HOMEGROWN Holiday Gift Guide
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009It’s gift-giving time! Naturally, handmade is the best kind of gift – the HOMEGROWN Holiday Swappers are trading their homemade edibles this week. Presents that promote hands-on activities are some of our favorite kind of gift, too. Here are a few ideas for In The Kitchen, In The Garden, On The Couch (OK, these will inspire folks to make, grow and foster change), and In The Automobile. Enjoy and happy gifting!
In The Kitchen
Every home chef needs a quality hardwood cutting board. For those with the tools, there is a DIY cutting board plan and tutorial.
And here is a lovely handcrafted board from reclaimed North Carolina curly rock maple on Etsy:
Community Supported Agriculture
What better way to say “I love you” than a weekly share of fresh local produce? Family farmers are taking on members now. Find participating CSA farms near your loved ones at Local Harvest and The Eat Well Guide.
An apple cider press is a terrific gift for a family, or an enterprising apple grower.
Celebrate with your main squeeze by making your own hard cider.
In The Garden
Start fantasizing about what others may be growing in their plots. A cheerfully wrapped package – complete with seed packets and a garden plan – is sure to delight.
Seed Companies:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (MO and CA)
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (VA)
Online garden planning tools
Free drag and drop garden planner
More detailed and customizable garden planner
Kitchen garden design planner for a 3′ x 6′ raised bed
Organic mushroom growing kits – intimidating? Sure! Unique? You bet! And the rewards are oh, so yummy!
On The Couch
Michael Pollan’s Botany of Desire DVD. Organic Gardening Magazine readers get 20% off by entering the code GARDEN at PBS.org.
The documentary that changes lives: Food Inc. DVD is also available at PBS.org
In The Automobile
Homemade car freshener using citrus and cloves – easy and pretty!
Turn your friends on to new music with mix CDs like this one from KCRW – so hip and cool!
Check out these past posts and discussions about DIY Holiday Gifts, too. Let us know what you think and feel free to add your ideas, too.