For those of you with very generous family and friends, there are the big-ticket items to request; that barn you’ve been hankering after, the quad bike, the ride-on mower, or the ultimate, a new tractor (preferably one with front-end loader, grader blade and mower attachment).
However, there are some present ideas that are a bit more realistic and easier to wrap. These are all very handy things to have around.
1. Chainsaw
$180-$1000
For most small farm owners, a mid-size chainsaw with a 16-24 inch bar is the best choice. These range from 40-60cc and are ideal for cutting firewood, pruning trees and fencing duties. At around 5kg in weight, they are light but versatile. If you already have the chainsaw, you definitely need the proper safety gear: steel-capped toe boots, safety trousers or chaps, a safety helmet, earmuffs, and visor.
2. Headlamp
$20 +
One of the very best gift ideas. A headlamp leaves both hands free for checking on sick animals or those that may be in labour. Depending on your budget, you can buy a very basic LED light, to one that has a range of a couple of hundred metres. Headlamps are usually for sale at safety equipment stores or sports goods stores.
3. Good gumboots
$50 +
We’ve all suffered with bad gumboots, the ones that spring a leak just as you go to cross thecreek or walk through a mud puddle. When it comes to gumboots, a quality pair will last you much longer and will tend to wear out the tread before getting holey. If you’re feeling the need to start a farm fashion trend, consider some of the more floral designs but a good pair of yellow band Skellerups (at the Warehouse no less) are a bargain.
4. Wheelbarrow with pourer
$130 - $235+
You may have had all kinds of good wheelbarrows over the years, but the versions with a pouring lip at the front that allow you to accurately direct the flow of concrete, dirt, stones or even water are brilliant. They come in different sizes, so make sure you can lift it when it's loaded up!
5. Hammer time
$50 +
Yes, you could spend a lot less than $50 on a hammer, but a good, well-balanced hammer is worth its weight in gold (well, almost!). A lot of people think they are 'bad' with a hammer but a bit part of the problem can come from using a hammer that is too light (meaning you have to hit a nail eight times instead of three times, thereby upping the odds of whacking a thumb) or unbalanced (which means instead of coming back straight, it veers off at a slight angle so your next hit is not straight).
Tomorrow: five more great gift ideas!
Nadene Hall
NZ Lifestyle Block magazine
