As the holiday season gets into full swing and Christmas Day approaches, most ag producers start fielding—and often dodging—the inevitable question from family members, “What do you want for Christmas this year?”

If they could depend on Santa to deliver, most producers might ask for some pretty big gifts, like more acres to plant, a new combine or pickup, or perhaps a new farm bill. But since Santa almost always requires payment for the delivery of the big gifts he brings, most ag producers are usually frugal about what they want or ask for, and often simply settle for a new pair of socks or gloves, or maybe a new ball cap.

In truth, most farmers and ranchers prefer giving gifts over receiving them, even if they are not always good at gift selections. In fact, there is little that can dampen the holiday spirit as much as not knowing what to buy for those special people in your life, or to disappoint them by not providing an answer to their questions about what you would like to find under the Christmas tree this year.

In an effort to help you out, to make your gift buying easier and to prepare you for the question you keep dodging every year, you are invited to browse the short list below of gift ideas for them, and gift ideas you might pass on to make their gift shopping for you a little easier as well.

Gift Ideas for Wife, Mother, Sister or Daughter
Range: $25 - $350

Sure, you can call the florist or candy store and order up a load of flowers or chocolates, and no doubt they would be appreciated. But it might be nice to be original, and you can start by either surfing the Internet or dropping by a nearby store. Here are a couple of ideas.

Candle Delirium

Let’s face it, women like things that smell good, and they place a lot of importance on setting the right mood in their home or office. Candle Delirium offers online scented candles with flair - and these are not your run-of-the-mill candles either. Voluspa Maison Blanc 8 Candle Gift Set includes 8 Petite Maison Jar candles, one of each of the Maison Blanc fragrance collection. The Voluspa candle line represents superior quality with cool burning wax that will leave a lasting scent of her favorite fragrance for days. The set contains eight 1.7 oz petite votive jars, each with a 15-hour burn time. These are considered the top of the line gift candles, and chances are good she will appreciate your taste in holiday gifting.The candle gift set retails for $50. Connect here.

James Avery Craftsman
Every woman, young or old, likes jewelry. But they especially like jewelry with meaning. James Avery is a largely successful jewelry craftsman that has been making special jewelry for a long time. In fact, his work is famous and his products are both highly desirable and (here’s the good news) affordable. Most of his designs gravitate toward Christian symbols (crosses, doves, butterflies, etc.) but also include hearts and other types of non-religious design. Visiting a store (in major cities) or his online catalog offers a host of gift items ranging from rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings and more in both silver and gold. Limited gemstones are also available on some designs. Expect to pay between $50 to an average high of $200 and up. This ring design retails for $59 for sterling silver and $350 for 15k gold.  Connect here.

Wool tote bag, 'Zapotec Sunrise'

 Famed Zapotec master weaver Alberto Ruiz replicates the legendary artistry of Oaxaca's Zapotec people in the design of this tote bag. Having dyed the wool threads with natural dyes in orange and yellow, he weaves the bag's exterior on a traditional pedal loom and lines it with beige cotton canvas. The bag features an internal pocket, braided straps and a zipper closure. An artisan story card will be included with your purchase. Ruiz is from Oaxaca’s famed weaving village Teotitlan del Valle, where some of the world’s finest hand-woven wool rugs are made. This item is sold online through the National Geographic Novica site. Bag retails for $59.95. Connect here.

For Him

Gifts for Father, Son, Self or Brother

Range: $25 - $350

Next time a family member asks you what you want for Christmas, just have them take a look at this list, or use it yourself when buying for Day, son, brother of friend. Check out these great gift ideas for farmers and ranchers.

McCormick Farmall Boot Scraper

A day in the field or time in the barn can leave you knee deep in mud, grime and other messy situations, and you know how much the “lady of the house” hates tracks on her clean floors. That’s why this McCormick Farmall boot scraper is such a great addition to any porch. It gets your footwear cleaned up quickly, without using your hands. Just step between the cast iron tractor sides onto the tough fiber bristles and move your foot back and forth to brush away the remnants of a hard day’s work. Cleans almost any size boot or shoe from the treads clear up to the laces. This is one farmhand you should never do without. Scraper retails for $49.99. Connect here.

Boot and Glove Dryer

How many times have you put your boots or gloves near the fireplace or heater in the fall, winter or spring and hoped they would dry before morning? This cool little gadget will warm up those items quickly and efficiently so you’ll be ready for work before the sun comes up. It’s a forced-air garment dryer that won’t let you down. It includes four extra tall air chambers and whisper-quiet rotary blower that provides 99-degree heat that not only dries your clothes but also helps eliminates odors. Dries most garments in one hour or less. Never wear wet boots or gloves again! Retails for $53.02 on Amazon.com.

Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool

No farmer, rancher, hunter or outdoorsman should venture outside without this handy multi-tool. The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is hands down our most popular model, made famous by its outside-accessible blades that can be deployed with just one hand. When we redesigned it in 2004, we gave the new Wave larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task, the Wave multi-tool is an international best-seller. Retails at Sears for $63.00. Connect here.

Wireless Light w/ Suction-cup Base

The most powerful and versatile 12-volt lighting tool available! The light was originally built to meet the extreme demands found in agricultural production and is ideal for loading grain carts, checking property and livestock, or making those late night repairs. Spotlight features an extremely bright, 400,000-candlepower beam that can reach distances up to one-half mile away. Unique 370° rotation and 135° tilt create a sphere of coverage that reaches the most extreme work angles, while the wireless remote lets you reposition and maneuver the light directly from your work area (up to 100 ft. away). Includes suction-cup base and 15-ft. power cord with cigarette plug. Optional magnetic base (Item GOL50, sold separately) lets you turn the suction cup model into a magnetic-mount spotlight. Measures 7"Hx7"Wx6-1/2"D. The light retails for $307.95.Connect here.