Remember, if Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under a tree.

Charlotte Carpenter

‘Tis the season y’all! Are you ready? Am I ready? No, no I am not, but that’s nothing new. Each year I strive to be that person who is finished with my shopping in September, but alas here we are half way through November, and while I am further along than in years past, I still have a ways to go. Last year we went over board with gifts for our kids. When I reflect on the past year and how little the things we got them were actually played with, it made me a little sad. Not sad in a way that I wish we didn’t do it, but sad in a way of “waste” and I took it as a time to reflect on how I want to do Christmas this year. The word or theme in my mind is “practical”.

I don’t think anyone will argue with me when I say that inflation has hit the majority of the United States hard. If you can argue with me about that, consider yourself very blessed. With so many people having to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zones to make ends meet, I have set out to put together a list of practical gifts for the people in your life. Gifts that can be used and appreciated by the loved one you give them to. While this list is not even close to a complete gift giving list, I feel like it’s a good start, so here we go!

Homemade Gifts

In my opinion, handmade gifts need to be normalized. The amount of effort and pride someone takes to go through the trouble of making you a gift just makes my heart sing. If you are the crafty type, you probably have your own list, but for those like me who are… well, not crafty, here are some ideas to get you started-

• Jams and Jellies
• Salsa with a bag of your favorite tortilla chips
• Dry Soup in a Jar
• Candles
• Crocheted Beanie

Gifts for the Gardener

You know I love my garden, and I will share with you that most of my family and friends are not gardeners. So, if you are not a gardener, but have a gardener on your gift giving list this year, here are some ideas-

• Garden Journal
• Harvest Basket
• Roo Apron (Number 1 thing on my list this year!)
• Plant Themed Coffee Mug
• Sharpies, Gloves, and Plant Labels (for the seed starting type of people)

Gifts for the Homesteader

I can promise you with almost everything I have in my soul, if you have a homestead minded person on your gift list this year, they will be over the moon to receive a gift they can put right to use. These things have made my life around here easier, or would make my life easier if I had them-

• Quality Rain Boots
• Any Canning Equipment
• Gift card to their favorite local farm store
• A Homesteading Class
• Vacuum Sealer

Like I said, these ideas are just a start. There are so many things that can be given this holiday season that won’t break the bank, but will still be appreciated by those who are on the receiving end.

Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas!

~Tara