More Special, Less Plastic: A Homestead Holiday Buying Guide
Things we use that your friends and family might find useful, too
We recently moved to our new forever homestead. In surveying our things I have noticed that many of my favorites would work as thoughtful and useful gifts this holiday season, particularly for people who are trying to reduce their reliance on plastics and questionable chemical treatments (e.g., waterproofing, pesticides, synthetic coatings). We bought most of these things over the last few years, as we became more aware of the materials we live around.
My approach to consumer goods is to consider manufacturing location, durability, materials (e.g., avoiding plastics), simplicity and cost. In general I try to buy fewer things of better quality. It's easy to get caught up in the marketing of greenwashed companies — like the many "organic" clothing manufacturers who quietly thread elastane through all their garments — and think you can trust a single brand or retailer. Unfortunately that is just not so. While challenging, it is still possible to make better choices. Here are some things we own that we like and feel good about using.
Photos are from source listings.
Kitchen
Meliora dish soap | $10.99 | https://meliorameansbetter.com/products/dish-soap-bar-zero-waste?variant=18299502166131
Liquid soap can't easily be disentangled from plastic containers, and once I got to thinking about it I realized I wasn't particularly attached to it anyway. If you're washing a large pot you can hold the soap under the stream of your faucet to replicate the experience of using a liquid soap. This was an easy swap for us.
Dish brush | $9 | https://housework.store/products/redecker-plastic-free-dishwashing-brush-firm-plant-bristles
This is a very nice German-made dish brush with a replaceable head. It is far more appealing than sponges, which have a tendency to stay wet and smell. It should be hung to dry; we simply tie it with twine to our bridge style faucet. A hook or stand would also work (tip: search for mug trees which can serve to hang several cleaning tools). Redecker makes a wide variety of natural bristle brushes that are available through several specialty retailers.
Weck jar set | $26 | https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/weck-mold-jar-combo-pack
These are nice for storing leftovers, and unlike ball jars you can use them in the microwave. You can also freeze some styles (similar to ball jars, they just can’t have a "shoulder"). They are the sort of thing I often give as gifts — a simple, useful item that is just a little bit nicer or better than you would buy for yourself.
Pepper Grinder | $95 | https://www.etsy.com/listing/265750556/pepper-mill-6-inch-ash-pepper-mill-6
This Etsy seller is based in Maine and hand turns beautiful pepper and salt grinders. They will leave the mill unfinished if you prefer to finish it yourself (we requested this so I could finish it with hemp oil).
Redware Bowl from Sturbridge Village | $28.95 | https://shop.osv.org/products/old-sturbridge-village-handmade-redware-pottery-bowl-small?_pos=10&_sid=a37fc1285&_ss=r
We have several pieces of Sturbridge Village Redware — it's a special thing to have handmade pottery from a historic wood-fired kiln. While traditional in design, these pieces are modern in terms of use and care, safe for both dishwasher and microwave, and lead free. A small bowl like this is nice as a candy or serving dish, among other purposes.
Genesee Country Village Bean Pot | $45 | https://shop.gcv.org/bean-pot.html
Like Sturbridge Village, Genesee Country Village Museum produces household goods onsite, including historically accurate pottery. This bean pot is dishwasher and microwave safe and lead free. (It is also nice for storing small cookies.)
Holland Bowl Mill Wood Dough Bowl | $70 | https://hollandbowlmill.com/product/10-inch-hard-maple-bowl-with-bees-oil-finish/
These wooden bowls are made in the US, and while their standard finish includes mineral oil, you can request an unfinished bowl if you prefer.
Clothes Pins | $2 | https://www.heritageclothespins.com/product-page/ash-clothespins-not-oiled
I use these to keep chip bags closed as well as hanging clothes to dry. Rare to find, these are made in the USA and available unfinished.
Maple Cutting Board | $45 for largest size | https://www.etsy.com/listing/933730362/solid-one-piece-maple-cutting-boards-non?ref=yr_purchases
These are among my favorite kitchen items. Made from one solid piece of maple, they hold up well to daily use. No glues or finishes used.
Nordic Naturals Sheet Pans | $29.99 | https://www.nordicware.com/products/naturals-bakers-half-sheet-2-pack/
These sheet pans are 100% uncoated aluminum and made in the USA. I don't cook with aluminum, but I do use these trays all over the house. One full sheet fits perfectly under my dish rack and is very easy to clean and won't rust. I also use them as pet food trays. The half sheets work nicely to organize the seasonings and oils that I keep near the stove. The smaller sizes would present nicely as part of a "gift basket" holding together smaller household tools.
Hemp Twine | $4.99 | https://hemptique.com/products/hemp-twine-all-sizes?variant=27996236906561
I use this strong twine for all sorts of things. It's sturdy enough to hang brooms off of our peg rail, and useful for many kinds of crafting.
Lamson Kitchen Shears | $49.99 | https://lamsonproducts.com/product/forged-take-apart-kitchen-shears/
I had an old plastic handled pair of kitchen shears that had become dull and worn, so I upgraded to these which are made in Western Massachusetts. They are exceptionally well made and very, very sharp.
Lodge USA Enamelware Dutch Oven. | $149.99, frequent sales | https://www.lodgecastiron.com/product/usa-enamel-cast-iron-dutch-oven?sku=U3ID100
A worthy competitor to Le Creuset and Staub, this dutch oven is made in the United States.
HF Coors bowl set | $71 | https://hfcoors.com/products/cereal-bowl-set-set-of-4-white-american-white
HF Coors makes restaurant-quality dinnerware in their factory in Tucson Arizona. Highly durable, their sets are designed to last a lifetime.
Personal care
Olive Oil Soap | $6.99 | https://treolive.com/collections/olive-oil-soaps/products/extra-virgin-olive-oil-soap-unscented
This is a luxurious soap, made in the United States by a family with an olive Grove in the Calabria region of southern Italy. I use this daily for myself and my toddler — we both have sensitive skin — and it’s much nicer than the basic Castile soap I usually buy. The unscented variety has a pleasant, floral smell — much like a quality olive oil. As a plus, it's shipped in a simple paper box — no plastic.
Plastic Free Toothbrush | $7.25 per brush | https://www.mysterwiseguy.com/product-page/for-brushing-teeth-reed
Truly plastic free toothbrushes are exceptionally rare (watch out for "castor oil" based brushes which are actually just another type of nylon). These are simple and work well, with minimal bristle shedding.
Fast Drying Organic Bath Towel | $18 | https://underthecanopy.com/products/textured-organic-cotton-towel-white?variant=40302817444004
Cody prefers thinner towels that dry quickly over thick, fluffy ones, and I've come to agree. These dry fast and are OEKO-Tex certified organic.
Pets
Molly Mutt Dog Bed | $60 for medium to large | https://www.mollymutt.com/the-molly-mutt-bed/
It's difficult to avoid poly foam in most pet beds, and natural options tend to be expensive, especially for a larger dog. I appreciate that Moly Mutt offers just dog bed covers as well as wool-filled inserts, and suggests you fill their covers with old sheets/blankets/t-shirts. This is what we've done (we skipped the optional liner) and it works very well.
Household and Garden
Macausland blanket | $75 - $150 | https://www.macauslandswoollenmills.com/products.php?id=3, call to order
A pure wool blanket is a functional heirloom piece. These blankets can be washed very delicately in a washing machine, and hung to dry. They are not superwashed and contain no chemical finishes. I'm always surprised at how pilfered "high end" housewares are — 99% of what you see at Macy's, Pottery Barn, and the like are fully or partially synthetic, even for the same price.
Semikolon Blank Notebook | $28 | https://www.goodpostage.com/products/semikolon-cutting-edge-notebook?srsltid=AfmBOop5rjvkg19_t0u9szc8Z9HNl1d1XbS14mt-Pus8heUZ-T-BzU7d6A4
I have two of these and really love them. I think a blank book makes a great gift because one can always find a use for it, whether it's a sketch book, journal, household notes (one of my books is our "homestead book”), recipes, etc.
Perpetual calendar | $129 | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1115098574/family-name-wood-perpetual-calendar
A neat concept, these calendars can be reused year after year. These are also available unfinished by request, so you can decorate it as you wish.
Amish Laundry Basket | $168 | https://www.amishbaskets.com/products/large-round-hamper-with-lid
Truly handmade, an heirloom piece.
Shaker Corn Broom | $50 |
https://www.americanbroomshop.com/product/shaker-authentic-1878-vintage-corn-broom-original-full-size-genuine-american-hardwood
Most brooms use nylon somewhere in the construction, but this one is 100% natural fiber. I use it every day.
Dust Pan | $50 | https://www.etsy.com/listing/840458673/dust-pan-classic-tin-dirt-pan-amish-made
I've never had a dust pan that worked this well — the weight keeps it firmly on the floor even as you brush dust into it with a broom. It's one of those things that just works much better without plastic.
IndiePets buckets | $16.95 for 6 quart | https://www.chewy.com/indipets-heavy-duty-pail/dp/160153
We use these as trash bins, paint buckets, cleaning buckets, etc. Much nicer than the plastic equivalents you find most everywhere.
Angel House Designs Upholstered Furniture | varies, but mid-priced for natural material furniture |
https://www.facebook.com/p/Angel-House-Designs-100063664525614/
This Brookfield, MA based furniture maker utilizes untreated homespun cotton fabrics for their made to order furniture. Competitively priced especially when compared to other materials-conscious makers. They will use natural latex foam by request.
Red Pig Trowel | $45 | https://www.redpigtools.com/3-Inch-Medium-Trowel_p_1174.html
A sturdy wood handled gardening trowel made in Oregon.
Clothing
Linenbee apron | $38.87 | https://www.linenbee.com/products/half-apron-with-front-pocket-black-1697?srsltid=AfmBOorvYiF6MYFQSHRzexI4OYcV7Y2qb_2cwPvPt4aSsnlHR28FajwG
I wear this linen apron regularly — the large front pockets are useful for carrying around Alice's toys, like a (more) stylish fanny pack.
LL Bean Flannel pajamas | $79 | https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/118952?page=womens-1912-flannel-pajamas-plaid-misses-regular
When unpacking my clothes, I was disturbed to find out how much of it is high percentage synthetic, especially pajamas. There has been a strong shift in fashion in the last decade towards modal and viscose as they provide a "silky" feel. But like all synthetics they hold onto odors, don't breathe, and create microplastics. I bought these as a replacement for my old synthetic winter pajamas. While there are plastic buttons on the top, the material itself is 100% cotton flannel and noticeably nicer than any other pajamas I own. It's very warm so best for those who run cold or live in cooler climates.
Hirsch Natur Socks | $5.95-$10.15 | https://www.littlespruceorganics.com/hirsch-natur-organic-wool-finely-knitted-socks-with-heart-pattern/
These are for kids, but I'm putting this in the general clothing section because Hirsch makes socks for all sizes, and they are one of *very* few makers of 100% wool socks — no elastane or treatments. Alice has had these heart pattern socks for over a year now (they stretch well and I bought a size up) and are worn nearly daily.
All Cotton Underwear | $17.49 for a six-pack |
These days, all cotton underwear is a rarity. Even many of the eco-conscious brands add synthetics to provide stretch. Hanes is probably not on anyone's list of the most responsible or "slow fashion" brands, but this is an affordable, simple option for a wardrobe staple that most people don't want to spend a lot on but still want to avoid plastic.
Irish Wool Sweater | $102 on sale | https://skelliggiftstore.com/products/green-fisherman-wool-sweater
We each have an Irish sweater from Skellig gift store. Real wool is warmer and more durable than a synthetic. It requires less care — you don't have to wash it often, just air it out in the sun. A luxurious gift that is also functional.
Rustic Dime Pants | $65 | https://www.onedimetime.com/collections/workwear/products/black-workwear-chino-pants?variant=48946902101
It's almost impossible to find pants made in the United States, but Rustic Dime produces simple, quality menswear in Los Angeles at reasonable prices.
Engel Winter Coat | $195 - $215, often on sale at different retailers | The Cheshire Horse | https://www.cheshirehorse.com/p/engel-women-s-100-wool-coat---jade-melange/594499032E3436.html
This is my "forever" wool coat. It's lightweight and requires a sweater underneath it for deep winter, but I think the idea of a winter coat that works over a t-shirt is almost always reliant on synthetic fabrics.
Craft
Undyed Merino Wool Yarn | $29 | https://rowhouseyarn.com/products/greenwood-hill-farm-worsted?srsltid=AfmBOooWu0bX0wS8ijEcRJYYuysDDCStRjDWoIZCtTYi1p4Ftaya1Rub
I love the beauty of undyed wool. The subtle variations lend a gentle abrash to knitted or crocheted pieces. You can also buy this wool directly from the farm, which is based in Hubbardston, MA, here: https://greenwoodhillfarm.com/
Britttany Wood Crochet Hooks | around $10 per | https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/crafts/manufacturer/Brittany/Brittany.asp
These are made in the USA of birch wood and have a pretty decorative handle end. I've found crochet to be easier than knitting, even as a true beginner.
Baby/Kid
Castleware Toddler Blanket | $95 |
Castleware is one of very few US makers of baby and toddler pajamas. They make very high quality, durable pieces and their 100% cotton fleece is exceptionally luxurious.
City Threads Cotton Leggings | $23.99, frequently on sale | https://www.citythreads.com/products/girls-organic-cotton-leggings-plum?currency=USD&variant=43559121420451&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=92aa5dbde993&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pmax_All_prod&utm_network=x&utm_adposition=&utm_device=c&utm_matchtype=&utm_target=&utm_group=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwveK4BhD4ARIsAKy6pMIUbBSjMQYNFAfahgXb0J72gcEnwt375dGg_BXkD1xlNkuhVPJPgq8aAgoQEALw_wcB
This US manufacturer makes quality, simple pieces — many of which are 100% natural fiber. These GOTS-certified leggings run a little small so worth sizing up.
Baby in Merino Wool Sleep Sack | $94 | https://babyinmerino.com/collections/merino-sleep-sacks-child/products/copy-of-2-layer-merino-wool-sleep-sack-with-open-legs-silver-gray
Alice no longer tolerates one piece outfits, but this sleep sack served her well through most of her second year. Unlike many wool products this sleep sack has no treatments or synthetic coatings.
Nanchen Doll | $33 | https://thewoodenwagon.com/woodentoy/SANA770411.html
Nanchen toys are handmade by a small team in Germany using only natural materials. They make a wide variety of high quality, simple dolls.
Ostheimer Wood Figurine |$24.15 | https://thewoodenwagon.com/woodentoy/FOS15211.html
The gold standard in European wooden toys. Great for kids who love to palm small toys.
Boiled Wool Winter Coat | $79.95 - $108.95 | https://www.littlespruceorganics.com/disana-organic-boiled-wool-jacket/
Probably my favorite child clothing item, this coat has served us well through multiple seasons. (If you get a larger size, you can roll the sleeves up when the fit is a bit big). Worn with layers, it is warm enough for deep winter. A cotton lining on the hood makes it comfortable to wear.
What about you? What’s on your gift giving list this year?