Gifts For Beekeepers
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.
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 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.
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 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 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-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 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 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 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!
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 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, 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 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.
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.
Beeswax 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.
