Five Star Gift Ideas

For your dad who enjoys foraging and wild food cooking, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that you can consider. These gifts not only support his passion but also enhance his foraging experience. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Foraging Guidebooks: Look for an updated and comprehensive foraging guidebook that focuses on your dad's specific region or area. This will enable him to further expand his knowledge about local edible plants, mushrooms, and wild foods. A few popular options include "The Forager's Harvest" by Samuel Thayer or "Edible Wild Plants" by John Kallas.

2. Foraging Tools: Provide your dad with essential tools such as a high-quality mushroom knife or a foraging basket. A mushroom knife typically features a sharp blade for cutting mushrooms and a brush for cleaning them. A sturdy foraging basket made of natural materials can be used to collect and carry his findings in a sustainable manner.

3. Cooking Supplies: Enhance your dad's wild food cooking experience by gifting him specialty cooking supplies. Consider items like a cast-iron skillet, a stainless steel spice grinder, or a set of professional-grade chef's knives. These tools will allow him to create delicious meals using the wild ingredients he forages.

4. Wild Food Cookbook: Expand your dad's culinary repertoire with a cookbook that focuses on wild ingredients and foraged foods. There are several books available, such as "The Wildcrafted Cocktail" by Ellen Zachos, "The Forager's Kitchen" by Fiona Bird, or "Mushroom: A Global History" by Cynthia D. Bertelsen. These books provide creative recipes and insights into using wild ingredients in culinary creations.

5. Foraging Experience: Treat your dad to a unique foraging experience such as a guided foraging tour or a weekend getaway to a location known for its diverse wild food offerings. This will allow him to learn from experts, discover new foraging spots, and gather a wide variety of wild ingredients.

6. Subscription to a Foraging Magazine: Consider gifting your dad a subscription to a foraging magazine or a membership to a foraging association. These resources will provide him with regular doses of inspiration and knowledge from experienced foragers worldwide.

7. Indoor Herb Garden: If your dad enjoys fresh herbs and doesn't have access to wild ingredients year-round, consider gifting him an indoor herb garden kit. He can cultivate his own selection of herbs right in his kitchen, ensuring a steady supply of fresh ingredients for his wild food cooking experiments.

Remember, along with any gift, a thoughtful handwritten note expressing your appreciation for his passion and sharing how it has inspired you will add a personal touch and make the gift even more meaningful.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.

Bridget Shields says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I wanted a keepsake to give to my father for his birthday as he has terminal cancer. He was delighted by his gift. The process of ordering was easy and delivery was prompt. A great gift idea.”