Christmas is coming - so Tessa Gates has trawled the high
street, the internet and a selection of country stores for gift
ideas for farming families which are just a mouse-click or phone
call away.
Horse play
For a
once-in-a-lifetime present, a hand-made rocking horse is the
ultimate family gift.
There's just time to have a Legends
rocking horse made to order for Christmas.
This can be customised with carved
initials or a time capsule.
The horses come in a number of styles and
sizes to suit everyone from toddlers to adults. If you've got lots
of grandkids, you could keep it safe in the farmhouse and let them
share it when they come to visit.
The traditional dapple grey carved in
English oak costs around £2595 plus VAT on safety rockers; £3475
plus vat on bow rockers.
If only real livestock attracted these
sorts of prices. Tel: 01494 452 496. For more information go to:
http://www.legendsrockinghorses.co.uk/
Bear necessities
A teddy bear is a traditional present at
Christmas and many an adult still keeps a favourite one in the
bedroom. 
Teddy Bears of Witney in Oxfordshire
specialises in selling new and old bears.
In stock in its high street shop are
limited editions by world-renowned manufacturers such as Steiff,
Merrythought, Dean's and many of the world's finest bear artists.
It's just the place to find a special bear for a special
person.
Tel: 01993 706 616 or go to
http://www.teddybears.co.uk/
Getting ahead
A
sheepskin hat to wear everywhere this winter, this ladies' Carta
nappa trim hat comes in medium, large and extra large, price £45
from Nursey of Bungay.
You might as well look stylish when
you're feeding the sheep.
Tel: 01986 892 821 or go to
http://www.nurseysheepskin.co.uk/
Soft shoe shuffle
Not
one for the yard, but these beautiful soft pumps in silver or
gold leather lined with contrasting velvet are slippers pretty
enough to party in.
Find them at Toast, price £59.
Tel: 08445 575 200.
http://www.toast.co.uk/index.aspx
Get cosy
Farmhouses can be chilly at times so warm
yourself - or, indeed, go a bit green and turn the heating
down a notch - with this Slanket.
This lightweight "blanket with sleeves"
is a sure way to stay cosy on the couch.
Actor Bruce Willis even turned up in one
on the David Letterman Show in the USA. £24.99 at
http://www.firebox.com/
Put a spring in your step
Top of the list for trainer-loving teenagers is the
Nike iD - footwear that can be customised to produce your own
design and personalised with a name or logo. This can be done
online or in selected Nike stores.
Each design takes four weeks to make and
prices start from £65.
Gift vouchers are available, or call 020
7612 0990 if you're heading to London and want to book a design
session in the iD Studio.
http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index.jsp
Going nuts
A great stocking filler for the man who enjoys his
Christmas nuts is the Spencer Squirrel nutcracker by Jamie Oliver.
Just put the nut
in his paws, press his tail down and the kernel is yours, price
£18.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/
Best foot forward
Just the thing for anyone who likes alternative
remedies - these socks show where to put the pressure on during a
reflexology foot massage for ailments in other parts of the
body.
Made from a moisturising Lycra/cotton
blend, in one size only. £6.98. Tel: 08456 431082 or go
to http://www.geniegadgets.com/
It's a dog's life
The perfect dogs to allow on the sofa... greyhound,
Jack Russell terriers and other sporting breeds feature on smart
cushions with removable covers made from flat weave Belgian
tapestry.
Size 45x45cm, they cost £18.90 each from
The Flying Fox. Tel: 01986 782 354 or go
to www.theflyingfox.co.uk
Fancy a cuppa?
Get a conversation going over your
morning coffee with this Emma Bridgewater half pint mug.
Price £15.95. Tel: 020 7371 5489 or go to
www.emmabridgewater.co.uk
Hot stuff
The Norfolk Fire Pipe will prove a talking point in
any home with a traditional fireplace. Made from hand-forged steel,
it is wonderful for blowing a dying fire back into life. Just stand
back and blow down it into the heart of the fire. Price £34 from
Twice.
Tel: 01738 860 066 or go to
www.twiceonline.co.uk.
Puppet theatre
Children
love to entertain and they can get really creative with this
colourful Animal Barn Puppet Theatre.
It comes complete with two hand-held
puppets and the theatre simply pops open, ready for play.
Suitable for age 3-plus. Comes with bag
for easy and convenient storage. Price £34.95 from John Lewis. Tel:
08456 049 049 or go to www.johnlewis.com.