THERE’s a particular pleasure in giving a Christmas present that comes into its own long after the decorations are down. A packet of old Irish seeds holds the promise of spring, a hand scythe can open a path through summer grass, and a nest box in a quiet barn might one day be home to a brood of owlets. Whether you’re buying for someone who farms for a living, keeps horses or simply loves to see what’s living in the hedgerow, here are a few gifts that will earn their keep and give them something to look forward to as the days begin to lengthen again.

Heritage Harvest Seed Set, €20.30

Give four old Irish vegetable varieties a fresh start. Irish Glacier Brussels sprouts, Kilscanlon Spring Greens kale, Mayo Common cabbage and Tipperary turnip come in a reusable cotton bag with wooden row labels. A stocking filler with enough in it to get next year’s kitchen garden started. Buy from Irish Seed Savers.

The Great Irish Biodiversity Book, €23.99

For the young farm walker who wants to know what’s rustling in the long grass. Éanna Ní Lamhna explores Ireland’s grasslands, woods, bogs and beaches, with Barry Falls’s illustrations giving readers plenty to look for on their next outing. Buy from easons.com or in shops.

Long-probe compost thermometer, €24.95

For the person who looks at a muck heap and sees next year’s compost. The 40cm probe reaches into the heap, so they can track when it warms up and cools down. It’s the sort of gift that makes checking the muck heap oddly satisfying. Buy from quickcrop.ie.

Indoor barn owl nest box, €149

Give a quiet farm building a potential new resident. Hand-built in Ireland from FSC-certified plywood, this box has a landing platform and a deep chamber below the entrance. It’s a gift for someone with a suitable building and an interest in giving barn owls a place to nest. Buy from Irish Garden Birds

Parallax Hay Saver, €205

For the yard where too much good hay ends up underfoot. This covered trough keeps forage together and off the ground, whether it’s used in the field or stable. Whites Agri lists pallet delivery from €75. Buy from Whites Agri.

Austrian scythe beginners’ kit, €210

Cut a path through an orchard or take down a patch of long grass with the swish of a blade. This kit includes a wooden snath, blade, fitting ring and sharpening stones. Choose the handle length for the recipient and the blade for the job they’re most likely to tackle. Buy from Scythe.ie.

Used Fleming AR10 pasture aerator, €2950

A substantial gift for a farmer or yard owner tackling confirmed shallow compaction. This second-hand, three-metre tractor-mounted aerator is worth a look once a spade inspection has shown where the compacted layer sits. Ask the dealer about availability and tractor compatibility. Enquire with Clarkes of Cavan.