The month of December is breezing by and the countdown to holiday gift-giving is on. If you haven’t quite finished picking out presents for people on your “nice” list, Hobby Farms is here to help. Our editors have listed our favorite products from the 2012 issues of Hobby Farms and Hobby Farm Home that we plan to purchase for our loved ones or have added to our own wish lists.
Stephanie’s Picks:
 | Therapik |
 | Stink-Finder Lights from Doctors Foster and Smith This gift immediately brought a friend to mind. She has two dogs and constantly frets over the potential odors they leave behind, particularly on her couch. This gift, with an ultraviolet blacklight that highlights odor-causing stains, would not only ease her mind but also give her sniffer a much-deserved break! (HFH September/October 2012; 800-381-7179; www.drsfostersmith.com) |
Stephanie Staton is editor for Hobby Farms and Hobby Farm Home magazines.
Rachael’s Picks:
 | Gloves from ActiVHeat My family up north has to face the blustery winds of Ohio winters, but the breeze doesn’t blow away their traditional Midwestern work ethic. To help keep my brother’s digits warm as he shovels snow and whittles away at the season’s outdoor chores, I’m going to place a pair of ActiVHeat gloves in his stocking. The gloves are made of microfiber fabric and come with a battery-powered, adjustable heat pack, meaning he’ll stay warm no matter what Old Man Winter throws his way. (HF January/February 2012; 609-924-6110; www.activheat.com) |
 | Herb Garden Coop Plans from My Pet Chicken Chickens and herbs—yes, these are a few of my favorite things. That’s why this year I’m asking Santa to build me this chicken coop, which has a roof that doubles as an herb garden. (I’m hoping he’ll bring some chickens, too!) Even though it’s still cold outside, I can already imagine heading out to the backyard to collect eggs for breakfast and sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a savory lunchtime quiche. (HFH May/June 2012; 888-460-1529; www.mypetchicken.com) |
Rachael Brugger is senior associate web editor for HobbyFarms.com.
Abby’s Picks:
 | DR Power’s Chipper/Shredder My parents’ wooded lot boasts plenty of shade, a much-needed windbreak and dozens of opportunities for bird- and wildlife-watching. It also yields yard work—and lots of it! That’s why DR Power’s Chipper/Shredder is at the top of Dad’s wish list this year. With a 1-inch-diameter debris screen for easy composting and the ability to handle branches up to 3 inches in diameter, this tow-behind unit will make quick work of leaves and branches, meaning fewer hours cleaning up the yard and more hours where he really wants to be—in the garden. (HF September/October 2012; 800-687-6575; www.drpower.com) |
 | Apron from D-Lux 57 With our shared affection for baking, vintage kitchenware and red velvet cupcakes, my sister-in-law and I are cut from the same culinary cloth. What better gift for her than a retro-inspired apron from D-Lux 57? Handmade here in the U.S., the aprons are fun and flirty while still providing full coverage—a must when you’re working with Technicolor cake batters! (HFH July/August 2012; 310-454-8500; www.dlux57.com) |
Abby Tripp Heverin is associate editor for Hobby Farms and Hobby Farm Home magazines.
Cory’s Picks:
 | The Incredible Egg Scale from EggCartons.com My friends Reid and Kim are thinking of trying their hands at backyard chicken keeping and they have a deep love for all things vintage, so this throwback egg scale should be the perfect push they need to take the plunge. (HF March/April 2012; 888-852-5340; www.eggcartons.com) |
| The Tea-zer Travel Mug from Tea Laden If given the chance, I always opt for loose-leaf tea over teabags, but my penchant for sleeping in often keeps me from being able to take the time to brew it in the mornings. With this travel mug, equipped with a built-in infuser basket, I’ll be able to steep loose-leaf tea on my commute and enjoy a steaming cup of English Breakfast at my desk, so it’s definitely at the top of my list this year. (HFH January/February 2012; 888-325-2336; www.tealaden.com) |
Cory Hershberger is assistant editor for Hobby Farms and Hobby Farm Home magazines.
