In typical Forks in the Dirt fashion, I have gift ideas for you that cover a lot of ground. So, here’s my lovingly curated, Mix + Match, Handmade, Local, Always Learning + Eco Friendly Holiday Gift Guide.

Homemade Gifts

Calendula Salve:
Calendula Salve is a super healing and soothing balm great for cold northern winters. I make it with my homegrown Calendula Resina, but Mountain Rose herbs has high quality herbal products.

Soap:
I love gifting homemade soaps, especially when it contains some of my own floral or herbal infused oils! I keep it simple and usually have make the hot process soap. We go over this recipe in detail in our book, Small-Scale Homesteading.

DIY Cocktail Infusing Kits:
These are super simple to make but are really a big impact gift. I share the step by step guide and recipes . Just don’t forget to make a few extra for yourself! All recipes can be made into N/A options.

Towels:
I had so much fun making these Veggie Print Towels. Being able to find organic cotton tea towels sealed the deal for me. Plus my kids wanted to help with this project!
*You can also make these prints onto saved packing paper and use for wrapping!

Canned Goods:
My Apple Recipes for homemade apple butter, apple sauce, or dried apple rings, make great Christmas gifts with locally grown produce. I also get rave reviews when I give away my Sweet Relish and Dilly Beans as gifts.

SHOP LOCAL FOOD

Not all of us have the time or energy (raising my hand right now) to make all the things each and every year, so I also LOVE supporting local farmers and crafters anyway I can!

Shop the WBL Winter Farmers Market (or other local farmers markets) and stock up on locally made with love gifts!

Buy a CSA

Buying a family a Community Supported Agriculture share for the next year is a great way to show that family AND a farmer that you care! Many local farms are updating their CSA order forms as I write! Some SOLID local farmers to buy shares from include:

All Good Organics
Big River Farm Independent Farmers CSA
The Good Acre’s Farm Share
Sarah’s Cottage Creations Bouquet CSA

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions to garden related associations are a great way to support a person’s passions and a cause. These give the opportunity for leaps in learning, connection and endless way keep growing! What other local garden clubs and or organizations would be a good fit for your friends and family?

Minnesota Horticultural Society:
For me the MN Horticultural Society membership is a no-brainer. It means I get copies of the award winning “Northern Gardener Magazine” along with discounts at local garden centers, and access to great online and in person classes (full disclosure I teach some of them). They’ve also got some fun items in the SHOP!

Seed Savers Exchange:
The Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization that works to keep seed diversity growing. You’ll get the inside scoop on upcoming classes, catalogs and events.

CLASSES

For Skills
Marine Mills Folk School has classes for everyone on everything from growing microgreens to keeping bees, carving wooden spoons and weaving baskets!

Online Cooking Classes are a great way to introduce friends and family to new menus and new skills!

Local Chef Matt Ellison teaches a variety of individualized cooking classes and prepares weekly meals via his Company, Chef’s House.

Online Garden Classes:
taught by me

On Demand (pre-recorded)
Seed Starting Class
Vertical Gardening Class

In Person Classes Spring 2026
Check back for more local classes around the Twin Cities.

BOOKS

OK, so I have a thing for books… Nothing quite compares to flipping open to a page to find that bit of info, recipe or inspiration.

So I’ve got a separate collection just for all my favorite books HERE.

But of course, I’ll mention our book…

Small-Scale Homesteading
by Michelle Bruhn + Stephanie Thurow

This is our book… And it is full of Inspiration + Information to get you started on your homesteading journey! Chapters on Gardening, Preserving the Harvest, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, and Healthy Home Projects!

Amazon Storefront

While I don’t love Amazon and what it stands for, it is a simple way to gather my favorite items in one place. So I’ll link HERE for you to browse what I already use in my home, from the garden to the kitchen. Feel free to buy from a local shop instead of Amazon. I’m all about supporting the small, local businesses!

I just dropped a lot of options! This isn’t meant to overwhelm… I hope these gift ideas either make a good fit or are a springboard for other thoughtful gifts that go beyond a little bling… And if this list did give you other ideas, I’d love to hear what they are!

Happy Holidays to you all!

Dig In,
Michelle

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