The ULTIMATE Homesteader's Gift Guide + Homemade Gift Ideas

[@rnptenafly]

If you're giving something edible, get the plate /platter/pie plate /casserole dish etc from a thrift store and the serving vessel is part of the gift. I do this for whenever I'm giving food, even a hostess gift or to a potluck. Put a sticker on the bottom letting them know that you don't expect the dish back, and if they want they can pass it on to someone else or keep it.

[@lcostantino7931]

GREAT idea, THANKS

[@auntiepam5649]

I found an old handgun completion case it was in pretty rough shape but had good bones. I brought it home for $5 bought new wool felt to reline the shelves and drawer I spent time pulling all the old felt out used spray gorilla glue to hold it in place. Then sanded and stained the outside, what a wonderful gift. There was room inside to add a new cleaning case for his pistol. This is one of the best gifts I have ever given and the cost is minimal for the case alone.

[@sandraburke1258]

My Mother and I used the tiny Grapevine we shaped into wreath form and made beautiful Christmas Ornaments some with handmade bows and whatever nature provided it was the most gorgeous Christmas Tree that year. We used the tiny toys from gumball machines the children had gotten on the way out of a store like little teddy bears and sat them on the bottom of the vine with tiny acorns next to it. With nature the skies the limit. Handmade is such a wonderful and original exploration in gift giving--LIKE THE OLD DAYS.

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

We used to have family quiz-type conversations about what each of our loved ones liked…..favorite color, favorite candy, type of book they love to read, fashions and hobbies, etc. It’s a skill to develop learning to note and respect differences in style and taste. I remember a Christmas my little brother gave my sister and I earrings that he went out and chose and bought on his own. He gave me some lovely cameo studs and he gave my sister big hoop earrings! I think he was around 10 or 11, so everyone was so impressed he had nailed his sister’s preferences! 🤎 We ALL knew mama liked chocolate, yellow everything, and pink carnations, Christian fiction books, and fancy slippers. 🤎🤎😂

[@karenmccleary7616]

🎶Brown paper packages tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things 🎶

[@sherrybuckland2416]

Happy to come across this video 2yrs after you posted it and answering a question that's been going through my mind.

[@gailpurcell3209]

I love to use newspaper to wrap gifts. And then add a bit of greenery and pinecones. ❤️

[@catherineasbury4532]

We have two sons. For both of them, the look on their face when they got their first deer and I praised them for feeding thei family is something I will always treasure.

[@jonizabel1952]

That's beautiful! Looking forward to the day when I get to praise my own son for this!

[@thomashubbell8612]

My mother only bought wrapping paper once a decade (really). We had to unwrap (not tear open) gifts, she would iron the paper, and next years tags went over the one from this year ( or you would see the same tag and paper on your gift next year). Rarely saw ribbon on packages and we saw the same smooshed bows year after year.

[@bobbiastle5035]

My grandmother did the same thing. I cannot rip wrapping paper. 😉

[@BiancaH1120]

My kids love rock painting, they paint a bunch of rocks and we put the year and our postcode on the back of them, then go to the parks, beaches, playgrounds, pretty much any public space and hide them, while hunting for other rocks from other kids. When we find rocks, we take a pic and rehide them somewhere new, then share the pics on the facebook page. Its been going on for about 4 years now, the kids love it and gets them out of the house and excited

[@joydeanbeauchamp3101]

If you live off grid and need something to keep children occupied make checker sets by sawing branch rounds and staining them light and dark. Boards can be made on butcher paper, or split and smoothed planks. Once your wood working skills become better pieced wood boards can be made. This can lead to backgammon, go and chess.

[@debbynoah9167]

Talking about rocks I was going through a hard time in my life My mother gave me a rock that she received When see was going through a hard time. There is 2 eyes and a smilie face on it With a saying “Hang in here” I look at that rock and it helps me in my bad times

[@lcostantino7931]

Suggest having all gifts purchased or made by thanksgiving, then the rest of days can be fun.... Baking special items, decorating n visiting with friends..... Enjoy n relax..... We drew names every year with a limit on cost.... For the adults...... Fun for All.....

[@user-hw2ul9qr6o]

Art supplies are a great gift for our family! I often use the 'rule'' something to play, something to wear, something to eat and something to read.

[@dianalittle7323]

Dollar Store trays are the best... I give all of my Adult children a platter of goodies with a new tray every year! And I stock up on the clear Christmas decorated gift bags that are large enough to cover the platers! and tie with a ribbon...

[@buggabee477]

For the homestead gifts that end up being bought, if it’s a gift that is “helpful” on the homestead, it still goes in the right direction. Craft supplies fall into that category, too. Wood burners, carving tools, how-to books, supplies for a newer craft, etc.

[@valeriehufnagle883]

For wrapping, We use gift bags and reuse the same ones from year to year. I have used kitchen towels to wrap kitchen tools.

[@stephaniejoyce6896]

I'm making fairly simple quilts for all 4 of my boys this year, knitted hats for family and friends, a knit shawl for a friend, then we always give gift baskets of home canned goodies, dehydrated foods, homemade cookies and breads. My jams, salsa and pickled veggies are anticipated gifts by all our family and friends every year.

[@judybass4339]

When our kids were young, we used the brown wrapping paper and I carved stamps of Christmas shapes, (candy canes, Christmas trees, etc) out of potatoes. You know, cutting the potato part away from the shapes. They used their water colors to dip them in and I covered the table in plastic and let them go for it.. I wrapped the presents and they chose their stamps. Great memories.

[@gerlindechristina238]

Watching the two of you could be a full time job! thank you for these wonderful ideas, delivered so sweetly. Merry Christmas!

[@suevandenhoek1857]

Our family is small (me, my son and his wife, my daughter, my granddaughter, my grandson and his girlfriend-7 total) so I give them the things in this poem- " Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read." Two things are common; we welcome small, rather inexpensive gifts that we call 'thought gifts' and we enjoy making many of our gifts. No more scrambling, rushing, overspending just to equalize the number and $$$ spent on each person. And no more stockings for anyone. And last but not least, I wish for you and your loved ones to have a Blessed Christmas and a safe, healthy New Year!

[@abundantlyblessedhomestead9951]

I started a no poo system a month ago and love it! Shampoo is 1 tbsp baking soda and I cup water, conditioner is 1 tbsp raw Apple Cider Vinegar and one cup water. Use as normal. The baking soda is basic ph and then the conditioner is acidic...so after your shower your scalp is neutral. Saves a ton of $$$ on shampoo and I don't need to shower every day due to oily hair So I'm saving water! Only need a shower every 4 dayd

[@abidingacreshomestead4925]

I get some plates and mugs from the thrift shops and put my home baked items and cocoa and mulling spice mixes in the mugs for gifts. Congratulations to Tristan on his deer, as a single woman, I am dependent on my Dad to hunt with me as I just can't physically field dress my own deer! (helps that Dad is a butcher by trade lol) Putting small gifts in socks and tying the tops are a cute way to wrap gifts as well. I have always been the "odd-duck" in my family because I choose to live simple but I know that my family members just love the simple gifts I give...thanks for all your ideas

[@stevenssunshinefarm5560]

Love the sock idea!!! Sure makes giving socks a bit more exciting!

[@abidingacreshomestead4925]

@@stevenssunshinefarm5560 haha yes it does

[@GrandmaGingersFarm]

Binge watching to catch up during our Sukkot holiday. Can't believe how much i have missed while doing my own homesteading. All great info. Thanks so much and blessings.

[@WayToVibe]

I use remnants of fabric to wrap gifts. Not only will it help you weed out your sewing fabric stash but it becomes part of the gift. If you don't have a fabric stash to 'shop' from then you can purchase remnant fabric at fabric stores for less than you'd buy wrapping paper. It's common now for my friends and I to give gifts with "wrapping fabric" made out of leftovers from whatever project we had done that year where the person really admired the fabric. Now they can take the fabric home and get a chance to make something fun out of it for future sharing. This idea I think is an especially good way to get kids of all ages and genders into sewing since it literally gives them raw materials to work with. If you throw wrapping parties you and your friends can then swap fun fabrics for wrapping each other's gifts.

[@sth.777]

For Christmas packaging, several years ago I made dozens of reversible cloth bags in various sizes; we just grab the box of bags, choose the size, and done! They are great within the same household, or as a part of the gift.

[@pamedajoch]

I had a dear friend who made cloth gift bags and yarn drawstrings for all the family gifts. they were made in all sizes so they could be used year after year. I still have two of them, one that she actually wove on her loom. We re-use paper gift bags, and my sister used to wrap gifts in the colored comic strip pages from the Sunday paper.

[@abidingacreshomestead4925]

Would love to see a tour of your downstairs and upstairs kitchens, if you are open to it!

[@judybass4339]

And we don't mind if it is not finished completely.. I would like to get some ideas from what you not only have done but the plans you have to get things finished and organized.

[@Kaczyfunny]

I love these ideas here is mine. You can make the wrapping part of the present. As you buy a reusable shopping bag (a nice one), or sew it yourself, then put the others in it. Or a scarf or hat or pullover can be a wrapping etcetera ofcours it is depends on the presents others parts.

[@carlasohn1632]

I love your barrel in the back

[@UghUgh1234]

We have done this with my family for years! We call it “Farmers Market Christmas!” They are all handmade/DIY gifts or food :)

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

And who doesn't love homemade gifts. ❤

[@tional5266]

Great plan! Ever heard of cougar gold cheese from WSU?? It’s fabulous and I try to gift a few cans (like a large tuna can) to people every year

[@edieboudreau9637]

When I give gifts I try to give practical useful gifts for the most part ( for any occasion). Foot scrub in jelly jar with a Dollartree round brush for rubbing it in or a washcloth. Dehydrated strawberry leaves for herbal tea with a mesh strainer for the leaves to steep in. A homemade cocoa mix in a jar with a measuring spoon and directions. Cloth napkins with a personal flatware set for a senior in high school to take to college. Newly engaged couple: mop, bucket, broom, dustpan & brush, dishcloths, dishtowels, matches box & emergency candle pack for less than $10 at Dollartree. Or make them yourself from found items.

[@rachelc.7152]

Yes a Pantry Chat just on books would be wonderful!

[@jenm6836]

OH I am so excited, did you just say you are considering a dairy class? that would be a great gift for my sister who is just starting down the dairy making road. Please do.... Great pantry chat as always.

[@lulamamie8524]

We have a tradition of making homemade English muffins and Almond Roca for family and friends. I also travel 30 minutes from our home every June or July to purchase yummy jam from an Amish family to give along with the English muffins. Additionally I make homemade soap and homemade lotion sticks ❣️ All pure 100% organic ingredients, NO harmful chemicals! Our family and friends look forward to their gifts each year 😇🌱❣️

[@branchandvinesshop]

Oh my goodness!!! I was binge watching your show as I am laid up from some surgery and you started talking about Made On....Renee is my neighbor here and we talk business strategies and product manufacturing all the time!!!! BTW you have inspired me to ferment this season! You two keep talking and teaching! We are moving to N. Idaho next year ourselves.

[@dancnluc1]

Great video! Love the tips for new hunters. I did not grow up around hunters and now I live with a hunter. Last year I helped track a buck in the rain and he showed me the not so fun part but a necessary part on what to do to them. I now am able to help with butchering (when I first moved in - anything dead I stayed away from.) We make our own sausage, deer bologna, and sticks. We have not tried to make our own jerky but would love to learn how to. Love homemade products. I am always telling my daughter just have the grandkids draw me a picture. They are 3 and 5. Such great ideals.

[@Kristian-Benton]

Hand towels make great wrapping “paper”! This year I’m making homemade vanilla extract for everyone, last year I made balsam fir scented soap and some wine! Homemade gifting is fantastic, and really simplifies gift giving (especially for really big families)! 💕

[@Meg_Coons]

Diy hand warmers with rice are nice too ❤️

[@tional5266]

Speaking of homemade gift giving, I hope you learned from a Grandma Jeanie how to make homemade corn cob dolls! That was such a sweet idea ❤️ I’d really like to give jars of jalapeño jelly or the like and jars of soup mixes etc , we make jerky and add it to our gift boxes

[@homesteadparadise]

I made a simple handmade coupon book for my daughter in laws one year...it listed..free baby sitter for a night...I'll do dishes for a day...two loads of laundry done for free...etc..I even added an expiration date to it....lol They both love it !!

[@stevenssunshinefarm5560]

We did a homemade Christmas one year and it was the best one we've had! My brother in law built me a cedar chicken coop that you pull around. I still have it, but it is aging and needs some work. Homemade is simply the best!

[@vmorganbogart]

A few homemade/homegrown gifts I thought of. Homegrown garlic braids. Herb wreaths where they can snip off herbs to use. Dried pepper ristras or wreaths. Roasted Garlic in oil. Coupon booklets for services like rides to the store, a home cooked meal, an outing to the park, cleaning out the refrigerator, washing & ironing, etc. These are especially good for older people, whether at home or in a nursing home. I love your channel. I have learned so many things from you. The first video I saw of yours was on preserving eggs by water glassing. I have been hooked ever since. I don’t know how you do everything you do, but you seem to do it with ease & grace. Of course, we all know the camera is not always running & I’m sure there are times when things get really hectic. LOL. Keep the great videos coming. Love & Hugs from Vicki in Ft. Worth, Texas 🇨🇱🇺🇸👍❤️😁

[@joymorris4135]

I thank my grandmother for teaching me how to be thrifty....practical! I have always saved newspapers to wrap presents in and the funnies from Sunday papers are always a big hit! Thank y’all for sharing and teaching, a great gift for us watchers.

[@RobinwoodFarmLLC]

We also have a very simple Christmas for our family. Now we only have two children so it’s a little more simple for us but they each get one good present. This year we are giving them a telescope and a microscope. Which they can both use and they will get a lot of use here in the homestead! And will come in very handy for homeschooling. I really dislike pointless gifts. For birthdays we like to take a trip instead of gifts. It has become a tradition and we love it. And no birthday party to worry about 🤪

[@FarmhouseTeas]

Josh your so funny about the no poo- reminds me of my husband. I think you both would get along great! All of those books are now on my wish list! #fellowbookaddict I've been wrapping gifts in packing paper the last few years. I print out a black and white photo of who the gift is for from the last year to use as a tag. The kids have fun finding thier pictures and save them.

[@esthergomezjimenez9487]

Buenas noches from Spain, love love love your vlogs so very much. So inspirational and educational. So heart warming. You come across as a spiritual well grounded family. Very hard working and still helpful to so many. Many blessings to al your family and grandparents with you love Aguilar family

[@waxingsustainable]

We gave experience gifts for our older kids' birthdays this year. They opted for horse back riding lessons (4 each), and it has blessed us all! I used the brown paper and made gift bags with old ribbons this year for Christmas. They turned out beautifully.

[@cmcgirl757]

This Christmas my family, Mom and Stepdad are doing our 4th gift exchange with these rules; one gift can be store bought any others gifts have to the to be item already in your home your, or you can item change or up date it, or make something new. (Once i turned a t-shirts into a pillow, football cards into a bookmark, painted a wine bottle, received blanket.) Last year I hid my parent's presents around the house and they had to solve the Christmas clues to find their presents. It make for fun morning, with a promise to pay me back this year.😁

[@leahhenshall6072]

Spice set or dried herbs would be a great gift

[@Cidtalk]

Excellent ideas. Last year I sewed 76 scarfs for our big family. I don't really sew, but they were simple and so much fun. This year I've made MANY packets of homemade taco seasoning and made a cute little label to put on them...hopefully everyone loves tacos! haha

[@heidigib01]

I just love your family! I admire your commitment to family and your chosen lifestyle. And I appreciate you sharing knowledge and perspective on you tube.

[@NS-pf2zc]

I was so excited when I saw this video this morning! I love how you simplify Christmas. We've been working toward that as a family and I have to say, the whole family loves removing the pressure and making it more meaningful with less. It's no longer a focus on presents with the kids, but in time spent together. I love it.

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

The more I watch, the more I just love this channel. You have so many great tips and ideas. I make gifts such as cooking and sewing, I also garden and am learning to can. Thank you for all the help.

[@whitepinehomestead]

I love the rock painting kit idea! In my family we have a small "rock garden". We are just starting a new tradition that each Thanksgiving we will paint a rock with what we are thankful for that year and add it to our rock garden. With who put it and the year, to look back on later on in life.

[@stephaniejoyce6896]

I love this idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

When I processed a rooster, last week, I put the bones in a pot and made soup base. Since the vegetables are stored in the root cellar, I thought just having soup base with meat in it would save space. Taking out the base and adding vegetables when you want soup, it would be fresh every time. What do you think?

[@edieboudreau9637]

EcoCentric Homestead great choice.

[@kellygillis8779]

If you’re good at something homemade don’t be afraid to give the same thing slightly different year after year. I always give a different kind of jam with a few baked goods, or some soap I’ve made with crochet facecloth. When you do homemade remember to start early. You usually can’t do home made if you start in December too much pressure. Merry Christmas

[@edieboudreau9637]

Kelly Gillis unless it's for the next year. Lol

[@Pantrychatter]

Useful and practical. It’s what I find valuable about your channel. Thank you!

[@sarajacobs8775]

I thoroughly loved this video!!!! So many great ideas were shared!! Thank you for taking time to do this video. I loved your interaction with each other as well. Too many things to mention, because all of the info was fantastic!

[@Danceologyforlife]

Would you consider doing a video on natural/home with your tips/experiences? I would love to see something like that!

[@nsynergy2313]

Try washing hair with 2-3 Tbs of baking soda reacted with boiling water (add cold water to your liking) and pour it on dry hair only. The best shampoo.

[@Monzon6]

N Synergy how much hot water?

[@cintie45]

Hi like all of your videos as usual What caught my attention is when you said your son went out and did some of the hunting This Time by himself I bet you are really proud of him👍in today's world where we are losing some of this trades the next generation will not have. I'd like to see more kids doing this. I don't have to tell you there are many many single parents raising children these days I'm a grandmother and I'd like to see my grandson's being able to do stuff like this Although I know this is probably not the channel to ask this but do you have any advice for a single parent out there?

[@Bibliobelle_]

Great Pantry Chat!! A video all about your favorite books would be amazing! Thank you and Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@CHepp-ts4mu]

I live in the south, so David the Good, is my go-to!

[@tabicat1975]

Such a GREAT video!!! Covered SO much information and gave me so much inspiration!!!! Thank you both!!!

[@evelynshaw3932]

Awesome ! You can also give away dehydrated spices.

[@MyHeritageHome]

This was an amazing episode and so very helpful. Thank you so very much for sharing your family traditions, ideas for homemade gift giving, and suggestions on other "simple life" gift giving. Loved it and so very inspiring!!! Thank you :)

[@lindagullage3077]

My kids loved to get sock for gifts and now they have taught my grandchildren to love getting and giving socks for gifts.

[@jennifermollet3505]

“FreshTracks” is an Amazon Prime show that allows you to follow a hunter. The main hunter is ethical in his approach and loves life. It’s a great way to peak into hunting without actually going.

[@lindagullage3077]

My sisters small farm sells candles and I have been giving them to my friends for years and they look for their candle at Christmas with joy

[@LacyO86]

thanks for the great ideas. y'all are too sweet! Merry CHRISTmas!

[@davinakoehn2049]

A good kid activity is to use stamps on the brown wrapping paper. Or stencils

[@hvp6218]

That is the cutest pickle barrel in the background.

[@debbiesherrill7228]

You could also wrap your gifts with newspaper, the comics section

[@joanreid2804]

Thank you so much for this wonderful, joy filled video! You really helped to bring the "true" Christmas spirit to my home.

[@kimtanner8711]

mode podge the bottom of a clear glass plate with napkins or a printed paper for the littles.

[@chelseaholcomb1932]

Y'all are Awesome! Happy holidays, I love your chanel so much!

[@scotthansel3490]

Thanks for putting out there the true reason for the season being Christ

[@rosec9486]

You could make wooden ornaments. Wood burning pictures or words and tie a hanging string on them for hanging. You can see drawstring bags to put gifts in and the bag is reusable.

[@rosec9486]

Also you could make homemade gel air fresheners using essential oils.

[@lcostantino7931]

I love giving to children a magazine subscription s.... A gift every month...... As a child I couldn't wait for the next month issue......

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Great idea!

[@a.8774]

I love this ❤️

[@RoseFelton]

Great chat today! One of my problems with gift giving is all my friends and family live in other states. I try to make things that are light weight and won't break in traveling. Lightweight to keep the cost of shipping down as it is getting so expensive to send things anymore. This year I made teas and also put in a tea ball for everyone. Last year it was seasoning blends. Do you have any ideas of what other things I can do for presents that are light weight and won't break? I love your gift wrapping ideas! I will have to do that next year.

[@edieboudreau9637]

Rose Felton essentials boxes: tp, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, bottle of aspirin , bottle of motrin, card for each, toothpicks, favorite small condiment wrapped in socks or a cloth napkin. I did a box 1 year for each of my parents & sisters (+ families) with a small gift for each of nieces & nephews. I sent it to arrive by Thanksgiving. In the box I put a note explaining that this was an "holiday NOT RUN TO THE STORE GIFT BOX FOR the WHOLE FAMILY"! Added a card taped to biggest top item in box. Sent it by slowest mail with enough time to get there easily. At first, everyone seemed upset. But as the holidays wore on I got calls of thank yous for the gift of less stress. I recently found out that the whole family had looked for that to be repeated but no one told me that. Lol

[@RoseFelton]

@@edieboudreau9637 thank you for the great ideas! Merry Christmas!

[@edieboudreau9637]

Rose Felton you're welcome for the gift ideas. Enjoy your holidays as well.

[@ericawaldrop3371]

Homemade gravy mix would be a nice lightweight inexpensive one to try! Sun dried tomatoes would also be great!

[@greatlifemore879]

Hello Carolyn and Josh

[@maureenhargrave3568]

Some friends for their family they go with Want, Need, Wear, Read. The idea is that you only give four gifts to each child: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. As older adults I am part of a group that give gifts that is consumable in a year or an item needed for a craft.

[@stephaniehastie4655]

I’m curious. Hanging the bucks in the barn doesn’t upset the barn animals?

[@twistedtreehomestead904]

Incorporate the reason for the season, awesome, thank you for sharing! God bless y’all!

[@barbaradougherty9481]

Wonderful ideas! Where is the video for the tomato soup please?

[@edieboudreau9637]

If you woodwork small boxes, wooden cups or spoons you've made.

[@nikoreist8441]

I can't find the link to the tomato soup? I have been waiting for the video and i somehow missed it!

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

Would the Milk Cow Kitchen book work with goat milk dairying? PLEASE do a dairy class! I will sign up instantly! Take my money! I have dairy goats and I need to learn more about how to use the fresh milk up!

[@MFV77]

8:16 topic begins

[@dumbbunnie123]

The idea behind the rock painting,is to hide them for people to find to just put a smile on their face.

[@constancehood4272]

I watched your video on freeze drying. Myself as an adult, I would love getting food that is freeze dried. I can’t afford the machine.

[@Biteofheaven280]

How do you make the beeswax covers?

[@shellicameron408]

Do you make Bone broth soup from Venison Bones ??? or the Two Bucks

[@williamledford4435]

Could you add a link for the Made On? site for the lotion bars please?

[@dianalittle7323]

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR ROLLS OF BROWN PAPER WRAP ???

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

Love pantry chat! Some of our staff at the hospital watch your vlogs (when we can😁) and love the great ideas you share. This is what Xmas is all about! I believe there is so much pressure this time of year and unfortunately we fall into a commercialized Xmas which I am guilty of. You guys are truly inspiring, thank you!❤

[@thecatxx]

all my christmas gifts this year are homemade jam and jelly

[@Cidtalk]

NO-Poo or Gravy...love it! hahaha