[hobbes191]

I'm new here and not actually a beekeeper. However, a family member of mine has just started this year with two hives. This family member has all the basics: suit, smoker, etc.. I'd like to get him a birthday present but I'm not sure what would be the most useful to a beekeeper. Does anyone have any thoughts on equipment/supplies/knowledge you wished you had while starting out? I'd like to keep it under $200 or so..

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

How about a gift certificate good at a bee supply company, such as ....

http://www.mannlakeltd.com/beekeeping-supplies/product/GC-100.html

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Welcome 191! A super would be a super gift! http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/10-Frame/products/17/

 

[COAL REAPER]

just make sure you get equipment that matches their current setup, i.e. 8-frame vs. 10-frame supers. also, they may be running deeps and mediums, or just mediums. mostly cant go wrong with medium supers. screen for when straining honey could also work. maybe a bunch of jars in hopes that a couple come back around to you filled with the liquid gold!

 

[Knisely]

Does your relative have a 'frame holder'? It's a nice thing to have when you're puttering in the back-yard bee yard. I got one for Christmas from my family (I never would have bought one for myself), and I found it useful to perch a few frames on as I'm inspecting frames for brood coverage, queen cells, etc.

All the major vendors have their version...here's a link to one from Brushy Mountain. http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Frame-Perch/productinfo/592/

You should be notified that some of the vendors (Kelley's and Mann Lake, if I recall correctly) have free shipping for orders of $100-$200. Shipping can eat up a lot of dollars that you'd rather not spend...

 

[stajerc61]

I vote for the giftcard.

 

[kingd]

I vote for a giftcard also because it is hard to tell what they really want/need.