Christmas gifts for farmers
FOR THE GROWN-UPS
Chic pig ring
Just because you’re a pig fanatic doesn’t mean you want yet another pig key fob, coaster or mug. This quirky ring (above) was inspired by farm animals in the British countryside and are made in Italy by craftsmen using age-old enamelling techniques. But don’t worry if pigs aren’t your thing – they come in sheep, chicken, cow, cockerel and goose designs too. A high-end gift for animal lovers.
0845 519 2259, www.bouf.com
Indestructible flask
This stainless steel Thermos flask keeps hot water hot, or cold water cold, for 24 hours – which means no lukewarm tea, even during the longest shift out in the tractor. Virtually unbreakable, with a dent-resistant stainless steel body, it’s so robust it comes with a five-year guarantee. It’s the Hulk of Thermos flasks.
0844 272 6260, www.molevalleyfarmers.com
Cookie cutters
Why stick with tradition and make gingerbread men when you could make gingerbread tractors, cows or pigs? This set of five stainless steel cookie cutters will give your biscuits an agricultural edge – and, who knows, they might even coax a few reluctant bakers into the kitchen too. Available to order from your local John Deere dealer.
Pru Crosby calendar
Farm artist Pru Crosby has compiled some of her favourite and most fun cartoons into a 2013 calendar. Here’s how she sums it up: “If your wildlife garden is just wild, and so are your neighbours. If the weather seems to hold a personal grudge. If your pets are pests. Laugh about it.I hope this calendar helps.”
01775 750 256, www.prucrosby.co.uk
Wool neckwarmer
Scarves are a failsafe Christmas present, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. This 100% merino wool neckwarmer from Rebel Rose is hand-knitted and features one-of-a-kind hand-made buttons from a UK artist. They are also delivered fully gift-wrapped, which means one less battle with the wrapping paper on Christmas Eve.
07772 202 766, www.rebelrose68.folksy.com or www.rebelrose68.etsy.com
Artisan cheese gift box
Boxes of chocolates are so 2011. Why not treat the food-lover in your life to a box of beautiful artisan cheeses instead? Based in Bath, Pong packages gift sets of cheeses from leading independent and artisan cheese producers in the UK, along with a few from Europe. If you know someone who’d appreciate a wedge of extra mature cheddar from Snowdonia or a round of creamy Cotswold Blue Brie – buy them a Pong box and you’ll have a friend for life.
08447 453 065, www.pongcheese.co.uk
Farmer’s carbolic soap
There are some hands for which normal soap just won’t do. You know the ones – dirt ingrained in every line and stubborn black muck under every nail. Hands like those need some good old-fashioned, no-nonsense carbolic soap. Family-run mail-order business Home Farm Fowls stocks this convenient 500ml pump bottle, complete with very cool retro labelling. But if you prefer bars of soap, they sell those too.
0845 500 7799, www.homefarmfowls.co.uk
Your farm on a jigsaw
Type in your farm’s postcode and Firebox.com will create a 255- or 400-piece aerial jigsaw with your property at the centre. It’s a totally personalised puzzle that will test your knowledge of local geography to the limit. Plus, while you’re fitting all the pieces together, think of all the time you’ll have to learn about local boundaries and grumble about footpaths!
0800 044 5010, www.firebox.com
Tractor hip flask
Treat the tractor enthusiast in your family to this classic hip flask. Combining two of our favourite things (tractors and tipples – not at the same time, obviously) this portable stainless steel flask is finished off with an unmistakable grey Fergie TE20 emblem. It’ll keep their cockles warm on a frosty winter shoot or when they’re walking off Christmas dinner.
0800 321 3108, www.gamekeeperscottagegifts.co.uk
For your four-legged friend…
Don’t give your hardest-working employee another squeaky ball. Any farm dog worth their salt deserves a Traxx truck tyre. This heavy-duty dog toy rolls for miles, has a really unpredictable bounce and you can fill the tyre wall recess with treats.
Available from most large pet stores.
Waterproof socks
No Christmas gift list would be complete without socks, but this is no ordinary pair. SealSkinz specialises in making waterproof socks, guaranteeing dry feet in even the coldest, wettest weather (something we’ve all had plenty of this year). This is its Country design – a classic knee-length style with a ribbed woollen turnover.
01553 817 990, www.sealskinz.com
FOR THE KIDS
Dynamo animal torches
Perfect for night-time reading beneath the duvet, or searching out creepy-crawlies under stones in the garden. Choose from pig or cow designs, both of which are powered by a dynamo, eliminating the need to shell out for endless supplies of batteries – something Mum and Dad will thank you for.
0844 848 3300, www.cargohomeshop.com
Farmyard toy set
Award-winning Millward Crafts in Northern Ireland has been hand-making farm sets since 2006. What marks them out from your usual farm sets is all the little authentic details – spot lamps, silos, meal troughs, clusters… Perfect for kids who know their herringbone from their rotary parlour.
028 3754 8477, www.millwoodcrafts.co.uk
Waterproof all-in-ones
Muddy Puddles clothing company started on a South Devon farm, so it’s no surprise it specialises in waterproof kit for kids who like running, jumping and, most importantly, splashing. Boys will love the workwear look of this bib-and-brace in blue, and we can think of a few girls who would like the red spotty print version. 100% waterproof and windproof. Sizes up to six years old.
0844 557 4950, www.muddypuddles.co.uk
What would you like for Christmas?
Have you got any great suggestions for farming families? If so, email fwfarmlife@rbi.co.uk, leave a comment below or send a tweet to @timrelfFW