The holiday season is here! Carols fill the air, yummy smells fill the kitchen, and twinkly lights are everywhere. As we set aside this time to reflect on the birth of Christ and enjoy being with our family and friends, many of us also like to give gifts. For me, they are small expressions of love and appreciation, and I try to find something that’s “just right” for the recipient.
And so, I’ve put together a list of things that I think would be “just right” for the homesteader — or homesteader wanna-be — in your life. Some are things I have and love, others are items that I would put on my personal wishlist. Some are farm related, some are food related, and a few are just all-around useful. Some are very affordable, and some are more high-budget items that would make a good group gift. But all are things that I think any homesteader would like to find under the tree!
For the Farmer
Muck Boots. Working in the barnyard sometimes means lots of mud and muck. These Muck Boots will keep your favorite homesteader’s feet warm and dry.
Wool Socks. How about some wool socks? I like these from Carhartt, available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
A Farm Coat. Speaking of Carhartt — their famed coats are well worth the money. I purchased one this year and I love it. After some research, I chose, and would recommend, the Sandstone style. You can find men’s sizes here and women’s sizes here.
Headlamp. Something else I’ve found very useful! I used to think they were rather silly things. After all, isn’t that what a flashlight is for? But then we moved some things around in the barn and put a free-standing hay rack outside under the lean-to. As it started getting dark earlier and earlier, I realized it’s not easy to carry five flakes of hay and a flashlight at the same time and finally found out how useful a headlamp is. Mine is similar to this one.
Rechargeable LED Spotlight. If you think a good, bright flashlight would serve your homesteader better, we love this rechargeable LED spotlight from Stanley.
Pocket Knife. Every farmer needs a good pocket knife for things like cutting hay bale strings and opening feed bags when the pull string knots up. Case has always been my family’s preferred brand, and I like this double-blade folding pen knife — it’s small but mighty!
Diffuser. Lastly, who wouldn’t appreciate something to help them get moving on those early mornings, and then relax after a hard day’s work? Try this pretty diffuser and this set of 6 essential oil synergies, which contains blends for energy and relaxation.
For the Bookshelf
A well-stocked homesteading library is a great thing! Here are some of my favorites — and some that I haven’t read but which come highly recommended by those I trust.
The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen
The Self- Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour
Storey’s Basic Country Skills by John and Martha Storey
The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals by Gail Damerow
The Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable by Juliette de Baïracli Levy
The Accessible Pet, Equine and Livestock Herbal by Katherine A Drovdahl
Natural Horse Care, Natural Sheep Care, and/or Natural Goat Care by Pat Colby
Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats by Jerry Belanger
The Family Cow by Dirk Van Loon
Keeping a Family Cow by Joann S. Grohman
Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow
The Chicken Encyclopedia: An Illustrated Reference by Gail Damerow
From Scratch: Traditional, Whole-foods Dishes for Easy, Everyday Meals by Shaye Elliot
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig
Home Cheese Making by Ricki Carroll
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermenting Foods by Wardeh Harmon (of course!)
And a few magazine subscription ideas — happy mail is the best!
Countryside Magazine
Urban Farm
Hobby Farms
Mother Earth News
For the Real-Food Farm Kitchen
The kitchen — the heart of the home. There are lots of tools to make things just a little easier on whoever’s got KP duty, make nourishing food for the family or to help preserve the bounty of harvest.
Stainless Steel Pot. Every kitchen needs at least one good stainless steel stock pot — they have so many uses! This one looks like a great choice.
Slow Cooker. A slow cooker is another item I wouldn’t want my kitchen to be without, and I think this programmable one would be really convenient
Cast Iron Skillet. I love cooking with cast-iron skillets! We’ve collected our Griswold and Weaver skillets from local auctions and flea markets, but I know many people recommend this Lodge one.
Dehydrator. Drying food is a great way to preserve the garden harvest. This Nesco dehydrator is an affordable and serviceable option, and on the other end of the budget spectrum, the Excalibur dehydrator is one of the best.
Pickling Crock. For your friend who lacto-ferments, this Pickling Crock or these airlock caps would make great gifts!
Yogurt Maker. Homemade yogurt, yum! This yogurt maker is wonderful for keeping yogurt at the correct temperature while it cultures (of course, that Excalibur dehydrator can also be used for this!)
Vitamix. And my number one kitchen wishlist item — a Vitamix!
Kits, Cultures, and Starters
There are all sorts of cool things a person can make and grow in their kitchen, but sometimes finding a starting point and learning how to do it all can seem overwhelming. Thankfully there are lots of DIY kits available to help! Any of these would make a great gift option, and the best part is, the recipient needs only a kitchen — not an entire homestead — to use them!
Mushroom Growing Kit. Do you know someone who loves mushrooms? This Mushroom Growing Kit looks fun!
Cheesemaking Kit. Have you heard your homesteading friend say they’d like to learn how to make cheese? One or two of these cheesemaking kits could be just what they need!
Kefir Fermenting Kit. How about a Kefir fermenting kit? Here’s a great kit for dairy kefir or a starter kit for water kefir.
Kombucha Kit. And of course, there’s yummy, fizzy, probiotic-rich kombucha! Find various kits, each containing a fresh SCOBY and various other things to get you started, here.
How To. And back up all those supplies with a little how to from GNOWFGLINS.
Tell me, did you find any good ideas on this list? Anything you’d put on your own wishlist? Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!