Wondering what to gift your favorite homesteaders or hobby farmers for the holidays? Check out these top 10 gift ideas any back-to-the-lander will love.
These days nearly everyone has at least one homesteader or hobby farmer on their holiday gift list. In truth, this minimalistic crowd can be tough to buy for...which may tempt you to default to the same old bottle of wine, pair of cute gardening gloves, or a generic gift card. However, with a little curiosity and research you can find them a gift that will make their farm chores easier while enhancing their rural lifestyle.
Here are 10 ideas (nearly) every hobby farmer or homesteader will adore.
#1: Roo Gardening Apron
These genius gardening aprons have a big pouch in the front that you can fill with vegetables, weeds, dead heads, etc. that empty with just the pull of a string. They also boast numerous pockets for storing gardening tools, twine, your phone, etc.
The “Roo” is the large size and ideal for serious gardeners/hobby farmers, and the “Joey” is a half-size better suited for smaller gardens or urban farming.
#2: Egg Baskets
You’ve heard the expression, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”...that’s because you usually need more than one basket to collect all your farm-fresh eggs!
Wire egg baskets are ideal for anyone raising laying birds, they last forever, and are more sanitary than reusing egg cartons. You can find dozens of different types at your local feed or tractor store or online. This two-tiered option is a great one for hobby farmers with more than a few chickens.
#3: Seed Gift Cards
Photo credit: Territorial Seed Company
You can’t have a proper hobby farm or homestead without high-quality seeds. And most serious gardeners/farmers start ordering seeds in the winter for best selection. Help them get a jump start by giving a gift card to their favorite seed store.
Not sure where to start or don’t want to spoil the surprise by asking? Get advice on the best seed companies in the South in: The Top 6 Seed Companies to Order Organic, Heirloom, and Hybrid Seeds and How A Soil Scientist Creates A Low Maintenance Garden In The South.
#4: An Electric or Manual Grain Grinder
Many gardeners, farmers and health enthusiasts enjoy freshly ground grain (either homegrown or store bought) because it retains more of its essential nutrients, is fresher and it tastes better.
Grain grinders are available in convenient electrical or manual versions for the off-grid enthusiast. Wondermill makes top-rated electrical and manual grain grinders.
#5: Homesteading Magazine Subscriptions
Sure, we can all look stuff up online for free. But a monthly magazine in the mailbox gives the busy homesteader a chance to sit down, relax a while, and enjoy an educational read.
Some favorites include:
#6: A Home Massager
Homesteading and being self-reliant is extremely rewarding...but it’s also hard physical work. A nice electric massager can be a life-saver after a long day gardening, tending animals, building, preserving food, etc. The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is great because it’s small, feels great on your back and calves and there’s even a cordless version for the car, truck or tractor.
#7: A Trail Cam
Half the fun of country living is spotting various wildlife that runs through your property/woods. A trail cam is an inexpensive and fun way to capture wildlife photos or video day or night. Check out this article from Field and Stream for more information on the different types available.
#8: DIY Kits to Enhance Self-Sufficiency
For most people, homesteading is all about improving self-reliance by enhancing DIY and survival skills. Thus, DIY kits and equipment are sure to please the established and aspiring self-sufficient.
Here are some ideas:
- A butter making kit
- A cheese-making kit
- A fermentation kit
- A beer or wine-making kit
- A flint-knapping kit (fire starting)
- A sourdough starter kit
- A beeswax candle-making kit
Roots and Harvest and Cultures for Health offer a great selection of DIY culinary kits.
#9: Really Good Work Gloves
Finding work gloves that will last for more than one season is harder than you think. A couple favorites among farmers and ranchers for durability are American-Made Sullivan Glove and Vermont Glove. Yes, they’re a bit of a splurge but they really last!
#10: Books to Enhance their Rural Lifestyle
Since most homesteaders already have the classics, here are some newer books to consider adding to their library (or you can send them a gift card with this list!):
- The Backyard Homestead edited by Carlene Madigan
- The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Animals edited by Gail Damirow
- 40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead by David Toht
- The Nourished Kitchen by Jennifer McGruther
- The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach by Ben Falk
- Beekeeping for Beginners by Amber Bradshaw
- The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier
- Southeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Angelica to Wild Plums by Chris Bennett
- The Essential Guide to Cultivating Mushrooms by Steven Russel
- What’s Wrong With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?) by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth
- The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables: Canning, pickling, fermenting, dehydrating and freezing your favorite fresh produce by Angi Schneider (this book not only describes how to preserve foods but also includes yummy recipes)
- The Woodland Homestead (for those living on wooded acreage or with forested land)
- Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way by Lars Mytting
- The Homesteaders Herbal Companion by Amy K. Fewell
Happy gifting!
