Five Star Gift Ideas

For your dad who enjoys foraging and wildcrafting, I have a few gift ideas that will align perfectly with his interests and make his birthday extra special.

1. Foraging Guidebooks: Help your dad enhance his foraging skills with a comprehensive guidebook on local plant identification and harvesting techniques. Look for a book specific to your region, as it will provide more accurate and relevant information. Some popular options include "The Forager's Harvest" by Samuel Thayer or "Stalking the Wild Asparagus" by Euell Gibbons.

2. Customized Foraging Gear: Personalized tools will not only make your dad's foraging experiences more enjoyable but also show your thoughtfulness. Consider getting him a custom engraved wooden or stainless-steel foraging knife. You can add his initials, a meaningful quote, or an image related to foraging. Additionally, a durable canvas foraging bag with multiple pockets would be a practical and convenient gift.

3. Foraging Workshops or Classes: Check if there are any foraging workshops or classes in your area and gift your dad an opportunity to learn from experts. These workshops often cover topics like plant identification, ethical foraging practices, and preparing wild ingredients. It will provide him with valuable knowledge, enhance his foraging techniques, and allow him to connect with fellow foragers in his community.

4. Subscription to a Foraging Magazine: A subscription to a foraging or wildcrafting magazine can be a gift that keeps giving throughout the year. These magazines typically include articles on plant identification, recipes, and various foraging tips and tricks. Some popular choices are "Wild Edible Magazine" or "Edible Wild Plants."

5. DIY Foraging Kit: Put together a DIY foraging kit tailored specifically to your dad's needs. Include items such as a folding pocket magnifying glass for detailed plant identification, a compass for navigating new foraging spots, resealable bags and containers to store his findings, a small gardening trowel for digging up root vegetables, and a notebook for documenting his foraging adventures.

6. Nature-Inspired Art: Consider gifting your dad a piece of art that captures his love for foraging. Look for paintings, prints, or photographs that showcase the beauty of wild plants and landscapes. Alternatively, you could commission a local artist to create a customized piece of art based on your dad's favorite forage-worthy plants.

7. Foraging Cookbook: If your dad enjoys cooking as much as foraging, a cookbook focused on wild ingredients can be a perfect gift. Look for a cookbook that offers a variety of recipes using foraged plants, mushrooms, and other edible goodies. One popular choice is "The Forager's Kitchen" by Fiona Bird.

Remember to wrap your gift with a personal touch, such as a handwritten note expressing your love and appreciation for your dad's passion. By selecting a gift that aligns with his interests, you'll not only make his birthday memorable but also show him how well you know and understand him.

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.”