After tapping into my network of friends around the state, here are their ideas of some unique Wyoming-oriented Christmas gifts you can buy.

         But the best gifts might be gift subscriptions to the newspaper you are reading right now to your friends and loved ones. Most newspapers have special Christmas offers. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

         Shopping in local-owned stores is another fun experience       of the Christmas season. Not only do you get to support the local economy but also you can see all your friends when you go shopping. Also, shop the special ad sections in newspapers like this one for special hours for special deals.

         Some companies are pushing “Buying American” this year, which makes a lot of sense. I would go a step further and promote “Shop Wyoming.” This is really fun!

         It also makes sense to make donations this time of year to needy causes. And if you know any widows or widowers or people who are sick, perhaps the best gift of all is your time and your concern. Put that on your list, too.

         Here are some suggestions that have come floating in:

         Steph Kessler has a lot to be thankful for this Christmas, as her husband John Gans successfully completed brain tumor surgery. Gans is CEO of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander.          Her idea of an ideal Wyoming gift is to folks with new a baby is “baby moccasins.” They are special, warm and comfortable, she reminds. Members of the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes handcraft them. They are beaded and made of deer hide.

         Brother Ron in Laramie suggests University of Wyoming memorabilia – lots of it. With a bowl game looming, especially.

         Former Kemmerer Editor Sarah Millhouse said she was given some original Wyoming-made Koltiska liqueur when she moved to Iowa from Wyoming.

         Ex-Wyoming Tourism Director Gene Bryan recommends Chugwater Chili or if your pocketbook can afford it, Western Design furniture.

         Rock Springs Publisher Holly Dabb recommends Farson honey, Kronski’s from Boschetto’s in Rock Springs and the Donner Party Cookbook by Terry Del Bene. The Donner party’s trip originated in Sweetwater County all those years ago. Includes recipes like brain stew. Yummy!

Bob Scholl and John Smithbaker of Lander recommend Wyoming Jade and a Wyoming-made compass, by Brunton, of course.

         Robert Legoski likes Monastery creations from Dayton and Debra Sasso Dayton likes Mystic Monk Coffee and pottery by her brother in law Jason Dayton.

Tim Monroe of Casper thinks a great Christmas gift is a plane ticket on Allegiant to Las Vegas.

         Paul Susich likes the Wyoming Centennial Elk Rib Back Scratcher. Deanna Trumble-Green of Lander sells her own unique soap and sells pottery soap dishes to go along with them.

         Books are always a good idea. Pete Illoway of Cheyenne likes books by C. J. Box (also of Cheyenne). Steve Mossbrook of Riverton recommends the Wind River Country picture book. Lander’s Dave Langerman reminds me to mention his outdoor survivor book called Life In The Wild versus the Alternative (lots of good hints that could save your life).

         I have already mentioned in an earlier column the big national best sellers with Wyoming ties including Dick Cheney’s In My Time and Don Hardy’s book about Al Simpson, Shooting from the Lip. I would add that Lynne Cheney’s Book Blue Skies, No Fences as an outstanding memoir of growing up in Wyoming. Best geology book is Rising from the Plains by John McPhee, all about the late Dave Love.

         UW Prof Phil Roberts reminded me that copies of the sixth edition of the invaluable Wyoming Almanac, produced by him and his two brothers are still available. Mary Ann Hoyt of Lander has a new cookbook out, just in time for Christmas.

         Jim Hicks recommends a town of Buffalo-oriented book about Jack Meldrum called The Character, which is a real hoot. Former Wyomingite Jennifer Knight recommends Cowboy in Caracas by another former Wyomingite Charles Hardy about some turbulent times in Venezuela.

Books by Candy Moulton, Mark Jenkins, Craig Johnson, Cat Urbigkit and the Gears from Thermopolis all make great stocking stuffers, too.

         This is also my chance to pitch my new book Strong Winds, Blowing Snow, Slick in Spots which goes along with my other two previous books High Altitudes, Low Multitudes and The Best Part of America. They are priced at $16.95, $14.95 and $12.95 and can purchased by email or sending a check to me at Box 900, Lander, Wy 82520. Add $2 per book for postage.

         Happy Shopping!