Hopefully, if you are reading this at around the time it was posted, you are having some time away from work and enjoying time with family and friends over the holiday season. I’m quite anti-social, not really a Christian (I don’t follow any religion, but try to be spiritual), and a person who abstains from alcohol, so Christmas is not my favourite time. However, it is lovely to see my kids and to exchange gifts. Speaking of which, what about gifts for beekeepers?

There’s Nothing Like A Dadant Smoker

My strategy with beekeeping gear, and most other things for that matter, is to buy what I need when I need it. This can be frustrating for those around me who wish to buy gifts; normally I have already bought what I require. The thing is, I know exactly what I want, and a non-beekeeper (or even a different beekeeper) does not. I did give my family a small list (with links to the relevant websites) of things that I would be grateful to receive. Basically, it was a Dadant smoker and some gloves; things that may not appear exciting, but get used often. Hopefully, the gloves won’t get used too regularly, as they go on once the sting count has gone too high!

Honey House Goodies

I have bought a few goodies for myself. The more expensive of these are a set of proper calibrated scales, for weighing honey as I jar it, and a ‘DANA api THERMA Straining system’. The bee farmers I spoke to all filter honey before jarring, using around 200-250 micron size, so I thought I should follow suit. The heater should hopefully help the honey to quickly pass through. Accurate weighing scales are also something I should have been using already.

Gifts For Beekeepers

Here are some other ideas for gifts that I imagine many experienced beekeepers would appreciate:

• a good steel electric extractor
• An api melter (for cappings, melting out granulated comb, rendering wax, warming honey etc.). These are not cheap!
• Nucleus hives e.g. Paynes Poly Nuc
• pre-assembled frames (brood and super)
• rigger boots (my V12s are great)
• bee suit or jacket
• blow torch
  

For beginners, I think the best thing they can do is learn about bees and beekeeping, by reading and going on courses:

• beginners course at the local beekeeping association
• subscription to BeeCraft, Beekeepers Quarterly, American Bee Journal, Bee Culture
• Dare I mention my new book?!
• Or even my other book
• These really good books
  

Here’s something odd; even though I have a lot of delicious honey, I still occasionally buy honey because it is different to mine. I adore heather honey (bell or ling) and I have sampled some interesting stuff such as blueberry, borage and meadowfoam. I’m not suggesting that you buy honey for a beekeeper, but if it is unusual or different to what they have, it can be well received.

Happy Holidays

Anyway, I wish all readers a pleasant and peaceful holiday season. Hopefully, you have finished treating your hives with oxalic acid and can take it easy for a while.