Last year I did a series of handmade gift ideas near the Christmas season (links below!). Most of them were perfect for the colder weather. But this year I wanted to do a post on store bought items that are either on my wish list or ones I already love in my home. These items are for anyone who loves and cares for their home, no matter your age, current status, or living place. Be warned: a lot of links follow!

Books

I have always loved real books in my hands as I go about my daily tasks. I can refer to them at any time as well as enjoy the photos within. Here is a list for those on your list or to add to your own wish list this Christmas:

• Heirloom Wood– for those wanting to craft wooden items with their hands
• Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties– a book about building your own log structures (my 11 year old is very interested in this realm)
• Weaving for Little Looms– self explanatory, back to the old hand crafts
• The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving– tried and true!
• Mrs. Bradley’s Housekeeper’s Guide– who can resist this historic reproduction of an early 1900s homemaker’s guidebook
• Healing Herbal Infusions– I used this book a ton this fall and have checked it out numerous times from our library system as I made salves, balms, and oils.
• The Forager’s Almanac– a helpful guide if you enjoy getting out in nature, finding herbs and edibles all over the place
• Rabbit Ranching– a meat rabbit raiser’s book of crucial information
• Chronicles of Avonlea– a favorite of mine, I have this on a list to gift to an elderly friend
• Homesteading Frenzy- sourdough, cheesemaking, home and family, beekeeping and herbal

Kitchen

A ‘from scratch’ cook or homemaker always has some fun new items they may want for their kitchen. And as I recently told a friend, I do not run a minimalist kitchen.

• Silicone Hamburger Mold– how neat is this? You could use any ground meat (or a mixture) along with added sauces and spices to quickly form your families’ burger night treat.
• Large Bags for the car- when shopping, out and about, or prepared for winter, these large heavy duty bags are perfect for your car- you will be organized and it will look nice! Win win!
• Pot dripper for cheesemaking– this guy is fun! Makes hanging your cheese to drain a cinch as well as cute!
• Gourmet pasta machine– this is a Kitchen Aid attachment and comes with several pasta shapes, making one more homemade item a breeze in the kitchen.
• Lodge Cast Iron loaf pan– ok, Lodge is the only cast iron I will buy. It is always a wonderful workhorse and seasons beautifully. These loaf pans would make an amazing gift- add your favorite spice mix or recipe card and voila- lovely Christmas gift.
• Jar labels– for your favorite canner, these 2″ labels fit regular jar lids perfectly
• Silicone donut molds– seasonal donuts anyone? Yes, please!
• Dye Free sprinkles– make those cookies cute and fun with these artificial dye-free sprinkles
• Kiddo apron– this is too sweet for the little cook in your life!
• Spurdle Spoon Set– I love wooden spoons and these are lovely!

Handmade

I love to support small businesses, especially those I know! And gift giving to others becomes that much more personal with handmade goodness.

• Soaps- look for a spot in your area that sells locally handmade soaps!
• Egg holder– these wooden beauties are special on anyones kitchen counter
• Art Work– hand painted, drawn, or sketched. Lovely.
• Herb Stripper– this looks like so much help in my kitchen- I have never had one to know. But they’re pretty!
• LeatherWare– I love the idea of leather work. Bags, belts, moccasins…
• Dolls– whether a pattern or a ready made doll, you will make any little girls’ day.
• Paper– make it yourself or order some, this stuff is eye candy for your favorite artist

Garden

Yes, it is always time to be planning a garden. Winter is the time of rest and preparation. Here are some goodies for your list or your sweet gardeners list.

• Bird Netting– this can be helpful for fruit bushes or for detering predator birds
• Raised beds– these can be made or purchased, new or used. Here are two large ones I am looking at myself!
• Landscape fabric– if your stage of life means little to no weeding, look at this stuff
• Blueberry picker– this little guy can be used for berries or herbs/flowers. It would make picking in larger quantities a breeze.
• Seeds– where shall I begin…..
• Japanese Beetle Traps– for those pesky destroyers of roses, potatoes, and berry bushes…
• Carpenter bee traps– again… pesky pests be ware!
• Gardener’s paper– another option for weed free gardening
• Hole-in weed fabric– perfect for strawberries!

Kids

When it comes to kids, we can often go overboard with giving. First, I would humbly suggest that you involve your kids in your own Christmas shopping/making. They love to give! Secondly, consider to whom you will be giving and their home situation, favorite hobbies, and age. Here are a few fun suggestions:

• Memberships- are there any historic sites, museums, etc that you can gift them?
• Magazine subscriptions- a gift that keeps on giving
• Field Guides– here is an example, but there are many out there- find the right one for the age of your recipient!
• Loom– you can find many different types of looms out there. Here is a stand alone loom…
• Pot Holder Loom– many ages can make this an excellent winter project, XL Loom for 10″ loops
• Pot Holder Loom refill– note these are the 10″ loops
• Adventures in Odyssey– our family love these audio theater episodes. This is a larger collection, but there are many budget friendly choices out there.
• Sleepwear– one thing kids seem to outgrow quickly- here is a sweet nightgown for the girl in your life…
• Sleepwear– boy option, classic style
• Risk card game– this one looks like a winner for my sons
• Ticket to Ride– an excellent family game with the option of adding on to it in many city games (sold separately)
• Camping gear
• Luggage
• Leather kit– an awesome handicraft idea
• Sewing kit– there are lots of sewing kit options out there- here is one
• Nature wall art– this handmade site is beautiful!
• Books- stick with classics, age appropriate of course- they are classics for a reason

Last years’ Posts

• Handmade- hand warmers, embellished gloves, ornaments, pot holders, infused vinegar spray, beeswax wraps

Are you getting excited for Christmas? I hope this list helps you to enjoy making and shopping for your loved ones this year. Let me know what you find! Share with your shopping, making loved ones!

Happy Christmas!