Years ago, as I was pulling weeds and breaking up clumps of soil with my hands, an experienced gardener friend of mine was continually admonishing me, "use your tool!"   She had developed rheumatoid arthritis, and knew the value of working ergonomically and safely.  As my joints are now starting to show the strain of garden wear and tear, I wish I'd listened way back then!  The right tool can make all the difference, saving you time, effort, and possibly pain.  Here's a list of great tools I've come to love (a bit belatedly, unfortunately):

Ninja Claw Rake Cultivator:  Ok, this is wat I SHOULD have been using!  My friend had a similar one, and it really did make short work of breaking up soil, digging small holes, and yanking weeds.  When I saw this, I knew I had to have it.  The steel tines are strong and sharp, and the handle is comfortable to hold.                                                                                                                                                             

  CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator:  This one I love    for weeding tight spaces between plants and clearing the cracks in the sidewalk.  I can't abide using  chemical weed killers, so this keeps me (and my pets)  environmentally safe, and really doesn't take much longer than spraying.  I also use it for edging small beds and for making furrows for planting seeds.  You'll find lots of uses for this handy, versatile tool. 

Kuro Hori-Hori Knife:  I feel like Crocodile Dundee when I whip this out of its handy sheath.  Now THAT'S a knife.  I used to use an old steak knife for dividing my perennials, but was forever misplacing it.  I love that I can attach this knife's sheath to my belt--no more wasting time wondering, "where did that go?"  The rust-proof stainless steel blade is much stronger than my old steak knife, and the gel-like rubber inserts on the handle add an extra level of comfort.  The depth markings on the blade and handle make sure my bulbs get planted at the proper depth.  It acts just like a small trowel, so I stick with this when planting annuals, too.

Kew Garden Scissors:  Ok, so I don't use this in the garden.  But if you can be a brown thumb in the kitchen, then that's me!  I have no knife skills, so I LOVE this for chopping all the herbs that I grow.  Soft ergonomic handles and 5 sharp stainless steel blades make quick work of basil, thyme, parsley, or any of your favorite herbs.  A blade cleaner is included--that kind of forward thinking is a sign of a great product.  You can also use it for crafts or shredding documents.

Vinyl Siding Hooks:  I LOVE THESE.  I have all these fun things I wanted to hang, but didn't want to ruin the siding.  These hooks are super simple to install and remove, and hold up to 12 pounds.  I can hang all my cute little garden signs, small planters, holiday decorations, flags, etc., and easily redecorate whenever I wish.  I put one right outside the back door for the dog leashes--so I don't go wondering where those got to anymore, either!  Little things make life so much better!