What would be a nice gift for a farmer who is letting us visit his lambs?
Posted by StarSatellite@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 70 comments
A friend and I are going to a working farm to see the lambs - a dream of hers since childhood. This farm does not typically offer this kind of thing - just a really nice guy who said we're very welcome to rock up and watch them bottle feed and maybe even meet the calves. 🥹
Does anyone have an idea of what I can bring him as a thank you for his kindness and time? I was thinking a big tray of doughnuts or something but not everyone likes sweets. I still might add that on to any other suggestions though!
ProfPMJ-123@reddit
Booze.
I've never met a farmer who doesn't like booze. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with lamb.
StatisticianUsual471@reddit
He's probably sick of lamb
ProfPMJ-123@reddit
You understand that farmers don’t only eat the thing they farm?
StatisticianUsual471@reddit
Really wow I had no idea thanks for letting me know
Gorf1@reddit
…booze has the added advantage that it doesn’t spoil quickly or at all. If they don’t like it, they can regift it, unlike many sweet treats.
DamoclesBDA@reddit
A young rioja also works.
intollerablepleasure@reddit
Food is a good shout and I'm sure doughnuts would go down really well but if you are worried about the sweet thing then sausage rolls are a good alternative.
In my experience farmers also drink a lot ofcoffee and beer.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Brilliant thank you. Im actually considering going to Greggs in that case and just bringing them a selection.
External-Praline-451@reddit
Greggs 🤮 Fine for something cheap and filling, but I wouldn't go there for a gift for someone.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
So Greggs has been vetoed. 🫥
External-Praline-451@reddit
Lol, sorry dude! I know some people on Reddit claim Greggs is top-tier, but the last time I had a sausage roll from there, I found it minging. Not something I'd personally like as a gift!
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
I actually don't bother myself lol Thats because I'm never hungry at lunch time, and who's getting a Gregg's for dinner?! So I really shouldn't have shoved it in someone else's direction when I don't eat there either.
External-Praline-451@reddit
You were being swayed by Big Greggs propaganda 😂 Sounds like a bottle of whiskey might be the winner!
Great_Cucumber2924@reddit
Why don’t you go to animal sanctuary instead? Baby animals belong with their families, they shouldn’t be bottle fed.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Oh, is this not a normal practice even early on? I honestly have no idea. I'm sure they'll clarify why it's being done when we're there as I think someone is escorting us.
I do love the Sanctuary idea though, we've both been looking into volunteering at a shelter during our week off.
Great_Cucumber2924@reddit
A lot of things are normal that in an ideal world shouldn’t happen at all. Yes, asking why the lambs are bottle fed and where their mothers are would be good questions to ask. Just take the answers with a pinch of salt because sometimes farmers claim animals ‘aren’t maternal’ and would hurt their offspring - which a visit to animal sanctuary would show you is not the case in a non-traumatised animal.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Oh no 😔 Although we're going for my friend, I know it'll be me asking 40 questions because I take such an interesting in learning, so genuinely thank you. I'll be asking about this. (In an unobtrusive way of course.)
Great_Cucumber2924@reddit
Curious minds are the best! Hope you get something positive from your visit
DiDiPLF@reddit
Muscle soak or epsom salts to add to the hamper?
shorthairedhippi@reddit
Hand and feet warmers
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
That's cracking. I'm doing a hamper, but if I see anything in Morrisons on my travels, I'll fire these into it.
Beneficial_Change467@reddit
A bottle of whiskey, or beers/ales. Whiskey doesn't need to be top shelf as it will likely be mixed.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
This is exactly what my sister said too - its going in the hamper for sure. Thank you.
GiftHampersIntl@reddit
A gift card to a local farm supply store or gas station. Or a good quality pair of work gloves.
A gift hamper with coffee, snacks, and maybe some jerky or nuts works well too. A lot of people go this route for thank you gifts. Add a handwritten note saying thanks for the lamb visit. He'll remember that more than the gift. Donuts plus a note is honestly fine.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Thank you - the hamper is the way to go. And definitely a thank you note. I hope I actually follow through with this but I'd like to try and make a wee card myself by hand vs a store card, just because its been so long since I've drawn, and it'll be that bit more personal.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
I'd personally get some chutneys and pickles. Last, easy to regift if they don't fancy, can be pretty special and balance the sweet and savoury. Any farm shops in area as they often have some nice ones? Unless farm shop is his. Lambing is knackering so sleep kit might be nice for when it is over.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
The hamper idea is forming thanks to you all. There is actually a lovely farm shop a few miles up the road that I've always wanted a look at. If I have the time on Friday I'll go there before Morrisons - thank you so much.
Calm-Bus7555@reddit
I think with most things you run the risk of them not liking it, could be the same with chocolate, wine etc. Doughnuts sounds like a fun, thoughtful gift!
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I'm leaning towards Greggs and giving him a call to say "I've got you all X, Y and Z, but do you have any requests and also also: Any coffee orders?"
How many people work on a farm I wonder. Will we have 15 cups balancing on my pal's lap? 😏
Akitapal@reddit
Greggs is awkward cos on a farm the staff might be scattered on different parts of the farm. And depending what they are doing, everyone cannot necessarily all take a sudden break at the exact time you arrive with hot food and drinks. (Which might not be so hot by then - so hassle of reheating…)
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
You're both spot on. Too impractical considering the scope of the place and trying to get everyone something thats still edible. I was hoping to offer a sweet surprise of a hot lunch that they wouldn't see coming. But then...who's going to have time to eat it when someone will likely be carting us about!
highrouleur@reddit
You've got a farmer who produces beautiful fresh clean food. Don't offer them shitty processed gregg unless they've mentioned they're a fan of it
swapacoinforafish@reddit
You can get little hampers from M&S or Joh Lewis for £20-£30 that have a variety of things in.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
That's a great shout thank you!
Akitapal@reddit
Yes came to say a hamper / box with things like good quality shortbread, jam, honey, chocolate etc. Either buy a pre-made one or assemble it yourself. Don’t even need an actual hamper. Get a pretty gift bag they sell in supermarkets etc.
That way there is bound to be something for everyone.
Greggs is awkward cos on a farm everyone cannot necessarily all take a break at the exact time you arrive with hot food and drinks. And they might be scattered on different parts of the farm.
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
You're right there. Imagine being shouted over for a coffee that you cant get to for 40 minutes when you were much in the middle of something!
I think we'll do a jaunt to Morrisons for a bottle of whiskey and a nice wee selection of the things you mention above. I have empty hamper baskets thankfully. 🧡
10cd@reddit
Yeah some mint sauce
FIREBIRDC9@reddit
Didn't have to scroll far to find this!
40something_milf@reddit
Ohhh, I wish I had seen this before I posted it. Sorry!
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Either_Sense_4387@reddit
Beat me to it! 😂
Beartato4772@reddit
I was going to go with massively one sided inheritance tax legislation but that works.
Mglfll@reddit
Came to say this too
Highland_Dragon@reddit
Every farmer i know loves some good pate, cheese and chutney.
MKAndroidGamer@reddit
New tractor.
Realistic-Muffin-165@reddit
And some diesel
George_Salt@reddit
Rosemary, garlic, and anchovies.
COYSBannedagain@reddit
Anchovies?
George_Salt@reddit
You haven't tried roast lamb with that combination?
Either stud the lamb joint with sprigs of rosemary, slivers of garlic, and a small piece of anchovy filet, or slash the lamb joint, make up a paste of rosemary, garlic, and anchovies and rub it in. Then cover and slow roast. After about half an hour you'll have regrets as the smell of anchovy wafts from the oven, after 3hrs you'll have the finest roast lamb you've ever tasted with the anchovy fading to a background savoury umami that just lifts the lamb to another level.
COYSBannedagain@reddit
Well now I have to try that, cheers.
SpectreSingh89@reddit
Shower gel (or toiletery) set.
Lots of customised items online. A customised mug, keyring, clothing so if u have the time and delivery will come before visit might be ideal.
Orchio91@reddit
Bit of an insult when a random person buys you soap.
SpectreSingh89@reddit
🤔🤔 what?
OldManChino@reddit
My old man was a farmer, he loved a bottle of whisky. None of that fancy crap mind, famous grouse or teachers, so not even expensive
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
My sister who is regularly at a farm where her caravan is stored, has just voice noted me to say "Don't bother with Greggs. Whiskey. Trust me "
2 people who know farmers saying this is making me think this is the one. Thank you. 😊
misskittygirl13@reddit
A jar of posh mint sauce and a nice bottle of red wine
Tricky-Reporter-5246@reddit
Mint sauce
Few_Food_3705@reddit
A nice mint plant for the garden
sock_cooker@reddit
Jar of mint sauce
Pencilstrangler@reddit
Big tray of shepherds pie obviously 🤣
Phantom_Crush@reddit
Money for a vet because sheep may be the dumbest animals that mankind has ever had the misfortune to domesticate. Used to do building work for a sheep farmer and he complained about them all the time lol
pemberleypearls@reddit
Do a small selection of sweet and savoury treats
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
Nice covering all the bases!
Petcai@reddit
Like lamb chops?
40something_milf@reddit
Mint sauce? 😬
StarSatellite@reddit (OP)
The amount of lamb accompaniments has me both in shock and simultaneously proud to be from the UK.
Upbeat_Branch_4231@reddit
Bottle of whisky? Box of chocolates? Bouquet of flowers? In any event, a hand written thank you card from the children.
Cute-Cat-2351@reddit
Mint sauce?
Upbeat_Branch_4231@reddit
LOL!
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.