Farmer Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

Okay, okay. Christmas is here. I love this time of year, but truth be told, a lot of the magic comes from having your peas in a pod way before Christmas Eve rolls around. I like to have everything wrapped up (pun intended) so I can really enjoy that glass of sparkling while everyone is stressing about the food. Although this year, I’m prepping one of our Mangalitsa hams, so I guess I might as well surrender now.

 

So, about these Christmas ideas. Holiday shopping stresses me out. I really just want to package up okra and radish seeds and hand those out, but that’s not standard practice, I suppose, and also, my husband isn’t on board. He’s on that tip where he think that everyone deserves a Toblerone for the holidays, or it isn’t any fun at all. Which is crazy, because while I do enjoy chocolate here and there, I don’t know if I can get behind giving it out when it’s not something that anyone really needs, right? I can do M&Ms, but Toblerone is a big one (SPOILER ALERT: I say as I load nine of them into my cart to give to teachers).

To the point—I really do try and give out gifts that can really be used. For the farmer female in your life, she’d probably got a pretty specific list of demands—of things she actually needs. For me, I’m really hoping for some lightweight Handy Ma’am Goods coveralls (‘cause you know I have the heavyweight already in my closet) and some wool socks—the old man kind, with the wool and the neon red band. So if you need a little help, here’s a farmer gift guide for her:

1. Coveralls from Handy Ma’am Goods. Made in USA, they are unbelievably comfortable—for coveralls. They are not only durable and incredibly well-made, but also form fitting and flattering, which is more than I can say for any other pair I’ve tried. They’re on the pricier side, but I promise it’s worth the investment.

 

2. Muck Boots. I like these ones from Muck Boot Co., especially their line via XtraTuf. which is ultra-water proof. For the colder weather, I switch it up to either bogs or the Women’s boots from the Muck Boot Artic Ice line.

 

3. Pocket Knife. While not your conventional gift, a really nice pocketknife is a treat. A necessity on the farm and good to have in any emergency, James pocket knives are my favourite. They’re beautiful, low key and indispensable when it comes to working outside. Engraving is an especially nice touch.

 

4. Wellness Journal. It’s hard to remember to take care of yourself sometimes, especially when you’re so busy taking care of everybody else. I like this one by Daily Greatness. Hint, hint, husband, ‘cause I need a new one. This journal is an awesome way to reset and reflect at the end of the week—and it’s separate from your regular planner, so I use it in my meditation practice. I take a second in the morning before the kids wake up and sit with this, going over food and exercise for the week.

 

5. Riding Pants. This one applies to riders, but anything by Botori. From fleece riding pants to her PJ riding pants, which include those handy side pockets for your camera or phone, Botori is a brick and mortar shop that puts out some of the best day-to-day riding pants I’ve ever had the pleasure of sporting. I like that I can go from a workout to chores to riding in one swoop. Because getting changed really stresses me out.

 

6. Work gloves/mitts. When it comes to working outside, my hands get mangled. And good work gloves are pricey. The thing is, even when they last, there is nothing like a new pair of fleece lined gloves in your back pocket. I love the fit of the SSG work glove. The inside stays put when you pull your hand out, they’re waterproof enough and they’re cozy.

 

7. Boot Warmers. My husband insisted on these and to be honest, I thought it was a racket. But they’re not. We have two now and they’re incredible when it comes to drying out boots, gloves and whatever else gets soaked in the chore process.

 

8. Enamel cookware. From Le Creuset to Lodge. For farmers producing food, cooking is essential to the practice—especially when you’re promoting the quality of food you’re growing on the farm. I’m really hoping for some Harry Potter Creuset…but I’m a nerd. A simple dutch oven will do–and last for eternity.

 

9. Logo Stamp. If you’re running a farm, especially a smaller start-up farmer, custom-made stamps are a great way to look professional and get your name out there. You can order them on Etsy through any number of vendors or head over to Staples (if you’re in Canada) and have one made up. It helps to have a logo, but if you don’t, Etsy artists have a number of pre-made designs to choose from.

 

10. Headbands (not pictured). Those thick wool ones. For ladies with a lot of hair like myself, my go to is headbands. I like the ones that TimberWool via Etsy makes, because they are stunning and also hold up under duress, making me look pseudo fashionable and like I’ve got my life together.