In terms of equipment, lacto-fermentation is one of the simplest culinary-related DIYs available. (All you really need is an airtight jar and some sort of weight to keep your fruits and veggies submerged in the salt water within.) Sometimes, though, you just need a little push to get started.

Enter Homestead Junction’s (649 East Hastings Street) sauerkraut starter kit ($24), which comes with a wide-mouth Mason jar, a self-sealing silicone lid, pickling salt, and a fermentation weight. There’s even a tea bag—which helps keep cucumbers crunchy during the process—for when you eventually move on to making dill pickles.

If you’re not lacto-fermenting yourself, the all-in-one package also makes a great gift.