Gifts For Beekeepers

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Finding a special gift for someone can be quite a chore. If you have a friend or family member who is a beekeeper, it can be extra frustrating to choose the perfect present. You want to get them something great that they will really enjoy – but what to buy? This guide includes some gifting ideas from my years of experience in training new beekeepers. Use my knowledge to help you find the best gifts for beekeepers of all ages and experience levels.

Gift boxes on banner beekeeper gift ideas image.

Shopping for someone with a special hobby can be a daunting task. Luckily, there are hundreds of different beekeeping tools and supplies that are just perfect for anyone interested in honey bees. You can spend a little or a lot.

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Practical & Fun Beekeeper Gift Ideas

If you feel intimidated by the beekeeper on your shopping list – don’t – I can help. Whether you are considering a beekeeper novelty item, some educational material or even some serious equipment – the ideas are all here. This guide will make buying the best gifts for beekeepers – a snap!

10 Frame Langstroth Beehive Starter Kit10 Frame Langstroth Beehive Starter Kit10 Frame Langstroth Beehive Starter Kit

 

Beekeeping Kits

Giving the gift of bees is also a nice thought. Well, perhaps you should not wrap up a box of bees to put under the tree. But, you can give everything else that is needed to get started in beekeeping.

This is a gift that even experienced beekeepers will love. We all enjoy receiving new shiny equipment! A beekeeper’s kit contains the hive, tools and basic protective wear. Some bee hive starter kits contain a bunch of low quality stuff that you don’t need – so do some comparison shopping.

Multipurpose Steel Hive ToolMultipurpose Steel Hive ToolMultipurpose Steel Hive Tool

 

Hive Tools-Basic & Extreme

Hive tools are a must for any beekeeper and you can’t have too many. Why? Because we lose our hive tools – we may find them later but never seem to have one when we need it.

They come in several sizes and even if the beekeeper has a favorite kind – it’s fun to try something new. This example is an extreme version of the common hive tool that any beekeeper will enjoy.

Stainless Steel Bee Hive Smoker with Heat ShieldStainless Steel Bee Hive Smoker with Heat ShieldStainless Steel Bee Hive Smoker with Heat Shield

 

Bee Smoker

Getting a new smoker is like having a new clean pair of underwear, its just a good feeling all around. This is a must for safe beekeeping.

They come in many different types and styles and all of them work pretty much the same. I like the style with the wire guard to help prevent burns.

Over time, soot builds up inside your smoker. A bee smoker can be cleaned but it sure is nice to get a new one occasionally. Every beekeeper will appreciate the gift shiny new smoker.

Mann Lake Stainless Steel Beehive Frame PerchMann Lake Stainless Steel Beehive Frame PerchMann Lake Stainless Steel Beehive Frame Perch

 

Frame Perch

A frame perch is a tool that hangs on the side of the open beehive. This allows the beekeeper to carefully place frames there while inspecting the rest of the hive. This is very useful – every beekeeper needs one.

The Ultra Breeze Beekeeping Jacket with Veil, 1-Unit, White, X-LargeThe Ultra Breeze Beekeeping Jacket with Veil, 1-Unit, White, X-LargeThe Ultra Breeze Beekeeping Jacket with Veil, 1-Unit, White, X-Large

 

Cool Beekeeping Suit or Jacket

Every beekeeper has a favorite form of protective beekeeping attire.  Some folks wear only a hat and veil – others prefer wearing a full beekeeping suit to lessen the chances of stings on the body.

And some beekeepers, like myself, have several different combinations of beekeeping wear. (Please don’t ask me how many I have – its a bit embarrassing. LOL).

I love my Ultra Breeze jacket (now 15 years old and still going strong) because it is a bit cooler to wear and of very good construction.

We can all agree that beekeeping is hot sticky work – a ventilated jacket or suit is sure to be greatly appreciated.

There are many different styles of bee jackets and any beekeeper would love the opportunity to try one that have not yet had. I have a best bee suit guide with more ideas to consider too.

Sloggers  Waterproof Comfort Shoe, 8, Lt Blue Bee PrintSloggers Waterproof Comfort Shoe, 8, Lt Blue Bee PrintSloggers  Waterproof Comfort Shoe, 8, Lt Blue Bee Print

 

Sloggers Bee Yard Shoes

I have these waterproof Sloggers and they are both adorable and useful. This beekeeping gift will keep those toes dry as you trudge out and back to the bee yard.

Humble Bee  Goatskin Beekeeping GlovesHumble Bee Goatskin Beekeeping GlovesHumble Bee  Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves

 

Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves

Beekeeping gloves are always a good gift choice for beginning beekeepers. They give a sense of safety and confidence so you can concentrate on other things.

In time, some beekeepers decide to inspect their hives without gloves. That’s okay. But its a good idea to keep a pair on hand in case you encounter an aggressive hive.

Mug  This is What an Awesome Beekeeper Looks LikeMug This is What an Awesome Beekeeper Looks LikeMug  This is What an Awesome Beekeeper Looks Like

 

Awesome Beekeeper Mug

Okay, maybe you already have enough mugs in your cabinet. But, this one will help your proud beekeeper friend show off a bit with this awesome beekeeper mug!

Organizer Tote Beekeeping Tools kit for Beginner Starter kit Durable bee Supplies All-in Gift Set 10 PcsOrganizer Tote Beekeeping Tools kit for Beginner Starter kit Durable bee Supplies All-in Gift Set 10 PcsOrganizer Tote Beekeeping Tools kit for Beginner Starter kit Durable bee Supplies All-in Gift Set 10 Pcs

 

Bee Tote Organizer with Tools

Once we gather all our wonderful bee stuff – we need someway to keep it together. This organizer comes with tools too!

Honey Refractometer for Honey MoistureHoney Refractometer for Honey MoistureHoney Refractometer for Honey Moisture

 

Honey Refractometer

A honey refractometer is a tool that measure the water content of honey. When used properly, it can help the beekeeper know that honey is ripe and ready to harvest. Honey that is processed with a high water content is more likely to spoil. Make someone’s day with this thoughtful gift.

VIVO Electric Honey Extractor 8 Frame Rack(only 4 Deep Frames), Stainless Steel, PoweredVIVO Electric Honey Extractor 8 Frame Rack(only 4 Deep Frames), Stainless Steel, PoweredVIVO Electric Honey Extractor 8 Frame Rack(only 4 Deep Frames), Stainless Steel, Powered

 

Electric Honey Extractor

A Honey Extractor is an item that is not essential to a beekeeper. However, it sure is greatly appreciated. This simple electric model is great for beekeepers with 5-10 hives. The powerful motor makes quick work of the crop on extraction day.

Swarm Commander 2oz SpraySwarm Commander 2oz SpraySwarm Commander 2oz Spray

 

Swarm Lure

Beekeepers love to catch wild swarms of bees. Why not – they are a great cost free way to get more bees. This is one of the best swarm lures out there. A great present for any beekeeper.

The Beekeeper's HandbookThe Beekeeper’s HandbookThe Beekeeper's Handbook

 

Beekeeper’s Handbook

Educational beekeeping books make perfect gifts for experience beekeepers too. The Beekeepers Handbook (Diana Samatarro and Alphonse Avitabile) has been a favorite of new beekeepers for year.  I purchased an earlier copy of this book for myself over 12 years ago. Also, consider my book – Buzz into Beekeeping-a compilation of years of teaching new beekeepers and has all the basics.

5-Frame Nuc Beehive5-Frame Nuc Beehive5-Frame Nuc Beehive

 

Nuc Hive

A nuc box is one of the most useful tools in beekeeping. Both new beekeepers and experienced beekeepers will be thrilled to have an extra mini hive on hand. They are so useful in apiary management.

Beeswax Alchemy: How to Make Your Own Soap, Candles, Balms, Creams, and Salves from the HiveBeeswax Alchemy: How to Make Your Own Soap, Candles, Balms, Creams, and Salves from the HiveBeeswax Alchemy: How to Make Your Own Soap, Candles, Balms, Creams, and Salves from the Hive

 

Beeswax Alchemy Book

Another well-known book in beekeeping circles, Beeswax Alchemy provides abundant information on making things with beeswax. Any beekeeper into crafting will enjoy the recipes and instructions.

Shopping Tips for Presents for Beekeepers

When you are shopping for beekeeper gifts it is important to remember a few key points.

  • There are some items that we really love to have more than one of.
  • Some items we would love to have but may be too cheap to buy. (that’s me)
  • If your beekeeper already has hives – find out what they already have
  • No idea what to do? A honey bee Christmas ornament can be a small gift

Finally

Now, how do you pick the perfect bee gift? You give it with love and thoughtfulness. Anything you choose will show your beekeeper friends that you value their dedication and contribution to save the bees.

Check out these cool bee gifts for the bee lovers on your list -even if they don’t have beehives. And, if you are having trouble picking out just one thing – consider making a small honey bee gift basket for someone.