Dear Elf Advice Column: How Can I Make Holiday Shopping Easier?
Hi, head elf here! Our answer to your question is, get to Crane’s Country Store!
Gift-giving is an annual dilemma for many humans. If you need great gift ideas, Crane’s Country Store has you covered.
Don’t tell Santa, but several of us have been sneaking off to Crane’s for years. Located in Williamsburg, MO, just a half mile off Interstate 70, Crane’s has unique gifts for everyone on your list! And let’s face it, as elves, we work plenty hard all year long. Don’t we (and you!) deserve a little help?
Can’t make the trip to beautiful downtown Williamsburg? Shop online at Crane’s Country Store.
Pair our latest holiday gift guide with some cocoa and candy canes. Sip, sit back and add our giftable favorites to your cart.
Our Favorite Ideas for Men's Presents
Is he hard to buy for? Not anymore. Crane’s has durable, stylish and functional gifts that every man in your life will appreciate.
Explore Filson wool coats he’ll wear forever, or browse warm Pendleton sweaters for cold days. You’ll also find leather boots from Danner and Wolverine that would love to be under your tree!
Check off the guys on your holiday gift list.
1. Mackinaw Wool Hunting Jacket
Take on weather in the woods. The Mackinaw Wool Hunting Jacket will be his new hunting buddy. Its wool will keep him nice and warm. Waxed cotton on the shoulders and sleeves will protect him from early morning or evening drizzle.
The best part? It has a game pocket! The jacket’s full-width rear pocket is lined with coated nylon. It can carry birds, rabbits and even small elves. (We admit it. We tried it out!)
2. Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat
Give a gift with a legacy. Filson’s Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat goes back three decades. The original design protected men through hard winters on ranches and wild backcountry. Your tough spouse or father will follow in the footsteps of trailblazers past when he dons this coat.
Its tightly woven wool will shield him from wind and water. He can flip up the classic sheep-skin collar to guard his neck and ears.
3. Mackinaw Wool Cape Coat
An iconic man needs an iconic coat. The Filson Mackinaw Wool Cape Coat is made in the USA with 100% virgin wool.
By harnessing the power of sheep’s wool and a double-layer cape, this coat is naturally water-repellent for cold, misty days. It offers warmth and weather protection without being too bulky. He’ll be a winter-weather superhero wearing this!
4. Pendleton Range Stripe Lambswool Cardigan
Looks stylish? Check. Feels comfy? Check. We know what you’re looking for.
The Pendleton Range Stripe Lambswool Cardigan checks all our boxes. This chunky cardigan is 100% lambswool, and it features faux-horn buttons. He can wear it alone or layer it under a coat on frigid days.
No cardigan is complete without pockets—that’s a long-time Santa rule. Side-seam pockets will help him stash small essentials with ease.
5. Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle
Take to the skies. Set off on the road. Go on a guided hunting trip. He’ll grab the Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle and adventure anywhere.
The tightly woven waxed canvas makes this go-to bag water-resistant. This durable duffle keeps its contents safe from moisture and abrasions. He’ll enjoy the classic leather handle and brass zipper.
(We’re trying to convince Santa to carry his presents in this, not that red sack. We’re working on the pitch. Email us if you have any compelling talking points!)
6. Danner Crafter Boots
Danner boots were made for water, work and wear. In the Danner Crafter Boots, he’ll be ready to go the extra mile—and not feel it in his feet.
These velvety leather boots offer plenty of toe room and a plush heel for ultimate all-day comfort. The oiled leather and interior liner keep feet dry. Shock-resistant soles and heels offer electrical hazard protection for days on the shop floor or work site.
7. Wolverine Hellcat 6" Moc Toe Boots
His classic work boot meets newfound comfort. An incredibly cushioned (and removable!) footbed will make the Wolverine Hellcat Moc Toe Boots his new favorite shoe. Its breathable, moisture-wicking lining keeps toes dry, and the premium leather exterior protects feet from the outside world.
Our Top Holiday Gifts for Women
You’ve got what you need for him. How about her? Done! We elves would never forget the ladies.
She’ll love Crane’s selection of Pendleton coats and sweaters for winter. Explore our women’s outerwear and shirts for outfit staples. If you’re looking for smaller gifts, we recommend Crane’s hats, gloves and scarves – they fit the bill or work perfectly in a stocking!
1. Timberline Jacquard Coat
Dress to impress in the Pendleton Women's Timberline Jacquard Coat. Our elves saw this beautiful coat and nearly fainted in excitement!
This classic coat is made in the USA of blanket-weight jacquard fabric. When you examine it closely, you can see the fabric’s texture, which gives this coat an elevated look. While wearing it, she’ll feel impeccably dressed and completely cozy at the same time.
2. Brooklyn Wool Coat
You’ve heard the song “No Sleep ‘Till Brooklyn”? We’re pretty sure Pendleton didn’t sleep until they perfected this Brooklyn Wool Coat.
The Pendleton Women's Brooklyn Wool Coat is both classic and cool. This lovely coat is crafted from Pendleton’s Oregon Tweed, which is woven in Washington. The fit is slightly oversized, and it features a polyester lining.
3. Alpaca Discovery Cardigan
Does she love everything super-soft? She’ll fall head over heels for the Pendleton Women's Alpaca Discovery Cardigan.
This beautiful cardigan is made of baby alpaca wool. Every time she puts it on, she’ll be living in luxury. (A few of us may have taken naps with this cozy cardigan…don’t tell Santa.)
It features two pockets and an optional belt. She can tie the belt around her waist or embrace the cardigan’s open front style with no belt.
4. Madera Zip Front Jacket
Zip up in fuzzy fleece with the Pendleton Women's Madera Zip Front Jacket. On the outside, this jacket is made of durable, rip-stop fabric. On the inside, it’s lined with soft, Sherpa fleece. It’s the best of both worlds: durable and comfortable.
With a stand collar and ribbed cuffs, she can keep warm in the cold and keep moving through her day.
5. Graphic Sweater Coat
Be bold. Native American designs inspired the Women’s Graphic Sweater Coat from Pendleton. This long sweater is 70% cotton and 30% merino wool for a nice blend of softness and warmth. Other fun features of this sweater coat include a shawl collar and two front pockets.
6. Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag
If she has 2024 travel plans, you can help her update her luggage. Crane’s has a large selection of stylish Filson luggage. The elves’ bag of choice is the Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag. It comes in Cedar Red (pictured below), Lake Green and Faded Black.
Packing for long weekends or extreme excursions is easier with this duffle by your side. Waxed fabric protects gear inside from getting wet, and the medium size meets airline carry-on requirements.
Stuff to Stuff Those Stockings!
Big gifts may not be your style. Not everyone loves giving or receiving clothing. (We do if you were wondering! All of us elves are size XS, please.) If you’re looking for fun, unique holiday gifts, we have a few out-of-the-box ideas for you.
1. Puffin The Hoodie
You know when it’s warm and your drink starts to sweat? Ten minutes pass, and your drink is at room temperature. Keep your cold one cozy. Puffin the Hoodie has two layers of insulation to keep cans nice and cold.
Make your friends smile with this fun gift. Every time they use it, they’ll think of you. These beverage hoodies come in multiple colors, so you can change up your beverage’s wardrobe.
2. Duke Cannon Holiday Soaps
Are you looking for something that will make him laugh? Tie a ribbon around some tough, manly soap bricks from Duke Cannon.
These soaps are made for the working man (or woman) and are three times larger than the average, dainty bar. The seasonal Duke Cannon soaps will have him grinning ear to ear—and cleaning up good.
Holiday Bricks
- Oops! All Brandy Homemade Eggnog. Someone had too many helpings of eggnog…no…brandy. This one smells like toasted nutmeg and musk.
- Mall Santa's Cough Syrup. Duke Cannon saved Christmas one year by donning St. Nick’s uniform. Or, at least, that’s how the story goes. This soap smells like The North Pole and peppermints.
- Rudolph's Much Deserved Night Cap. If anyone deserves a drink, it’s our guy Rudolph. He works hard. He plays hard. This brick smells like toasted cinnamon and antique wood.
- Illegally Cut Pine. Artificial trees just don’t hit the same. We aren’t recommending you go out and grab a fresh pine. We are recommending you go out and grab this soap.
- Frothy the Beer Man. Be like Frothy the Beer Man. He is always filled with cheer—and beer. This one smells like sandalwood.
We also have Duke Cannon gift sets!
3. Stanley Quenchers
Travel tumblers are essential. Everyone needs one. (All the elves have them!) Help your friends and family stay hydrated with Stanley Quencher Tumblers.
The 40-oz. tumbler comes in 11 chic colors for any personality. Each tumbler has a rotating cover lid with three positions: a straw opening, a wide mouth and a full-cover top to prevent spills.
4. No. 8 Cast Iron Dutch Oven
We know this doesn’t count as a stocking stuffer, but we had to put it on the list!
Heirloom quality cast iron cookware is a thoughtful gift for your home chef. For those passionate about cooking indoors or outside, Field Company has many naturally non-stick pieces they’ll love. At Crane’s Country Store, you’ll find skillets, griddles and Dutch ovens.
The No. 8 Cast Iron Dutch Oven is one of the lightest, smoothest Dutch ovens on the market. You can use it to bake and braise with ease. You don’t have to worry about lugging it around and spilling its contents. This Dutch oven is only 6.5 lbs.
Cast iron isn’t like the other pots and pans in your kitchen. If you give someone cast iron, consider pairing the gift with a helpful care kit.
5. Knit Beanie
You can’t go wrong with winter wear for Christmas. Gloves, scarves and hats are always well-received this time of year. Stuff this beanie inside a stocking or use it to top off the contents inside a gift box.
The elves can’t get enough of Carhartt beanies, like the Fisherman Beanie or Knit Beanie pictured below. We love to keep our pointy ears cozy! (Unfortunately, beanies aren’t approved attire for our work uniforms. We'd appreciate it if you called Santa on our behalf about this.)
Find the Best Gifts Here
Crane’s has gifts galore! Find the items they’ll really enjoy - for mom and dad, your best buddies and your co-workers. Shop Crane’s website, and be sure to bookmark this Christmas gift guide for inspiration! (But please don’t tell Santa about our little secret!)
Next time you make the haul east or west along I-70, be sure to stop off in beautiful downtown Williamsburg. And remember to shop local this Christmas! Not only is it a great feeling to support your local businesses, but you can gift us elves a little ease this season!
Shop online or call us at (573) 254-3311 to chat with an elf! We love to give recommendations and help pick out gifts!
Happy shopping and happy holidays!