Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Christmas season is nearly upon us. If you’re hoping to avoid the shopping malls and crowded stores this year, consider giving Christmas gifts from the homestead. Homegrown and handmade gifts are the perfect way to give thoughtful and memorable presents without breaking the bank or stepping foot in a retail store.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about cluttering your friend’s and family’s homes with knick knacks! Gifts from the homestead are edible, usable, consumable, and eco-friendly. Here are some ideas for everyone on your shopping list so you can share the bounty of your homestead this year:
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Canned and Dry Goods
While canning for our own food preservation, we often can a few extra jars of jellies, jams, sauces, and fruit butters that we can give to our families around the holidays. A simple jar of jam will add a homemade touch to a gift basket. Beyond canned goods, dry foods like beans and popcorn make for a fun and tasty treat. If you grew more than one type of drying bean, create a 5-bean soup mix and add a decorative tag with recipe instructions. Or if you raised popcorn, a homegrown movie night gift basket.
Dried Herbs
From spring to fall, our cottage herb garden feels like it doubles in size and we don’t want these fragrant and delicious herbs to go to waste! This is when we pull out our dehydrator and dry rack upon rack of herbs for winter use and we always have extra to share and give. Try concocting your own seasoning blends for roasts, rubs, soups, or even classic Italian seasoning. Alternatively, mix your herbs with salt or infuse in oils for a different variation. Placing them in a cute jar or bottle and then labeling makes for a delicious gift to be enjoyed all year long.
Tea Blends
Similar to herbs, it’s easy to create your own tea blends. If you’re like us, you’ve probably got gobs of mint and lemon balm growing all over the garden. Or maybe you grew holy basil, chamomile, or lavender over the summer. Fill custom tea bags with your herbal garden blend or place loose leaf teas in a decorative tin or container. Fill your friends’ and family’s mugs with soothing tea all winter long.
Seeds
Have friends and family that enjoy gardening too? Consider saving a few extra seeds from some of your special heirloom or unique varieties to share. In past years we’ve shared our rainbow popcorn seed, some unique and prolific yardlong beans, and assorted leafy greens. Winter and the new year are a great time to start dreaming and planning the next season’s garden. So jumpstart your loved one’s scheming. Seeds are a gift that keeps on giving throughout the growing season!
Cheeses
If you have dairy animals on your homestead, consider making cheese or butter from your extra milk and cream. Would make a great addition to a bread or cracker gift basket. Try adding in some herbs or even edible flowers into the cheeses and butters for a unique pop of flavor and color! (Don’t have a dairy cow? You can use milk and butter from the grocery store and still skip the shopping mall!)
Woodcrafts
Are you handy in the homestead workshop? Consider making classic toys , cutting or charcuterie boards, benches, boxes, shelves, or whatever else you think someone on your Christmas shopping list may want or need. Useful and practical gifts will remind the receiver of you and the love you put into your present each time they use the item.
Knitting and other handcrafts
I know many of us homesteaders have some sort of handcraft we enjoy, and who wouldn’t want an excuse to buy more crafting supplies?! Christmas gifts from the homestead very well could be the perfect excuse! 😉 Keep your friends and family cozy throughout the winter season with homemade hats, mittens, blankets, scarves and more. Beyond clothing, cute Christmas tree ornaments, stuffed animals, napkins, or dish rags can grace the home of your relations and be useful and enjoyed around the house.
Soaps, Salves, & Lotions
If your homesteading journey resembles mine at all, you’re probably tried out or developed your own recipes for body care products from lotions, to soaps, salves, scrubs, chapsticks, and more. Give the gift of self-care and pampering with homemade creations to keep skin smooth and chap-free for the cold winter months ahead. Bonus: Grow some loofah gourds to have a homegrown sponge to a spa kit.
Candies and Baked Goods
Can’t go wrong with baked goods! In addition to the classic cookies, try out making some homemade candies, fudge, or barks. Candied nuts are another great and slightly healthier option. Homemade confections will be sure to please the sweet tooth of any of your recipients–young and old.
Honey & Candles
If you happen to have a few hives on your homestead, consider bottling up some of your delicious honey. Take it up a notch by infusing your honey with herbs or fruit for a delightful twist. Use some of the extra combs to make beeswax candles. Grab some wicks and cute jars or a candle mold and you’re on your way to a unique holiday gift to cozy up your friends’ and family’s homes during the dark nights of winter.
Hope this list helps you think creatively how you can bless your loved ones this holiday season with Christmas gifts from your homestead. Homemade and homegrown gifts are thoughtful and not to mention tasty!
