Gifts For Beekeepers
Buying gifts can be stressful. If you are shopping for someone interesting in keeping bees – how do you choose gifts for beekeepers? This fascinating hobby does require some specialized equipment and knowledge. Luckily that gives you a lot of opportunities. In this guide, I use my years of experience in training new beekeepers to help you find beekeeping gifts for 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. Better yet, you can spend a little or a lot.
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Gifts for Beginner Beekeepers
When choosing gifts for beekeepers that are just starting out, you want to make sure they have the basics. This list can contain everything from equipment and protective wear to books and classes. Those beginners have a lot to learn and they will appreciate your interest in their new hobby.
Beginner Kits
Beginner beekeeping kits can be a wonderful choice. However, I would not suggest this as a surprise gift – unless you know what style of beehive that want to use. Also, check the included accessories – some of the kits give you a lot of unneeded “stuff”.
Of course, not only beginners like receiving new stuff – we all enjoy receiving new shiny equipment! For a more in-depth discussion on see my article on bee hive starter kits .
Hive Tools
Most beginner kits come with a basic flat hive tool. They are wonderful and I too have several. One simply can not have too many. However, if you want to give a really impressive beekeeper gift – get them a 2 pack. This is the standard tool and a hooked or “frame lifter”.
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 though every beekeeper has a favorite kind – it’s fun to try something new.
Beekeeper’s Smoker
The beekeeper’s smoker is an iconic tool for the hobby. Every beekeeper needs one and it is so nice to have a new one on occasion. These vary in quality by a large margin. Read reviews before choosing one. A heat shield is a must have.
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 beekeeping safety.
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. Every beekeeper will appreciate the gift shiny new smoker.
Frame Perch
A frame perch is a handy tool used to hold frames of bees while the beekeeper is inspecting other frames. Not a must have but a very useful tool for a beginner. A good quality model with last for years and years.
A frame perch 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.
Beekeeping Jacket or Suit
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.
Every beekeeper has a favorite form of protective beekeeping clothing. 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).
There are many different styles available 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.
Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves
With so many types of beekeeping gloves to choose from – you can not go wrong with goatskin.
They are durable and strong enough while still maintaining good dexterity. Do consider hand size when ordering – a good fit is important.
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.
Beekeeping Books
The Beekeepers Handbook (Diana Samatarro and Alphonse Avitabile) is a favorite of new beekeepers. Also, consider my book – Buzz into Beekeeping -a compilation of years of teaching new beekeepers and has all the basics.
The Beekeeper’s Handbook is one of the best beginners books on the market. It is detailed enough to provide important information – yet the diagrams and instructions are easy to understand. A valuable beekeeping gift for the novice.
In recent years, everyone and their sister has been writing books about keeping bees. Some are valuable texts that share good information – some are written by publishing houses that are just pumping out content for money. If you want more ideas – check out my list of beekeeping books for more recommendations.
Practical Gifts for Experienced Beekeepers
Experienced beekeepers often already have the basics. But, but high-quality, practical tools can enhance their efficiency and comfort.
Whether it’s upgraded equipment or handy accessories, these gifts will make their daily beekeeping tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Advanced Hive Tool
Experienced beekeepers might like a present that is way beyond the beginner stage. This type of hive tool offers many different actions beyond the standard model. While not a basic requirement – any beekeeper is sure to enjoy having one.
Multi purpose tools used in beekeeping can make some tasks easier. For someone with arthritis or other problems that limit hand strength – this tool can be a blessing for those tough jobs.
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. Make a beekeeper’s day with this thoughtful gift.
A useful tool for any beekeeper who hopes to harvest good quality honey. Even inexpensive honey refractometers do a fine job of measuring the moisture level of honey. Properly cared for they last for years.
This can also be a good gift idea for a new beekeeper. But, it is common to not have a honey harvest that first year. Therefore, there may be other items that the new beekeeper needs more.
Electric Honey Extractor
A Honey Extractor is an item that is not essential to a beekeeper. However, it sure is greatly appreciated.
Honey extractors are an impressive gift for a beekeeper. Models are available in manual and electric versions. They also hold their value well for a beekeeper that might want to later sell it and trade up in size or features.
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 Lures
Beekeepers love to catch wild swarms of bees. Why not – they are a great cost free way to get more bees. Using special pheromone based swarm lures, the chances of success is greatly increased.
There are many different swarm lures to choose. I can vouch for this one – it is my favorite and I use it every year with great success. In fact, a bottle lasts me for more than one season and still works great.
Catching wild swarms is one of the greatest pleasures of beekeeping. I think it is similar to fishing – sometimes you get lucky. A great present for any beekeeper.
Nuc Hive Box
A nuc box is simply a small bee hive for a new colony of honey bees. They are one of the most undervalue tools in beekeeping-useful for many management tasks.
Having an extra nuc box on hand is useful for many purposes. Catching small swarms of bees, making hive splits and more.
Both new beekeepers and experienced beekeepers will be thrilled to have an extra mini hive on hand. They are so useful in apiary management.
Stocking Stuffer Beekeeper Presents
If you feel intimidated by the beekeeper on your shopping list – don’t – I can help. Sometimes, you only want a small item that might fit in a stocking or can be easily wrapped in a small box.
Here are some of my favorite items that make wonderful small gifts for beekeepers.
5-Frame Nuc Beehive
Little Giant® Beehive LogBeekeeper T ShirtNatural Cotton Beekeepers Hat VeilBuzz into Beekeeping: A Step-by-Step Beginners GuideBuzz Bag – Designed for Beekeepers to Move Bees Safely
Shopping Tips
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 nice idea
Finally
Whether you are considering a beekeeper novelty item, some educational material or even some serious equipment – the ideas are all here. Check out these cool bee gifts for the bee lovers (even those who are not beekeepers). I hope this guide makes buys presents for the beekeeper friends a snap!