This is the time of year when you hope you have lots of scrap paper handy. Adding names, making notes, scratching out other notes, drawing lines to link thoughts – sometimes your gift list can get confusing! Mast Store hopes to help alleviate some of that confusion with this gift guide to at least get you started. It is broken out into different areas of the store to showcase some of the items we think would be appreciated by your lucky recipient.

In the women’s department, we’ll lead off with an item that’s been a hot seller for the last couple of years, the True Grit Frosty Tipped Pullover ($99.99). It’s a men’s piece, but far and away more women have purchased it. One review reads, “It’s the most luxurious thing you’ll put on your body.” It’s over-sized and looks great with pencil jeans or leggings. The Embroidered Yoke Dress from Andree by Unit ($39.99) is a wonderful selection because of its versatility. Wear it on a date, wear it to class, or wear it to work paired with tall boots and fleece lined leggings or tights.  Who says work can’t be fun? The Work Tote from Chala ($53.99) will help put you in the right frame of mind. We can’t resist smiling when we see this pooch! There are three designs to choose from and other fun bags, too. 

For men, we’re going to stick to the classics and perennial favorites. The Desert Pucker Shirt from Royal Robbins ($55) is soft to the touch, comes in lots of colors, and travels well – it also has UPF in the fabric, so maybe you’ll choose a sunny getaway. Your gift recipient will love it so much, they’ll look forward to the short-sleeved editions that come out in the spring. The No. 2 Card Wallet from Colonel Littleton ($57) is Made in the USA. Its simple construction is timeless and thin – it’s great for holding a couple of credit cards, your driver’s license, and a little folding money. The Frosty Tipped Pullover from True Grit ($99.99) is finally being discovered by men. It is a good layering piece and will look mighty fine while toasting chestnuts by an open fire.

It’s a broad section to cover in footwear, but we’ve honed it down to fun and functional. A pair of slippers would be a good gift for most anyone on your list. Acorn has a wide selection to fit any age – from infant to the grandparents. Choose from the Original Sock that started it all or slippers with a hearty enough sole to wear it out to check the mail or to warm up the car in the morning ($24-$85). For the ladies on your list, have a look-see at Joules. These wellies ($64.95-$84.95) are popular at festivals – particularly if there’s a lot of rain – and practical for every day. And did we say they are fun? Chukka Boots are back in style, and this one from SOREL ($170), is understated, comfortable, and waterproof.

The Mercantile Department is filled with so many ideas it makes our heads spin, so we decided to be a little selfish on the gift ideas from here. We figure that you’ll be the lucky “taste tester” for the person who receives these gifts. Hard-to-find kitchen gadgets make well-received gifts for those who enjoy time baking or whipping up a little something for the potluck dinner. Whether it’s a measure for a pinch, smidgen, or dash, or a butter cutter to add little pats to bread plates for the Christmas Eve gathering, you’ll find it here ($1.99-$89.99). Don’t forget cast iron! Lodge ($5.99-$119.99) is Made in the USA, in Tennessee, to be exact, and is a favorite of chefs (and grandmothers) everywhere. You can’t make a good cake of cornbread without it. There's even one with a Mast Store logo on it. And, if you’re looking to expand your Southern cooking repertoire, our friend Sheri Castle pulled together lots of recipes in the Southern Living Community Cookbook ($29.95).

What can you get the person who has everything? We find that food is a great option; after all, everybody’s got to eat! Sourwood honey is a much sought-after nectar ($7.99-$14.99). Some years, it’s slim pickin’s, so we’re glad to have some in the Mast Store pantry. Its spicy flavor is a favorite of honey connoisseurs everywhere.  Dewey’s Bakery added some new cookies and crackers to their collection this year. They make excellent additions to goodie baskets or as host/hostess gifts ($4.99-$5.99). There’s not much that can beat a good, old-fashioned breakfast, especially when you include grits on the menu. Be sure to check the ultimate in creamy cheesy grits recipe from Sheri Castle on the back of the Mast Store Grits ($4.99).

Let’s have a little unplugged fun! Instead of virtual reality, we’re taking a step back in time to the toys and games many of us remember having such fun with that might be a way to connect with your kids. The Lite-Brite ($24.99) had us making backlit pictures that glowed when we turned it on. That same magic happens today – and you’ll remember several of the same patterns. Candy Land ($14.99) is a classic race game that anyone of any age can play. What a great way to get all generations around the game board for fun and laughter! Science can be fun, too. With the Volcano Kit ($10.99), you can learn about geology and chemical reactions as you complete the steps outlined in the box. 

'A stroll through the candy barrels is like a walk down Memory Lane. There are so many candies to choose from. We think you may want to consider these especially. If someone on your list enjoys pancakes or waffles with syrup, they will love Maple Leaf Candy. Made from pure maple syrup boiled down just a little bit more – it’s melt in your mouth good! ($3.49) Here’s a game of chance that involves your tastebuds, too. In Beanboozled, you’ll spin the arrow and take a chance…is it strawberry or dead fish? No cheating – and lots of laughter! If you watch any of the cooking shows now, it’s all about finding flavors that are good by themselves and putting them together for an even better food experience. That can happen with chocolate, too. Hammonds Chocolate has many combinations to choose from including one with bacon and potato chips. ($2.99)

Give people another reason to get outside this year! YETI Ramblers ($19.99-$69.99) will let them take along their favorite beverages and keep them hot or cold along the way. Colors have been added, so now they can sip from their favorite cup in their favorite color. New designs are available in the popular rope bags and slings from KAVU ($50). These bags are just the right size to use for a purse and also allow for a few extras, like an umbrella, rain jacket, etc. They are carried comfortably across your body and the designs speak to the individual’s personality. A hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters ($29.95-$69.95) has been on gift lists for a long time and for good reason! You can hang out anywhere! With a color palette to make an artist envious, you’re sure to find the right combination for a holiday surprise. Don’t forget the straps, too.

If you need a few more ideas, click on over to the Gift Ideas page. You'll find Gift and Go gift boxes - over a dozen thoughtfully crafted ensembles - that are great for Secret Santa, office parties, and host/hostess gifts HERE.