnome statue is hand painted in weatherproof colors that will maintain their brightness in time.

Check Price on Amazon

Things We Liked

  • Material: this garden statue is made of ceramic, which is a more stylish alternative to cast polyresin. It looks better and it has a greater durability.
  • Hilarious: this garden gnome is determined to look after your garden and help your plants grow. The look on the gnome’s face tells us so.
  • Colors: the colors are really bright and they are weatherproof. You’ll not have to worry about them fading away in time.
  • Size: the statue has the right size to fit in almost any environment. It is perfect for your garden or as a gift for a gnome lover.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The statue is very lightweight and the wind can easily blow it off.

4. Design Toscano Loonie Moonie Bare Buttocks Garden Gnome Statue

Design Toscano Loonie Moonie Bare Buttocks Garden Gnome Statue

If you’re looking for the perfect funny gift for a gnome lover, look no further. This naughty garden gnome by Design Toscano is guaranteed to bring a smile on everyone’s face.The garden gnome is made of real crushed stone bonded with durable designer resin. The hand-cast manufacturing guarantees the uniqueness of every piece, while each statue is hand painted with high-quality weatherproof paint.The gnome is perfect to be exposed either on your lawn, in the garden, or even indoors, according to your needs. Regardless of the location, this garden gnome will give a touch of originality to the environment.Easy to match with a wide variety of indoor or outdoor spaces, the garden gnome is also available in two different sizes. For the indoors or for small gardens, it is recommended the medium version which measures 7,5x6x8 inches and weighs 1 pound. For a larger garden or yard, it is also available a version measuring 12x9x12 inches and that weighs 4 pounds.

Check Price on Amazon

Things We Liked

  • Design: this is one of the funniest and naughtiest garden gnomes on the market. The look on the gnome’s face is truly priceless.
  • The perfect gift: this Design Toscano gnome is a perfect gift for any gnome lover. It can find its place both indoors and outdoors.
  • Quality: this statue is made of hand-cast crushed stone bonded with durable designer resin and it is crafted to withstand all weathers.
  • Paint: the colors used to paint this gnome are bright and UV resistant. They will not fade in time.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Compared to other garden gnomes, this one is quite expensive for its size.

5. Gifts & Decor Slumbering Gnome Garden Statue

Gifts & Decor Slumbering Gnome Garden Statue

If the creative options proposed above are just too much for your taste, then you could consider this adorable sleeping garden gnome by Gifts & Décor. This beautiful statue is made of polyresin and it represents a perfect gift for the gnome lovers.The gnome sleeping in his hammock after a hard day of work is perfect to mix and match with other garden gnome statues to create original compositions, or it can be simply used on its own as a centerpiece or decoration.The statue is resistant to all weathers and painted in UV resistant colors. The dimensions, on the other hand, are great for multiple uses. In detail, the statue measures 12x5x10 inches.Regarding the use, this garden gnome is perfect for all gardens but also great to decorate the yard of a nursery. Kids will certainly love this cute gnome.

Check Price on Amazon

Things We Liked

  • Durable: this garden gnome is made of polyresin and it is weather resistant. The statue won’t break easily and will maintain its beauty in time.
  • Theme: the sleeping gnome theme is adorable and suitable for literally all environments. Kids will certainly love this statue.
  • Size: the perfect gift for any gnome lover, the statue is perfect to be placed either in the garden or indoors on a bookshelf.
  • Colors: the colors of this statue are not only bright, they also match perfectly in a splendid harmony, creating a beautiful effect.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The Paint Fades away quite easily if exposed to constant sunlight.

Conclusion & Final Pick

It is clear that choosing a garden gnome is a matter of taste and personal preference, but in my opinion, the cutest and most creative garden gnome statue is the Mischievous Cat Massacre Garden Gnome.

This statue is original while the can and the four gnomes are simply adorable. Moreover, the statue represents a wonderful alternative to a traditional garden gnome and it is suitable for all gnome lovers with a witty sense of humor.

The statue is made of lightweight resin and is handcrafted. Moreover, it has just the right dimension to fit in a wide range of outdoor and indoor spaces.

Regardless of where you wish to position it, this garden gnome statue is perfect also as a gift, either for a special someone or even for yourself!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *