Gauteng livestock farmer Hlobisile Yende has redefined Christmas gifting with her creative, farm-inspired ideas. For those scrambling to find the perfect last-minute gift, her practical and heartwarming tips are the perfect solution for spreading festive cheer.
It all started with a simple gesture. Since her son, fondly known as “Lethu the farmer,” started school, Yende has given his teachers small tokens of appreciation at the end of the year. However, 2024 brought something extra special.
For those inspired to create their own farm-themed Christmas gifts, Yende has some practical advice and is sure to inspire. And if you’re ever in Gauteng, she might just have a hamper with your name on it.
Duncan Masiwa: What sparked the idea for this year’s farm-themed teacher hampers?
Hlobisile Yende: It’s been a tradition of ours since my son started school that, at the end of the year, we give his teachers something as a token of appreciation for all they do for Lethu.
His school is on a farm, and at school, they know him as Lethu the farmer. This year, we had the privilege of being invited as a guest speaker at his school as a farmer for Career Day. We decided to give the teachers practical gifts – a taste of our world and a gift they will remember. Lethu and I went and did our research and carefully selected goodies that were “relevant” to our lifestyle.
Due to it being out of season for us, I decided to support one of my friends, Phetole, from P Agricultural Group, who is working with a school garden that belongs to children living with disabilities. So, this was carefully thought out, and I wanted to see how I could give back and assist my fellow colleagues and community.
We sourced the veggies from them. The biltong – a farmer’s favourite – is a reminder that we also produce beef. The Farmer’s chips are my favourite because they are produced by farmers, and it is evident to the public because of the name. Each hamper differs because we want them all to be unique, which allows us to be creative.
What farm-fresh goodies would you suggest for a last-minute Christmas hamper?
I would suggest that, when putting them together, you add things that you farm with, if, of course, they are in season. This adds a personal touch and also serves as a form of marketing for your business.
For example, we have different hampers: Some with our butternuts, others with our maize, and some with our beef and lamb. This is so that people can taste and experience our produce. Additionally, putting in the effort to make it look appealing will earn extra points, as the recipient will likely want to share it with others.
Ensure you store the produce well if it’s fresh, so it doesn’t get contaminated. If possible, collect it in the morning.
A friend of mine, Nomathemba Langa, processes game meat, so I am in talks with her to include some of her salami sticks and have rings made from their animals on the game farm. It’s all about collaboration, making it unique, and adding a personal touch.
When you source from a friend, it also builds a different kind of relationship, and you both get exposure while giving back.
I’m also big on giving relevant gifts, which is why I made sure all the goodies are either produced by the actual farmers or are farming-related.
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What gifts or tokens best suit those connected to farming?
Next, I want to explore a different form of gifting. For example, if I don’t gift them with fresh food items, I’d rather gift something unique, like the skin of our cattle, goats, or sheep, and turn it into something memorable – not just for the farm, but for the person as well.
For instance, most of my customers, after slaughter, don’t want the animal’s skin, but I can transform it into a beautiful cushion or key ring – something they can use again.
Now that I’m pursuing my dream of making honey-infused products from the honey I’ll be producing from the hives and sourcing from other farmers, I’ll start adding lip balms and lotions – something convenient and portable.
Watch this space – you know I’m always up to something.
Is a farm-themed Christmas gift a good idea for someone new to farm life?
Most of the people I give to are not in the industry or even particularly interested in farming, but they appreciate it even more because it’s something they didn’t expect. They also notice the details, and it’s a great way to promote health.
Ever since I did it for my son’s teachers, it’s been a hit, and now I gift everyone with farm-related goodies.
We also send our sponsors, clients, those we’ve collaborated with, and close friends a “corporate gift” to thank them for believing in and supporting our business.
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