Awhile back on Facebook, I asked the question: “What do you think would be good stocking stuffers for homesteaders? What would you want?” The response was overwhelming and greatly varied! I went through and compiled all of them to help you find that perfect gift for the homesteader in your life…or to send to your family members to give them gift ideas for YOU!
Below are some suggestions made by those who commented on Facebook as well as some of my own ideas for the perfect gift for the homesteader:
- Apple corer, slicer, peeler – My mother in law got one from Amazon and it lasted us three years before it started to give us problems. We ended up ordering a new one that was cast iron and more heavy duty. We use the peels and cores to make our own apple cider vinegar!
- Honing stones – Having a sharp blade is one of the most important things to maintain when homesteading. You use your knife in so many ways, it would be quite an undertaking to count them all! If you get the right kit to start with, you should be set for life and not need to get anything else (other than more oil).
- Multi-Blade sharpening tool – There are several of these out there but the one we use is very inexpensive and does great when out in the field for a quick sharpen. It won’t replace the regular care you should do with a honing stone but they are very handy to have when out hiking, camping, or hunting.
- Duct Tape
- Hand and Foot Warmers
- Wool Socks
- Canning lids and bands – Anyone who cans at home knows you can simply never have enough lids and the lid and band combo set is always appreciated! They are also very inexpensive, just a few bucks per dozen!
- Kitchen towels – Because you can never have enough!
- Flashlights – These ones are inexpensive but heavy and take a serious beating. We have about 8-10 of them (for the price, why not?)
- Garden Tools
- Canning Labels – The dissolvable labels are the most sought after ones for canners!
Here are some larger presents that won’t break the bank:
- Fermenting Weights/Tools – Just this year, I learned to make sauerkraut for the first time and it turned out wonderfully! I was able to use these fermentation weights and tools from Masontops which made it easier and increase my chance of success! I highly recommend them. They are a mom-and-pop business and reasonably priced, especially considering how often you will use them!
- Water bath canner – This is a HUGE gift for less than $20 on Amazon that will continue to give year after year. You can also get one that comes with the canning utensil set for less than $30.
- Canning utensil set – It never, ever hurts to have a second set of canning utensils on hand. When you are staring down 30 pounds of carrots that need to be canned, it is really nice to have the second set for whoever is helping you. Plus, it always pays to be prepared in case something goes wrong mid-canning session.
- Military can opener (P-51 Model) – Extremely inexpensive, small, and versatile, these are a must have for times when the electric one goes out or the regular manual can opener breaks. Mush safer than trying to use a knife!
- Hand crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio (Solar powered, too!) – These sweet multi purpose radios have so many functions and still fit in the palm of your hand! The battery will charge from the sun, using the hand crank, and of course AA batteries. There is a bright LED flashlight on them and will pick up the weather band frequency along with standards Am and FM stations. We have gotten several of them of the last few years and use them every single time we go camping. And yes, they will fit in a stocking. 😉
Spoiled Rotten Gift Ideas for the Homesteader
- Pressure canner – A pressure canner can be a more spendy item but it’s a gift that is a true investment. Pressure canners can last for decades with simple maintenance. I recommend this one (it’s the same one I have used since day one and I LOVE IT) for both beginners and veterans alike.
- Vacuum sealer – I could not imagine how much my life would change if I no longer had my vacuum sealer. It enables me to buy meat only twice a year, saves me lots of money, and cuts waste. The one we use, a FoodSaver, has served us very well for 4 years now and is going strong! I have learned a lot of tips and tricks for using a vacuum sealer in that time, too.
- Dehydrator – There are numerous dehydrators out there that are priced all over the board. Some recommendations I would give would be on the lower end (while still getting a good product), the Nesco Snackmaster Pro ($65ish). In the middle range, I would recommend the Excalibur 5 Tray model ($110ish).
- In the “Holy Smokes You Are Spoiled ROTTEN” category, I would recommend the one we bought (we saved for months! WORTH IT). We use it year round for everything from jerky to fruit and vegetable slices to fruit leather and beyond. The Excalibur 9 Tray model (around $225 on sale) that has the timer feature and all the weight that Excalibur’s name brings with it. It is the Cadillac of dehydrators in my opinion. We have had it almost 3 years now without issue.
- Grain Mill – There is no mill better rated out there than the Wondermill. Hands down. This is another spoiled rotten present!