Are you at a stopping point with holiday preparations? It may be time to relax a bit and settle in with a cup of hot chocolate or hot tea and get some Christmas shopping ideas ready.
Getting your Christmas shopping organized ahead of time can be a blessing. Once Thanksgiving has passed and the last dirty dish has been cleaned and put away, we will dive into decorating our homes and heading out to all those great Black Friday sales. But between the two, take a break and get started!
For those of you who prefer to do as much shopping from a comfy chair, then this list of Christmas Shopping Ideas is perfect for you!
But before you go any further, take a moment to read 5 Simple Tips for Planning your Christmas Gift Shopping List. The tips are great, and you can also download a free copy of your own Christmas Gift Shopping List to help you keep your shopping organized and your budget intact!
The Christmas Shopping Ideas list below is broken down into gift categories you can purchase, craft items for DIY projects or a Crafters Gift Basket, and even some great books from other bloggers.
All you have to do is get comfortable, have your Christmas Gift Shopping List handy, and enjoy that hot beverage while you shop from the comfort of your favorite chair!
A Note on Affiliate Links in the Gift Ideas List
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links; if you click on a link and make a purchase I might make a small commission, but it does not affect the price you pay!
For the most part, I am an affiliate for these shops:
New England Cheesemaking Supply Company
These are all websites that are either familiar or have quality gift ideas that I highly recommend. Lehmans also has a selection of Amish-made gifts. Choosing one of these not only supports Amish families but are also made to last!
There are other links that are not affiliate links, such as individual websites. However, these are independent business owners and artisans who take pride in their work and create well-made items. By shopping with Etsy and independent websites, you are helping small businesses survive!
If one of the Christmas Shopping ideas has a * beside it, it means I have one or a similar version, and love it. If it does not have a * beside it, I have spoken with folks who do and got their recommendations!
Christmas Shopping Ideas for The Home Chef
Small
*Dough Whisk (This one comes with a Lame, which is used to score the top of a loaf of bread. It’s not just for bread, though. It is a perfect kitchen tool to mix up just about anything!)
*Banettons – bread proofing baskets
*Couche (A linen towel for proofing bread)
*Ulu Knife & Cutting Board Set (this is one of my must-have items in my kitchen! Any cook who dices and chops will love getting this as a gift!)
Medium
Dehydrator – To begin with, ours was mainly used by the Country Boy during hunting season. He made homemade jerky by the pounds. Then I found a recipe I wanted to try that called for dehydrated Principe Borghese Tomatoes. Once I got started dehydrating, it was like the world opened up. Now I use it frequently – especially when I am making spice mixes.
Large
*Juice Extractor – my friend Vicki bought me one as a gift one year. She had one, and loved it so much, she just had to ‘share’. Now? I am not sure what I would do without one. When it comes to making juice for jellies or canning, this juice extractor makes my life so much easier. No peeling, no coring. Just wash, steam, and watch that juice flow. It’s one of my favorite Christmas shopping ideas because there is also minimal clean up!
*Kitchen-Aid Mixer – I know the gift rule about ‘No Appliances’. But this mixer is probably one of the few exceptions to the Christmas shopping ideas rule. I use mine not only for baking, but also for making butter. Most cooks would do back flips to have one of these!
*Vacuum Sealer – if the person on your list does any kind of gardening, hunting, make ahead meals or even buys in bulk, this little gadget comes in very handy. Despite the ‘rule’, I asked the Country Boy for one for Christmas years ago. It made him nervous, but now he (and I) is so glad he did. We finally had to replace it after 20 years, but that just means they are more than worth the price!
Books
*Artisan Breads Every Day – Peter Reinhart
*Homestead Scratch Cooking – Michelle Fraser
Christmas Shopping Ideas for the Cheese Maker
Making cheese isn’t reserved for just those who have dairy animals. Some cheeses and dairy products can be made with milk purchased at the grocery store – provided it is not homogenized!
If you have someone on your Christmas shopping ideas list who wants to learn, or is well-versed in the crafts, you can find some great gift ideas here!
Christmas Shopping Ideas for the Gardener
Gardeners really love a gift that can help them ‘get down and dirty’. From gloves to seeds, hods to hoes, most gardeners love anything that can help them grow the best gardens ever.
Christmas shopping ideas for the gardener are virtually limitless. If you would like to get an assortment of small items, consider getting them a gift basket that will hold several items (gift ideas for a Gardening basket are listed below in the Gift Basket list). But here are a few larger things your special gardener might like:
Small
Rain Gauge – No gardener wants to be without one of these!
Pot Maker – this will help every gardener get their seeds ready before it is time to plant! (It is also a perfect addition to add to a Gardening Gift Basket!)
Medium
Garden Hod – This is a great basket for gardeners. They can toss the weeds in it to easily carry to the compost bin or use it when harvesting their bounty!
Easy Table Garden – this is perfect for new gardeners, small spaces or folks who have difficulty kneeling!
*Compost Keeper – perfect to collect kitchen scraps – and makes it easier to take to the compost pile.
Large
Balcony Garden – this is a larger version of the Easy Table Garden that will allow your gardener to grow even more!
Christmas Shopping Ideas for the Avid Reader
The list of great books for your Christmas shopping ideas is so long, instead of listing them all here you can check out recommendations and reviews at the 1st Annual Winter Reading List. You can find great suggestions for your Christmas Shopping Ideas!
And be sure to visit on December 2nd, when the 2nd Annual Winter Reading List will go live! This will have lists of great ideas for book lovers, complete with reader recommendations. Both Annual Winter Reading Lists are perfect for the reader and for gift giving!
Christmas Shopping Ideas for The Crafter
There are so many gift ideas for someone who loves to make things by hand. From supplies to equipment, most crafters love receiving gifts that are art inspired.
One of the best Christmas Shopping Ideas for the crafter is a gift basket. Any crafter would love getting one, or even better, a Craft Kit with tools and supplies for their hobby. To get some Christmas Shopping ideas for your list and creating just such a basket, take a moment to read How to Create a Craft Kit.
Some crafters just can’t wait to learn a new way of creating with their hands. Others love receiving magazine subscriptions in their mailbox to fuel their creative ideas. If you have a crafter on your list that loves learning new things, then weaving may just be the perfect way to go!
To start them off small, consider a set of pin looms, some weaving yarn, and possibly a subscription to Little Looms magazine, as well as a few books on the craft. But just beware – weaving can become addicting, and next year they may have bigger looms on their list!
Weaving:
(Note: most of these fit into the Medium and Large price range on your Christmas shopping ideas list– but they are quality products and well worth the price for someone who is wanting to learn how to weave!)
Pin Looms
*Pin Looms – (Book)
*Little Looms – Magazine
*4” Square Pin Loom (a great place to start!)
*Turtle Looms (hexagon shape)
*4”, 6”, or 8” Triangle Pin Loom
Other Looms
*Tri-Looms – A note about tri-looms: Tri looms come in different sizes. Mine is a 7’ loom, with a separate bar that can be added to reduce it to a 5’ loom. For beginners, I recommend a smaller tri-loom – approximately 18” to 24”. The only one I could find online this small (24”) comes from Empire Alpaca Association. I have never done business with them, but the loom does look very well made!
To make weaving with a tri-loom even easier, you can add a hooked tri-loom tool to their basket!
*Backstrap Loom – This is only one of the band looms (backstrap) that is created by Harvest Looms. Although I do not have this one, I have ordered several others from her, and they are beautiful, sturdy and well-crafted!
Lucet – Lucet is a type of band or cord weaving. With it you can make cords, jewelry, purse straps and so much more. Plus – it is portable, so is perfect to take along in your Crafters Go Bag!
Learn to Lucet (Book)
Needle Felting
Starter Kit (Option 1)
*Complete Needle Felting Craft Starter Kit for Beginners (Option 2)
*Needle Felting: From Basics to Bears (book)
Beginner’s Guide to Needle Felting (book)
Spinning
*Respect the Spindle (book)
Knitting/Crochet
These shops offer a wonderful array of yarns, kits, supplies and more for those who love knitting, crochet and weaving.
And when looking for Christmas Shopping ideas, don’t forget to shop for yarn on Etsy. Many of these artisans produce the loveliest of handspun, hand-dyed yarns!
Christmas Shopping Ideas for the Kids
We often lament the idea that our kids today are so wrapped up in technology. We wish for them the excitement we had as kids for toys and games that encouraged creativity and imagination.
These toys and games just might be the ticket this year, and should definitely have a place on your Christmas Shopping ideas list. And when they open them up, give them the gift of time as well – get down on the floor or go outside and play the games with them!
Highlighting an Independent Business Owner
More than anything, I strive to support independent business owners. More often than not, small businesses are on my Christmas shopping ideas list. Whether these are local, artisans on Etsy, or people I meet, I do whatever I can to support them. The service they offer, the smiles you get and conversations you have rarely, if ever, occur in a big box store.
At the same time, by shopping with independent business owners, you are encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting your neighbor, and keeping your money local. Many of the links in this post are independent business owners. This particular example is special to my heart.
Recently, I met a wonderful woman in a local craft store. We were giggling over our reactions to some of the products, and one thing led to another, and before you know it, we were talking about all kinds of fun things.
She is one of the most delightful people I have met. During the conversation, she mentioned she was an independent business owner. I asked for her business card and looked up her site…
And yes. I placed an order! Although small, her site has fun products. If you are looking for reasonably priced items for a co-worker, as a stocking stuffer, or for ideas for your Christmas shopping list, this is a great site to visit. She also has tee-shirts and a cookie baking set that is perfect for the baker on your list!
Just visit Sheba at *Majestic Creationz! (And Sheba – thank you for the joy you brought to my day!)
Christmas Shopping Ideas from Blogs –
Bloggers are also considered independent business owners. Many of them have some wonderful products in their shops; others sell their products on Etsy. Either way, you don’t want to miss out on giving some great gifts this way – and supporting independent businesses!
If it is a downloadable product, be sure to contact the blogger on how to offer this item as a gift. Keep in mind that downloads are protected by licensing laws!
By purchasing gifts from bloggers, you are helping to support small businesses. And believe me, those bloggers are more than appreciative for your support!
Products
Bath & Body Products – Kelly at Simple Life Mom
Homestead Farm Planner – Jennifer at The Everyday Farmhouse
Yarn, Books, Courses & More – Love working with yarn? Janet at Timber Creek Farm is your Go-To Sheep Farmer!
Primitive Throw Pillow (A Sewing Pattern) – Dianne at Hidden Springs Homestead
Sweet Maple Books & Courses – Michelle at Souly Rested
Organic Sleep Balm (and more!) – Suzanne at It’s My Sustainable Life
Printables for Homeschooling – Sarita @ An Off Grid Life
Books
The Farm Wife: Living a Simple Life on the Farm – Julie A. Murphree @ The Farm Wife (read the first chapter for free HERE)
The Search for a Simple Life – Julie A. Murphree at The Farm Wife (read the first chapter for free HERE!)
How to Grow Vegetables and Herbs in a Shady Garden – Kathi Rogers @ Oakhill Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
*The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteading – Lisa Lombardo @ The Self Sufficient Homeacre
*The Edible Food Forest – Annie Lewellyn @ 15 Acre Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
Natural Dyes on Wool with Timber Creek Farm – Janet @ Timber Creek Farm (pdf & soft cover options)
*The Complete Beginners Guide to Home Canning – Dianne Hadorn @ Hidden Springs Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
*The Raising Livestock Series – Shawna Lance @ Homegrown Self Reliance (pdf downloadable book)
*Herbs 101: Herb Gardening & Preserving for the Beginner – Annie Lewellyn @ 15 Acre Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
Down to Earth Guide to Composting – Kathi Rogers @ Oakhill Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
The Intermediate Guide to Raising Chickens: How to Expand and Maintain a Happy Backyard Flock – Amber Bradshaw @ My Homestead Life
Quick Start Guide to Freezing Food at Home – Dianne Hadorn @ Hidden Springs Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
Growing Lemon Balm for Culinary & Medicinal Use – Kathi Rogers @ Oakhill Homestead (pdf downloadable book)
From Homemaking Manuals and Lifestyle Plans to Cookbooks and having a Merry, Simple Christmas – you can find it at The Farm Wife Marketplace! (pdf downloadable books)
A Final Note:
To keep track of all your gift ideas, there are printable lists in my new e-book Have a Merry, Simple Christmas – it is filled with great tips on getting organized for Christmas, DIY directions, Recipes, Printables, and so much more! Get your copy now!!!
