Thoughtful Gifts for Homesteaders

Finding the right gift for loved ones can sometimes be challenging. Some people are picky, and some seem to have everything they need. For homesteaders, some of the best gifts can be thing that make their daily chores more comfortable, or less hassle.

Here are a few things that I've found to be affordable (or in some cases, expensive but a good investment) and helpful to me as I go about my day.

Wool socks: I know you're probably thinking "itchy". And there are a lot of wool socks on the market that are. However, these socks I have found to be really soft and comfortable, and not itchy at all. Always check the wool content. I won't buy socks that aren't at least 80% merino wool.

Flannel Shirts: I have loved plaid flannel shirts for all of my adult life. I wear these (men's size large, tall) over a t-shirt and leggings (with wool socks, of course) during the wintertime. When I need to go outside to do chores, I can just pull on a pair of work pants and boots and head out.

Railroad hats: While I personally cannot stand to wear a hat, my husband has worn these hats when working outdoors for decades. They aren't much of a fashion statement, but they do protect your ears.

Ariat pull-on boots: I love that these boots are water resistant, slip-resistant, and hug my ankles without needing to stop and re-tie laces all day long.

Duluth henley shirts: I love henley shirts, but I hate waffle weave (they hurt my elbows when I lean on the desk). These are both soft and durable. They are also available in women's plus sizes and men's too.

Goldenrod Fence Stretcher: My husband conisders this the only fence stretcher worth owning.

Channellock Fence Pliers: And the only fence pliers my husband uses (his pair are decades old)

Dove Hand Soap: We wash our hands a lot around here, and if we're not careful, we wind up with dry, scaly, itchy skin. This stuff really helps.

Nail Scrubbers: Because who wants to have dirt under their fingernails?

Egg Baskets: Is three overkill? I don't think so, especially if you have kids helping with chores. Generally, we have one at the coop, one empty in the kitchen waiting to be delivered to the coop, and one on the kitchen counter full of eggs.

American-Made Wooden Clothespins: These are not the cheap, junky clothespins sold in box stores. These clothespins are made for real world use.

Sturdy Plastic Clothespins Made in Italy: If you prefer plastic cloth

espins.

Prima Heat Lamp: Yes, these are expensive. However, so is a barn fire, and if you've been interacting with other homesteaders, farmers or chicken-keepers for very long, you've met someone who has lost their barn or coop to a cheap heat lamp. This lamp has some built-in safety features that help to prevent fires.

I speak from experience when I say that many of these items are things that a homesteader would like to have, but won't buy for themself.