🎁 Farmer/Gardener Gift-Guide

Hi friends, it’s CC. I hope you’re staying cozy these days and finding some joy in the slowness that the winter season brings. I always resent the way the sun sets so early the first few weeks, but then I come to love the healing that being at home brings. Anyways, I wanted to share some gift ideas for the nature-loving/farming/gardening friends in your life - mainly those with green thumbs & a love for the outdoors. I’m a very last minute person when it comes to gifts so to me, you’ve still got plenty of time ;).

Consuming Less This Season

I’ve been super overwhelmed by this cycle of overconsumption that we exist within. And its evermore present around the holidays. I’ve really moved away from gifting an item to someone just to say I got them something, I much prefer to give a voucher to an experience, or an item they’ll truly use. Aside from holiday shopping, in my own home I’ve started asking myself a simple question before making all purchases and it has stopped me from spending money on unnecessary items and cluttering my home. I ask myself: 

Is there something in my home currently that already serves this purpose, or something I could modify to provide me the same result that this item would?

For example, I thought about purchasing an electric tea kettle because I love drinking warm beverages. But, I already have an amazing glass kettle that heats on the stove in the matter of minutes and works perfectly fine. Does an electric kettle keep the water hot for longer? Sure, but I could also just turn the stove back on for 2 minutes should I want a second cup (which is not very often if I’m being honest with myself). So I didn’t buy it. & I’m better off for it :)

Ever since starting this exercise a few months ago, it’s astounding how many items I’ve turned away that I normally would’ve bought on impulse. It’s not only money saved but I have a whole new appreciation for the items I already have in my home. It’s a sweet reminder that I was once overjoyed when I first bought that glass kettle and I’m no longer letting its age blur its purpose. 

Get Us Off The Farm

Experiences are #1 for me. Get your loved ones vouchers to

🧘‍♀️ their favorite yoga studio or fitness class (this is what I’d want hehe)

🧖‍♀️ a relaxing massage/spa day

🥢 a nice meal at a local restaurant

🎭 a live comedy or broadway show

🎨 a creative release like a painting or pottery class

Here are just a few affordable items that I use daily or have been on my own little wish list in the past:

Farmers Defense Protection Arm Sleeves $22

I’m not the best at keeping my skin covered when I’m working outside where the sun is concerned. Although these sleeves are great for that, I mainly use them because my skin gets super sensitive and insanely itchy when I’m working with certain plants - specifically zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes. These keep my skin from coming in direct contact with the spikes on zucchini and cucumber plants and the “tomato tar” that comes from the trichomes of tomato stems. I actually refuse to harvest zucchini or string tomatoes without sleeves on. 

Just pay attention to sizing, I have a pair that are small/medium and I find them a bit tight for my liking. I prefer something a bit looser and may order a large for next season.

Ear Protection $46

Ear protection is so important, and sometimes we farmers find ourselves wearing ear muffs or plugs for hours in the field (or we neglect to because they’re uncomfortable). Whether using heavy equipment like tractors, going to war with the weeds using push mowers and line trimmers, or pounding in metal T-posts, there are plenty of loud noises we need protecting from... I love this pair by Walker because while it cancels loud noises it simultaneously allows you to still hear “safe” sounds like people talking or your crew screaming things at you while you’re on the tractor lol. These are great for all types of jobs and hobbies too, not just farming.

Carharrt Beanie $20 

This doesn’t need much explanation. Absolutely essential for those chilly mornings or long days in the cooler.

Fiskar’s 6” Pruning Snips (Micro-Tip) $22

As someone who harvests a lot of delicate herbs and edible flowers, these little snips are my favorite hand tool that I own. They’re nice and small and light, fit in my hand perfectly and are super easy to carry around. They’re also killer for really precise pruning & harvesting and just so smooth. Any gardener or farmers would adore these.

Victorinox Knife Sheath $14

I like to think that any one who has worked on a veg farm before has used or owns a victorinox serrated knife. Except they come in these little plastic sheaths that aren’t all that reusable and the knives just wind up making holes in your pants, rusting at the bottom of a tool bucket, or lost in the field. This sheath makes all the difference because it has a little clip to keep the knife attached to your pants. I slip this on every day before leaving the house and use it for everything from cutting rope/twine to fixing irrigation, harvesting, pruning, cutting up my snacks (hehe) and anything else that needs a nice slice. These knives look tiny but they’re mighty!

Over-the-Shoulder Harvesting Bucket $50

I just started using the harvest buckets last year and they made a world of a difference for things like sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. It’s just so much easier to have the harvest bucket at waist height and to not be dragging a heavy bin along in the grass. Plus, the job gets done way faster when you’re less fatigued by the constant bending over. 

What’s In My Ears Lately

I’m wishing you all a warm and safe holiday season. Big love!!

Xx, 

Christina 🧑‍🎄

 

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