If you have a homesteader in your life, you know how passionate they are about their lifestyle. Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency, sustainability, and living off the land. So, when it comes to gift-giving, it can be tough to find something that they will love and use.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share some practical and unique gift ideas for homesteaders that they will appreciate.
Understanding homesteaders is the key to finding the perfect gift. Homesteaders are people who have chosen to live a self-sufficient lifestyle by growing their food, raising their animals, and producing their energy.
They tend to prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness in everything they do. They are passionate about their lifestyle and are always looking for ways to improve their homestead. So, when it comes to gift-giving, you should keep these things in mind.
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What Makes a Good Gift for Homesteaders?
Homesteaders are a unique group of people who strive to live a self-sufficient lifestyle. They have a deep appreciation for the natural world and a desire to live in harmony with it.
Since they value self-sufficiency, sustainability, and community, homesteaders often prioritize quality over quantity. They also value hard work and resourcefulness, as these skills are essential for living a self-sufficient lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a gift for a homesteader in your life, consider something that reflects their values. Practical gifts for homesteaders are always a hit. Homesteaders are always in need of tools and equipment to help them maintain their land and animals.
Gardening Tools for Any Homesteader
Homesteaders love to garden, so any gift that helps them tend to their plants is sure to be a winner. Once they have the essentials, here are some gardening tools that will make their job easier:
- Seed Packets: It will only take a little encouragement to get your loved one to share what they want to plant next season. Sometimes with great detail! Take advantage of this and watch their delight when they receive the exact varieties they were eyeing.
- Garden Gloves: Gardening can be tough on the hands, so a good pair of gloves is a must. Something always seems to be happening to my garden gloves, so a new pair is always welcome! Look for gloves that are made from breathable materials and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Garden Kneeler: If they don’t already have one, this will be their favorite gift! So much time in the garden is spent kneeling and crouching! Having a padded place to kneel or sit will make garden tasks far more comfortable.
- Hori Hori Knife: A Hori Hori knife is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, weeding, and cutting. Look for one that is made from high-quality materials and has a comfortable grip.
Preserving Equipment for the Homestead Kitchen
Preserving the harvest is a big part of homesteading, so any gift that helps with food preservation is sure to be appreciated. Here are some ideas:
- Canning Kit: A canning kit is essential for anyone who wants to preserve their harvest. Look for a kit that includes everything needed to get started, including jars, lids, and a canning pot. If your loved one already has the basics, new jars and especially new lids (wide mouth or regular) are always a great option!
- Dehydrator: A dehydrator is a great way to preserve fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Look for one that is easy to use and has adjustable temperature settings. Do they already have a dehydrator? Consider storage bags, oxygen absorbers, or a jerky seasoning mix.
- Fermentation Kit: Fermenting is a great way to preserve food and add beneficial probiotics to your diet. Look for a kit that includes everything needed to get started, including fermentation lids, weights, and a recipe book. Depending on their interests, look at kits for kombucha, pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Gifts for Animal Care
For a homesteader, taking care of their animals is a top priority. Here are some ideas to help your favorite homesteader keep their animals happy and healthy.
Chicken Care
If your homesteader has chickens, a sturdy and well-designed chicken coop is essential. Consider gifting a pre-made coop or building materials (or a gift card to buy them) to help them construct their own. Here are some options to consider:
- Chicken Treats: Small bags of chicken treats like mealworms, scratch grains, or even dried fruits and vegetables can be a practical and fun gift for homesteaders who keep chickens.
- DIY Coop Plans: If your homesteader is handy, consider gifting them with plans for building their own coop. Websites like Backyard Chickens and The Spruce offer free plans and tutorials. This would go great with a gift card to a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Nesting Box Liners: These small liners can be placed in nesting boxes to make cleaning them easier and more hygienic. Any chicken keeper would appreciate these.
- Egg Gathering Apron: This apron has pockets to hold eggs as they’re gathered, making it a practical and fun gift for chicken keepers.
Composting Kits
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Here are a few composting kits that homesteaders are sure to appreciate:
- Kitchen compost bin: This small bin is perfect for collecting food scraps and other compostable materials in your kitchen until you’re ready to compost them. It’s easy to clean and has a lid to keep odors at bay.
- Worm composting kit: Worm composting is a great way to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Don’t forget the worms and thermometer!
- Compost tumbler: A compost tumbler makes it easy to turn your compost and create nutrient-rich soil quickly. It’s perfect for homesteaders who want to create compost on a larger scale.
Homesteading Books
If you want to give a homesteader a gift that they will truly appreciate, consider getting them a book! Books are a great way to learn new skills, get inspiration, and expand your knowledge. Here are some book ideas that any homesteader would love:
Gardening Books
Gardening is a big part of homesteading, and there are plenty of books out there that can help you become a better gardener. Here are a few gardening book ideas:
- The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible by Edward C. Smith: This book is a comprehensive guide to growing vegetables, with tips on everything from soil preparation to pest control.
- The New Organic Grower by Eliot Coleman: This classic book is a must-read for anyone interested in organic gardening. It covers everything from soil fertility to crop rotation.
- The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier: If you’re interested in growing food on a small scale, this book is for you. It’s full of practical tips on how to start a successful market garden, but it’s a great read even if you don’t plan to sell your produce.
Preservation Guides
Preserving food is another important part of homesteading, and there are plenty of books out there that can help you learn how to do it. Here are a few preservation guide book ideas:
- The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving by Judi Kingry and Lauren Devine: This book is a classic guide to canning, pickling, and preserving. It’s full of recipes and tips for preserving all kinds of fruits and vegetables. It even has a section of easy recipes for beginner’s to help you get started!
- Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz: Fermenting food is a great way to preserve it, and this book is a comprehensive guide to the art of fermentation. It covers everything from sauerkraut to sourdough bread.
- The Dehydrator Bible by Jennifer MacKenzie: Dehydrating food is another great way to preserve it, and this book is a great guide to the process. It’s full of recipes and tips for dehydrating all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Chicken Books
Whether they are a beginner or seasoned chicken keeper, a book about our favorite feathered friends will always be appreciated! Here are a few you could consider:
- Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens: This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of chicken care, from selecting breeds to building a coop to keeping your chickens healthy.
- The Chicken Health Handbook: This book is a must-have for any chicken keeper, as it covers common health issues and diseases that can affect chickens, as well as how to prevent and treat them.
- The Joy of Keeping Chickens: This book is a great introduction to chicken keeping, covering everything from selecting breeds to building a coop to caring for your chickens on a daily basis.
You could also consider some quirky, fun books like How to Speak Chicken and For Cluck’s Sake. For little ones, Interrupting Chicken is a hilarious book that quickly became a favorite for my youngest son. He’s going to be thrilled to get the next book in the series for Christmas!
Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, these book ideas are sure to inspire and inform you on your homesteading journey.
DIY Gift Ideas
Looking for a unique and personal gift for the homesteader in your life? Why not try making a DIY gift? Not only are they thoughtful and heartfelt, but they can also save you money. Here are a few DIY projects that any homesteader would love to receive.
Homemade Candles
Candles are a great gift for anyone, but they are especially useful for homesteaders. They can provide light during power outages or add a cozy ambiance to a room. Making your own candles is easy and fun. I recommend getting a kit if it’s your first time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wax (soy, beeswax, or paraffin)
- Wick
- Fragrance oils (optional)
- Candle dye (optional)
- Candle jars or molds
Melt the wax in a double boiler, add fragrance oils and dye if desired, and pour into jars or molds with the wick in place. Let them cool and set, and you’ve got a beautiful and useful gift.
Homemade Soaps
Homemade soaps are a luxurious and practical gift for any homesteader. They can be made with natural ingredients and scents, and can be tailored to specific skin types. Again, if you haven’t done it before, start with a kit to make it easier and enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soap base (melt and pour or cold process)
- Fragrance oils or essential oils
- Soap molds
- Additives such as dried herbs or flowers (optional)
Melt the soap base in a double boiler or follow the instructions for cold process soap making. Add fragrance oils or essential oils and any additives, and pour into molds. Let them cool and set, and you’ve got a lovely and useful gift.
Knitted or Crocheted Items
If you have knitting or crochet skills, why not make a cozy and practical gift for the homesteader in your life? Here are a few ideas:
- Dishcloths
- Hats or scarves
- Mittens or gloves
- Socks
Choose a soft and durable yarn, and get to work! These gifts are not only useful, but they show that you care enough to put time and effort into making something special.
DIY gifts are a great way to show your love and appreciation for the homesteader in your life. Whether you choose to make candles, soaps, or knitted items, they are sure to be appreciated and cherished.
Key Takeaways
- Homesteaders prioritize self-sufficiency, sustainability, and eco-friendliness.
- Practical gifts like tools and equipment are always appreciated.
- Homesteaders are always learning, so books are a fantastic way to go.
- DIY and eco-friendly gifts are also great options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique homesteading gadgets that make great gifts?
Homesteaders love gadgets that make their lives easier and more efficient. Some unique homesteading gadgets that make great gifts include a stirrup hoe for weeding gardens quickly and easily, a roo apron for carrying harvested vegetables, and a solar-powered phone charger for staying connected even in remote areas.
What are some practical and thoughtful gifts for gardeners?
Gardeners always appreciate practical and thoughtful gifts that help them in their work. Some practical and thoughtful gift ideas for gardeners include a high-quality pair of gardening gloves, a set of ergonomic gardening tools, and a subscription to a gardening magazine. You can also consider gifting a gardening book or a seed collection.
What are some creative and sustainable gifts for homesteaders?
Homesteaders often value creativity and sustainability in their gifts. Some creative and sustainable gifts for homesteaders include a DIY cheese-making kit, a set of reusable beeswax food wraps, and an indoor compost bin for turning food waste into garden fertilizer. You can also consider gifting a selection of organic and heirloom seeds.
Great article, Ashley! I’m gonna have to check out the Interrupting Chicken for my grandson.