Searching for the perfect Christmas present for a farmer can often be a tedious task, especially when your not-so-subtle prompts for inspiration go ignored, or worse still, are met with a wry smile in addition to the tried and trusted response: “I don’t need anything but some peace and quiet.”
With D-day just around the corner, Agriland has taken the guesswork out of the annual head-scratching activity, providing you with a fail safe, socks-free, list of gift ideas to treat your farming loved ones this year.
Without further ado, here are our top Christmas gift choices:
A break away: Opting for a hotel voucher for one or two nights will enable even the most holiday-adverse of farmers to take a well-earned break, which may even be all the more tempting to avail of before the mayhem of the spring season kicks in.
Wireless headphones: Perfect for music and Agriland podcast enthusiasts, a pair of wireless headphones are a great investment for active farmers who don’t want to be tied down to a devise, but may find it cumbersome to listen to the radio out and about.
‘Dealer boots’: Practical and stylish, a pair of Blundestone or RM Williams boots will ensure the farmer in your life is on the cutting edge of fashion / up to date with the latest fashion trends.
Waterproof jacket: Perhaps an obvious choice but a good jacket which protects its wearer from the elements is always a welcome addition to a farmer’s wardrobe. Kaiwaka is a reputable, albeit expensive brand which offers a lifetime warranty on their jackets.
Phone charging stand: While less glamourous than the previous options, a wireless phone charging stand would be a resourceful gift for farmers fed up of digging dirt from the charging port’s of their mobile phones.
Power bank: Keeping in theme with the last option, a durable, long lasting power bank will ensure the farmer in your life remains contactable at all times.
Anti-theft gear: Today’s thieves no longer need to physically steal your purse or wallet to hack your bank accounts, instead, they can acquire all your card details using a scanner, just by walking close to you. A card protector wallet, like the one below from Secrid, will prevent this.
Soap set: Why not gift them a handmade natural soap set to encourage them to divorce their beloved Radox shower gel. Agriland recommends an Irish, family run brand called ‘The Black Stuff’, which offers a range of different scent options.
Pen knife: Choose a classic swiss army knife for the traditionalists, or a boundary blade to test electric fences, for the more contemporary counterparts. You can never have too many knives!
Bucket hamper: Fill a bucket, hamper style, with some practical agri-themed stocking fillers, such as a travel mug, a pen knife, a head torch, a rechargeable torch, waterproof gloves, an insulated hat, etc.
Custom bobble head for the tractor: This quirky option, pictured below, can be personalised in the likeness of the farmer in your life and is sure to give the recipient a good laugh this Christmas!
Calving aids: To ease the burden of calving season on farmers, why not consider purchasing a voucher for a calving camera, or invest in technology like Moocall, which sends an alert to your phone when the pregnant animals enters labour.
Coffee machine: Perfect for the caffeine addict’s in your life, a coffee machine will never go astray and can be used by the whole household. Prices do vary, however a simple moka pot will make a mean americano at a fraction of the price of your nearest Costa.
Plate meter: To assist the grass devotes in measuring their swards. Practical but effective.
Finally, for the big spenders among us, there’s always the option of splurging on a brand new tractor or a pedigree herd for the farmer in your life. Give Santa a run for his money this Christmas!