Ropers Sports News
The Ultimate Cowboy Gift Guide
By Amy Wit
Rope those what-to-give worries goodbye and don’t even stress about the amount of money you have to spend, especially with all these ropings and rodeos we have to enter, and let’s not forget the NFR... uh, hello?! I’ve been searching high and low to uncover fresh, fun, and unique ideas for your entire crew.
Let’s start with good reads. Do you have a book lover you know who is always searching for great new reads? “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” by Tom Robbins is a wonderful read for women. “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West” by Dee Brown is a stunning story for men, or how about the “Hunger Games” series for anyone, any age. A subscription to a favorite magazine like “Cowboys and Indians” or, even better, the Ropers Sports News, which is offering a great holiday deal right now (see ad on page 4).
Drink and be merry with my favorite and most mouth watering wine, Stella Rosa, paired with some classy or personalized wine glasses. Maybe you have a cook you’re wanting to treat? “Bring’Em on Home” cookbook, as recommended by the lovely Erica Krantz in her “Home On The Range” column on page 44 of this issue, offers recipes from PRCA families. A handmade apron or one you hand picked delicately from your favorite store is something the gift receiver will enjoy. Stores like Anthropology, Home Goods, World Market and Target offer exclusive and fabulous cooking utensils, bowls, aprons, and accessories for your top chef.
There’s an artist in all of us…maybe you want to bring the inner artist out in someone talented – Artist Loft offers a wonderful Refined Palette that includes 125-pieces of paints, brushes, crayons, and everything you need for an affordable $50. Even accessories such as canvases, paint brushes, sketchbooks, or a ceramic or pottery class to top it off.
Music lover or musician? Taylor Guitars, Gibson, Martin Guitars, and Fender offer a variety of affordable quality guitars for any age or level. Headphones, iHomes, and iTunes cards are excellent ideas to keep us rockin any time, any place.
Let’s talk fashion. Leather or motorcycle inspired jackets are so chic for men and women alike this season especially to be sporting around at a roping or rodeo. Forever21, Macys, J.C. Penney, J Crew, and the Gap offer affordable and first-class leather jackets that will make everyone envious.
Pendleton has some good specials on clothing, blankets, and shaving kits perfect for any traveling gypsy. Toms shoes are a comfortable, stylish gift for men and women and also give back to children. Men, you can never go wrong with clothes, shoes, and jewelry for your perfect lady, however, it is the selection that counts. Pay close attention to where she shops and what she fancies. You can never go wrong with chandelier earrings, statement necklaces, Betsey Johnson, turquoise, and a girl’s best friend… let’s not forget the obvious… diamonds! Is it time to pop the question to the woman of your dreams?
For the over-the-top gift givers, listen up! The Cowboy Christmas at the NFR has so much to offer. Gypsy Soule, Lucchese, Gist Silversmith, Resistol, and Heel-O-Matic are just a few of the booths to gander at for gifts to splurge on.
Branco Ranch Western Furniture, Sunny-D Crystal Wear by Donna Mahoney, Hale on Earth by McKenzie Hale, roping memberships, barrel racing lessons from the greats Jerri Mann or Lyndee Stairs, roping lessons from my favorites Denny Watkins, Kyle Lockett, Daniel Green, or Dusty Watkins are also out of this world gift ideas that are meaningful and memorable.
The greatest gifts, however, we cannot buy. Love, friendship, family, laughter, peace, and being in the company of the ones we love is the most desired and cherished! If you are on a strict budget, make something, give a picture, write a love letter, poem, or give a card, but most of all give love.
Have a joyous, fun, safe, happy, and peaceful Christmas and New Year! Visit me at: http://caliidreamin.blogspot.com or feel free to email me with your comments.
Don’t forget to be on the lookout for Ropers Sports News at the NFR and pick up your free sample copy of the December issue at the gift venues there.
Everytime the mail comes the first of the month, I feel a sense of giddy inside -
an excitment and a sense of pride. I feel so honored and proud that I have been given the opportunity to write for the Ropers Sports News.
I am excited for next year because I have alot of new individuals I will be interviewing and featuring.
Also, if you're not a subscriber...GO SUBSCRIBE!!
XO
Love ya!
"When you don't dress like everyone else, you don't have to think like everyone else."
Iris Anfel
