44+ Useful Gifts for Homesteaders That They’ll Really Appreciate

Do you have a homesteader in your life and have no idea what to gift them this holiday season? Maybe you’re a homesteader and have been asked by friends and family what you want for Christmas, and you don’t know what to say because you feel like you have everything! Well don’t worry – this gift guide for homesteaders has you covered, regardless of the scenario.

If you know a homesteader, you know that they are always looking for ways to be more self-sufficient, and they are always looking for ways to make their life easier. A homesteading lifestyle is no joke!

So, what do you get the homesteader in your life? Well, why not gift them something practical that will help make their life easier or treat them to a little luxury that they might not have thought to get for themselves?

I came up with this list of great gift ideas for homesteaders (and farmers and preppers for that matter) that they’ll really appreciate. This is the ultimate gift guide for homesteaders. These are great not just for Christmas gift ideas but for any time of the year!    

1. A good knife

A good knife is one of the most useful tools on a homestead. It can be used for everything from preparing food to skinning animals. A quality knife will last for years, making it a great gift for any homesteader.

Whether you’re using it to skin a deer, fillet a fish, chop vegetables, or whittle some wood, a good knife can make all the difference. There are a variety of different knives available on the market, so be sure to do your research to find one that will suit their needs. Is your homesteader in question into fishing? Hunting? Woodworking? If they’re into foraging, check out this awesome gift guide I put together for foragers and mushroom hunters!

2. A sturdy pair of rubber boots

A good pair of rubber boots is essential for any homesteader. I go through a pair every year, although I buy the cheap ones. I’d be thrilled to get a good quality pair of rubber boots as a gift! I wear rubber boots more than any other footwear on my property, hands down.

Be sure to choose a boot with thick sides (especially the back – the back by the heel is where it gets cracked from slipping them on and off) and has good traction to avoid slipping and falling.

3. A quality axe

A quality axe is another one of the best gifts for homesteaders in my opinion. Whether it’s for splitting firewood or pounding in wedges to fell a dead tree, homesteaders will use an axe one way or another.

There are two main types of axes: splitting axes and chopping (or felling) axes. A splitting axe has a longer handle and a heavier, wedge-shaped head, which is meant to swing downwards and split wood along the grain. A chopping axe is sharper, lighter and is meant to chop wood into lengths against the grain. What type of axe to get depends on what they will be primarily using it for.

When we take down dead trees on our property for firewood, we use a chainsaw but bring along our chopping axe and wedges to fell the tree. Felling wedges are a perfect accessory to a chopping axe and those two together in a package make the perfect gift for a homesteader!

4. A set of canning jars and extra lids

Canning is a great way to preserve food for later use. One of the most important aspects of homesteading is harvesting and preserving your own food, so you can bet that some nice canning jars and labels would be put to very good use! And who knows – you might end up with something delicious as thanks!

Want to step it up a notch? Throw in a few packs of extra jar lids – you can’t reuse lids, so any home canner will always appreciate having more of them around!

5. A pressure cooker

A pressure cooker is a great way to cook food quickly and easily. Whether you’re cooking beans or stewing meat, a pressure cooker can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

I know it’s been a craze for years already and with good reason, but an Instant Pot covers so many different functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking – you name it!

6. A pressure canner

Remember that a pressure cooker is not the same as a pressure canner. You cannot safely can anything in a pressure cooker. Check out the All American Pressure Canner for the king of all pressure canners, or, for something a little less expensive, check out the Presto pressure canner (I have a Presto and I love mine). If your homesteader in question doesn’t have a pressure canner yet, this will be a game changer and open up so many new things to safely can, including meats and soups!

7. A solar oven

A solar oven is a neat way to cook food without using electricity or gas. Solar ovens rely on the sun’s energy to cook food, making them environmentally friendly and cost effective. They aren’t as effective as a gas or electric cooker, so it’s more of a fun thing than anything.

It’s a great gift idea for homesteaders with kids, because you can teach them how the sun’s energy can be used to heat food and demonstrate with some hot dogs, baked beans, or even a couple eggs on a pan!

8. A water filter

Whether it’s for filtering well water, rainwater or even to take along camping, a water filter goes a long way. There are so many filters out there for so many different purposes! If you plan to get one for the house and the homesteader uses a water softener, make sure the filter is compatible with soft water.

9. A weatherproof camera

Homesteaders are always out and about, whether it’s working in the garden, taking care of animals, taking a hike in the woods, or even out foraging. A weatherproof camera is a great gift for any homesteader who likes to document their adventures without taking their phone everywhere with them.

10. A subscription to a homesteading magazine

This one is a little less common, but consider gifting a year’s subscription to a print homesteading, farming or gardening magazine. It’s something most people probably wouldn’t think of or wouldn’t want to spend extra money on, so giving them a gift of a homesteading magazine subscription, especially a paper magazine, gives them some interesting reading material that they can hang on to for a long time.

11. A durable set of work gloves

So many aspects of homesteading are pretty tough on the hands, so a durable set of work gloves is a must-have for any homesteader. Whether it’s gardening, splitting wood, clearing land, tuning up machinery and much more, a good pair of work gloves will go a long way and be much appreciated by any homesteader.

12. A warm coat that’s easy to throw on

A warm coat is another essential for homesteaders, especially those who live in colder climates. A good coat will keep the homesteader warm during the winter months and can also be used as a blanket in emergencies.

A durable, oversized coat that can be thrown on quickly is extremely helpful to have on hand. Whether it’s a lighter jacket for the fall and spring or whether it’s a warm winter coat, having something not overly fancy that can be worn around the property is essential. I have my “city clothes” that are for, well, wearing in town, but it’s my “grubby clothes” that get the most wear out of them around here.

And here’s a great tip if you’re looking for an inexpensive gift idea: if you know their approximate size, head on over to your local thrift shop and see if you can snag a good quality used coat or jacket at a great price. Believe me – we don’t care whether or not it’s brand new when we’re throwing it on half asleep at 7am to go feed the chickens.

13. A garden hose

A garden hose is an essential tool for any homesteader with a garden (aka ALL OF US). I feel like we can always use another hose to extend the range of our own! Look for good quality garden hoses that are kink resistant and durable in a wide range of temperatures.

14. A food dehydrator

A food dehydrator is a great gift for homesteaders. It allows them to preserve food for later use. Dehydrated foods can be stored for a long time and are easy to pack, making them ideal for camping and hiking trips.

Dehydrators come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will fit the homesteader’s needs. If you are considering a dehydrator as a gift, make sure to get one that can dehydrate meats. Mmm.. deer jerky…

15. A solar charger for their phone or other device

Another practical gift idea for homesteaders is a solar charger. This can be used to charge phones and other small electronics, and it’s a great way to stay connected when there is no power available.

Solar chargers/power banks come in all different sizes and price ranges, so you can find one that fits your budget. Make sure to get a power bank that can be charged by both USB and solar.

16. A rain barrel

One gift that any homesteader is sure to appreciate is a rain barrel. Rain barrels are an efficient way to collect and store rainwater, which can then be used for watering plants or washing clothes, and the water can even be filtered and used for drinking. A rain barrel can also be hooked up to a gutter system, making it an even more efficient way to collect water.

17. A utility sled

For the homesteader who thinks they have everything, make their life so much easier with a utility sled (if they don’t have one already). This is a great gift for someone who needs to haul firewood or other heavy items around in the snow. It’s a lifesaver for us when winter hits and we need to move firewood from the woodpile to the wood chute to heat our house!

If you live in a colder area where you can ice fish, it is practically a necessity to have one of these to help haul all your fishing equipment out on the frozen lake.

18. A cold frame

Another useful gift for homesteaders who like gardening is a cold frame. This is a small greenhouse that helps to protect plants from frost damage. Cold frames can be used to start seedlings early in the spring or to extend the growing season into the fall. If you know a homesteader who loves to garden, this is an excellent gift idea.

19. All kinds of storage solutions

In my opinion, one of the most useful, practical gift ideas for homesteaders is anything to help with storage. I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems that when you live rurally you just naturally accumulate a lot of… stuff.

A good storage container or shelving unit can help to keep things organized and tidy, especially in sheds and garages that can get cluttered very quickly. If you’re not sure what kind of storage solution to get, try asking the homesteader in your life what they need stored the most and go from there. 

20. Chainsaw accessories

What do you get the homesteader who has everything? Chainsaw accessories, of course! A chainsaw is a must-have tool for homesteaders, and there are a variety of accessories that can help maintain it. For example, a chainsaw sharpener is a great way to keep the blades in top condition, while a durable case can help to protect the saw from damage during transport. If you really want to get practical, get them some extra bar or chain oil – you’ll have to make sure to get the right oil, though, so ask the person in advance for that one.

If the homesteader in your life doesn’t already have a chainsaw, consider giving them a gift certificate to a local hardware store.

21. A hookaroon

If you know of a homesteader that loves chainsawing and splits a lot of wood, consider getting them a hookaroon. A hookaroon is a tool used for moving wood, and it’s very helpful for anyone who relies on wood for heating.

The best hookaroons are made of high-quality steel with a comfortable handle, and they can be found at most hardware stores. Homesteaders will appreciate the thoughtfulness of this gift, and they’ll be able to put it to good use.

Best of all, if they hadn’t known about it already, they’ll be so appreciative once they realize how much easier it is to haul wood around using one of these!

22. Thick wool socks

When it comes to gifts for homesteaders, there are few things more useful than a good pair of thick, warm socks. Wool socks are ideal for winter, when homesteaders are spending more time outdoors and need to keep their feet warm and dry. They’re also great for working around the house or in the garden, as they provide cushioned comfort and support. And because they’re made of natural fibers, wool socks are breathable and won’t cause sweaty feet. So if you’re looking for a gift that will be both useful and appreciated, give the homesteader in your life a pair of thick wool socks.

If possible, try and get something locally made so that it is extra special! I know I always prefer giving and receiving local things or small gifts with a nice backstory.

23. Hand warmers

Looking for some easy, practical gifts for homesteaders in your life? If so, look no further than hand warmers! These little devices are perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they can help to keep hands warm and toasty even on the coldest days where gloves don’t seem to be enough. They are very handy for when you’re outside for a long time without moving around much, such as when you’re ice fishing or hunting. Hand warmers make an excellent stocking stuffer or gift for any occasion, and they are sure to be appreciated by any homesteader who receives them.

24. Gardening supplies

If you know a homesteader, then you know someone who is passionate about self-sufficiency and living off the land. Gardening is a fundamental part of homesteading, and homesteaders are always on the lookout for gifts that will make their gardening tasks easier. Here are a few ideas for gifts that any homesteader would be sure to appreciate:

• A handheld tiller or rototiller is a useful tool for any gardener. Tillers can help break up compacted soil, making it easier to plant and cultivate.
• A wheelbarrow is another essential piece of equipment for homesteaders. Wheelbarrows can be used for so many things, including hauling compost and transporting harvested vegetables.
• Seeds are another great gift for homesteaders. Heirloom seeds in particular are prized by many gardeners for their unique genetics and history. Gift them a few packs of heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and peppers and they’ll have a full garden next year with an endless supply of seeds!

25. Homemade preserves

Homemade jam or relish makes wonderful gifts for any occasion. If you have extra fruits or vegetables from your own garden and are into canning, why not share some of your delicious homemade preserves?

Homemade gifts like this are sure to be appreciated by any self-sufficient homesteader, and chances are, you’ll find yourself with some of their own homemade goodies in exchange!

26. A stainless steel table

One useful gift for homesteaders is a stainless steel table. This is perfect for cleaning and processing game since it is so easy to clean, and it’s also great for outdoor cooking and serving food at picnics and potlucks.

Are they into winemaking? We are, and we have a stainless steel table we use in our wine room. I love it because it’s so easy to sanitize and it is sturdy enough to hold a couple heavy 5-gallon carboys! 

Does the homesteader in your life love to fish? Consider getting them a special fish cleaning table. It’s like a regular stainless steel table, but it has raised sides so the slippery fish don’t slide off the table and a drainage hole for easy cleaning.

27. A fish finder

If the homesteader in your life enjoys fishing, consider getting them a fish finder. This device can be mounted on a trolling motor or on the side of a boat and uses sonar to locate schools of fish, so they’ll always know where the best fishing spots are – just tell them to turn off the darn beeping sound!

28. A sewing kit

A sewing kit is a super practical and useful gift you can give to a homesteader. A standard sewing kit typically includes a needle, thread, scissors, and a thimble, but you should spring for one with additional items like buttons, measuring tape and fabric patches. Homesteaders will appreciate having a sewing kit on hand for mending clothes, repairing gear, and fixing loose buttons. It’s one of those things you won’t think much about until something comes up, then you’ll really wish you had one!

29. A fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are an essential item for any homesteader or any household at all. Whether you live in the country or the city, a fire extinguisher can help to prevent a small fire from becoming a big one. Homeowners should have at least one fire extinguisher on each level of their home, and it is a good idea to keep one in your garage or workshop as well.

30. A smoke detector

This is another essential item for any household. It is required by law to have a working smoke detector on every level of the house, so it’s safe to assume they are following the law already. The reasoning here is to provide an extra smoke detector for more coverage or get them newer, more modern smoke detectors if theirs are very old.

31. A carbon monoxide detector

Along with a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector is one of the single most important and necessary things you should have in your home. It’s more than likely that a homesteader will already have them in their home, so it’s one of those things you have to secretly look around for or find out, but everyone could always use an extra one to make sure they have complete coverage of the house. Really, you could have one in every room. This is especially crucial for homesteaders who use propane, natural gas, or wood heat in their home. Anything that combusts (burns) produces carbon monoxide, so it’s always better to be on the safer side of things. 

32. Batteries

Who doesn’t need extra batteries at any point in time?

One of the most useful and practical gifts for homesteaders is batteries. From powering a TV remote to providing light in an emergency, batteries are always handy to have around. You can never have too many, so stock up and give the gift of power to your favorite homesteader.

33. A weather station

Another useful gift for homesteaders is a weather station. This helps them to keep track of the conditions on their property, such as temperature, rainfall, and wind speed. A weather station can help them to plan their activities and know when to expect extreme conditions.

34. Waterproof tarps

A tarp is always useful, whether it’s for providing extra shelter for animals or covering woodpiles or many other things. Make sure to get one that’s waterproof, UV resistant and heavy duty. Large tarps with grommets and reinforced corners are best!

35. Rechargeable flashlights

Rechargeable flashlights are much more convenient than battery powered flashlights – although I still think you should always have battery powered lights (make sure they are LEDs) as backup in case of a power outage. Still, USB-chargeable flashlights are lightweight, very bright and very convenient.

36. A portable car battery booster

I can’t even count how many times this has saved me and many of my friends. I HIGHLY recommend everyone carrying one of these in their vehicles at all times! Forget the jumper cables and needing a second vehicle. Portable booster packs are extremely safe and you don’t need to worry about putting them on in a certain order. Whether your battery is dead or it’s too cold to start, these booster packs always seem to work on even the most stubborn vehicles!

They also double as a power bank for USB charging as well as a flashlight. I highly recommend the NOCO brand and getting one that is capable of boosting larger vehicles if you’re looking to get one (for yourself or as a gift!).

37. A gift card to their favorite farm supply store

If you really aren’t sure what to get but still want to put a smile on a homesteader’s face, give them a gift card to their favorite farm supply store. From seeds and fertilizer to tools and equipment, homesteaders can never have too much stuff!

38. The gift of warmth – a delivery of firewood

If you really want to wow your homesteader friend or family member and gift them something completely unexpected, consider ordering them a full cord of firewood. A full cord measures 4’x8’x4’ and will last much longer than a face cord, which measures about 4’x8x16”. If that sounds a little too extreme for you (although I can guarantee any homesteader would be jumping for joy with such a generous gift!), a face cord or half face cord is enough for a couple fires and is still a very thoughtful gift.

Since you can’t exactly wrap up a huge pile of wood, you could give them a nice card with the details of the order inside, or you could make up a custom “coupon” that entitles them to “one cord of firewood delivered to your home” or something like that and they can redeem it with you when they are ready for the wood to be delivered. It could be split and chopped or in straight logs, depending on the person and whether they enjoy splitting wood themselves (like my partner does!), and if you’re really feeling generous, you could offer yourself to come hang out and help split the wood with them.

39. A homesteading class – online or in person

If you have an idea of what your homesteader friend or family member is into or would like to learn about, consider giving them the gift of knowledge. Have they always wanted to learn about beekeeping? How about cheesemaking, foraging, worm composting or making natural dyes?

Check out my list of awesome online homesteading skills classes for every budget, including free classes. Depending on where you live, you may not have access to some in-person workshops, and online classes are the next best thing!

The great thing about online classes is that you can learn from the comfort of your own home and at your own time. Gifting an experience or something educational is a really thoughtful gift that could go a long way – it could spark a brand new interest in someone’s life!

40. A boot scraper

Every homesteader knows it can be downright impossible to keep your front entrance clean, especially in the winter when it’s snowy and the spring when it’s muddy. A boot scraper is such a practical and useful thing to have around! We mounted ours to a board to make it easier to use, and believe me – it gets a lot of use around here.

41. A wood splitter

A wood splitter is a great gift for homesteaders who cut and split their own firewood. While yes, it is a great workout to split wood, you get tired quickly and a wood splitter will make your life a lot easier. You can get automatic gas or electric powered log splitters or you can get manual ones that more or less hold the wood in place to be split more easily.

42. A propane camp stove

This is something that is so handy when the power goes out or when you don’t want to cook inside and heat up the house. A camp stove is a single propane burner that can easily be hooked up to your standard 20lb propane tank. It’s very portable and used, of course, when you are out camping, but I consider it an essential item for emergency preparedness. You can do anything on it that you’d do on a regular stove, and it doesn’t require electricity. This includes boiling water, making tea/coffee, heating up canned food, etc.

This past summer, we had an almost 24-hr planned power outage, and we were so appreciative of being able to make coffee and fry up some farm fresh eggs outside with no power. It was kind of fun having an outdoor breakfast and feeling like we were camping right at home (one of the perks of rural living)!

43. A stovetop coffee percolator

Going along with the camp stove, a stovetop coffee percolator is an excellent gift for a homesteader. It’s a tool that they can use to make delicious, hot coffee right on the stovetop or camp stove (see above), so they can enjoy good coffee (NOT instant coffee mixed into boiling water – yuck!) when out camping or when there’s no power. For homesteaders who love coffee, they’ll be sure to appreciate this thoughtful and practical gift!

44. A cutter mattock or pick mattock

Have you heard of a mattock before? It is one of the most useful and effective multipurpose tools a homesteader could have. We use our cutter mattock to quickly clear out tree suckers and small saplings. It’s great for chopping up roots and you don’t have to worry about dulling your nice, sharp chopping axe by swinging it into the ground. That’s only one use of many! I highly recommend a cutter or pick mattock as a gift for a homesteader who doesn’t have one already. They won’t know what they were missing until they get their hands on one!

Extra – free

Finally, one of the best gifts you can give a homesteader is your time. If you don’t live near a homesteader, consider sending them a care package full of homemade goodies. Or, if you do live close by, offer to help out with chores or projects around the property. Homesteaders are always happy to have an extra set of hands around, and your help will be greatly appreciated.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the homesteaders and preppers in your life, you’ve come to the right place. I hope you found this gift guide for homesteaders helpful, and I hope it gave you some great ideas. Did anything stand out to you in particular? Is there anything I’m missing and should add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking for the perfect gift for those foragers and mushroom hunters in your life? Check out these awesome gifts for foragers and mushroom hunters they’re sure to love!

Good luck and happy gifting!