Feature DIY Holiday Gifts
But don’ t let the crafting end there! Pair these handmade items with something useful: tie four coasters together with twine and tuck them into a gift bag with a bottle of local wine. For the candle holders, complete the set with homemade beeswax candles.
Practical Homestead Gifts
Some of the best gifts are those that get used every day. Practical homestead gifts are thoughtful and useful, offering something that lasts and reflects the rural lifestyle.
Here are a few ideas:
• Homemade Soap: Mix lye into hot water – let cool. Add olive oil, coconut oil and mix. Blend with an immersion blender until the mixture thickens. Add essential oils if desired. Pour the soap into molds and let set for at least 24 hours. Remove from molds and cut to the desired size.
• Beeswax Candles: Melt beeswax in a mason jar. Remove from heat and stir in coconut oil. In another jar, glue a wick to the bottom, draping the top over the side. Fill the jar with the melted beeswax and coconut oil, leaving one inch of room at the top. Let the wax harden for about one hour. Trim the wick, then screw on the lid.
• Wool Dryer Balls: Raise sheep? Gift handmade wool dryer balls! Wrap the end of the wool yarn around two fingers. Wrap tightly around a few times. Fold the yarn over, then begin wrapping into a ball( about the size of a baseball). Tuck the excess yarn into the ball.
To keep the theme of practical running throughout, wrap these gifts in brown paper, add a sprig of pine and tie it with twine. Use a marker to write who it’ s to and from on the package.
Local Artisan Spotlight
If cooking or crafting isn’ t your thing, then let someone else do the creating for you. Supporting local artisans not only adds meaning to your gift, but it also gives back to the small businesses that keep the community thriving.
In your area, look for:
• Woodworkers: These folks create beautiful home decor out of reclaimed barn wood. Items such as serving boards, cutting boards and wall hangings make great gifts.
• Glass Blowers:‘ tis the season for glass blown holiday ornaments.
• Beekeepers: Support your local beekeeper and give a jar of pure, local honey.
• Potters: Gift a handmade mug or bowl. Another idea is to shop at your local farmers market or holiday craft fair to find other treasures.
Consider pairing local finds into a gift basket. For example, pair a handcrafted mug with homemade natural tea blends, a cutting board with a jar of your jam or a glass blown holiday ornament with your very own homemade farm-inspired ornaments. There are so many options to choose from.
Give Small, Give Local
Giving small, homemade and local is a great way to keep the handmade tradition of the homestead alive. The best part? These ideas don’ t require a lot of time or money.
Just pick a DIY or local option, wrap it up and put it under the tree. It’ s really that simple.
28 AcreageLife December 2025 AcreageLife. com