dragons in the flower bed Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 I need a gift for my best friend. She's 27, single and her current passion is learning DIY/old-fashioned/frugal living skills. She just taught us how to make salads of dandelion leaves. :) What can I get her for her birthday that would help her pursue this passion and be under $30? (No books, no gift certificates.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 Seeds. Gardening kit. Seedlings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 some gardening gloves? One of those hanging tomato basket things? (you could just get a wrought iron basket like I did, that has a hole in the center of the bottom and has that bamboo mat that holds the dirt in place, with some soil and a couple of packets of tomato seeds). Some dish towels to replace paper towels if she uses them, or one of those sham-wow type cloths to wipe up spills. A nice bamboo salad bowl. If she knits/crochets a gift certificate to her favorite yarn shop. Some dried lavender and cloth to make sachets with (or another dried herb). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 I would look at crate and barrel and williams sonoma. They always have nifty gadgets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melanie Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 Does she sew? You could find a funky little box and fill it with sewing notions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 A tablet weaving loom? I made my brother a belt for Christmas last year and myself some apron straps. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon H in IL Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Whaddayamean "No books"??!!! :confused::glare: OK, OK, fine. Here's another list. A beautiful apron A grow-light for starting the seedlings that TeacherZee suggests Rechargeable batteries and/or a recharger Handwoven basket, made locally Ice cream ball (roll it to make soft-serve ice cream) Solar cooker Cast iron pan or pot Bicycle pump Bicycle grocery basket Local wine Membership in a CSA Quilt from a local shop, thrift store, or seamstress An eclectic collection of linen hand towels from an antique shop A set of handkerchiefs A hot water bottle with a comfy fleece liner A set of annuals or perennials for her yard or window box A fruit tree seedling Handmade soap/lotion This list includes a variety of 'price-points' so I hope you can use it to spark your imagination for something appropriate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_Edgerton Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 It is a book, but I feel compelled to rec it. The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour is amazing...Such an inspiration. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Ingredients to make her own soap. Get directions off a soap making site. A hunk of beeswax to make her own candles. Could you buy her 30 min with a weaver or other primitive craftsman? A candle holder made by an iron forger (is that the right term?) There are several in upstate NY! A pattern for an apron with some material, fat squares for a quilt, or material and pattern for another sewing project. Is there a web site you could buy her a membership to? I know some cost money, but I don't know details. I love the dried lavender/sachet idea! Include some lavender seeds or a small plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Would a magazine subscription count as a book? If not, look at: Mother Earth News or Ready Made Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragons in the flower bed Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Thanks, everyone! I'm making a list to print out for my partner and the kids to look over. We'll decide together tomorrow morning. Keep the suggestions coming. These are great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyco Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 My first thought was a flat of canning jars, some pectin, and canning tools. It's too early for most fruit (around here anyway) but maybe a promise to go fruit or berry picking later in the season? Maybe she's been drooling over a new canning pot? Of course if she's already into DIY/frugal stuff, she probably already has these things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I think cheese-making kits are relatively cheap, too. My dh has wanted this for a long time : http://www.instructables.com/id/Camping_tripod_for_cooking_over_fire/ Seeds for an herb garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 (edited) I think the cheese making kit would be excellent! I got this website from someone here http://www.cheesemaking.com and they have a 30 minute mozzarella and ricotta kit for 24.95 http://www.cheesemaking.com/cheesemakingforbeginners.html If not, then maybe some planters w/ some great herbs in them. hth Edited May 3, 2009 by Unicorn spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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