2025 Gift Guide: Gifts for Cowboys & Western Fans
Heroes of the Plains by J. W. Buel, Illustrated, circa 1880s
Heroes of the Plains by James W. Buel is a richly illustrated 1880s account of Wild West legends, including Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, Kit Carson, and General Custer. This edition presents thrilling stories of battles, hunts, and frontier adventures alongside insights into the character and morality of these iconic figures. Preserved in its original gilt-stamped green cloth and presented in a new archival slipcase, the book is an ideal gift for anyone fascinated by cowboy lore and frontier history.
This 1894 edition of Francis Parkman’s The Oregon Trail, illustrated by Frederic Remington, offers a vivid first-hand account of life on the American frontier, from buffalo hunts to encounters with the Oglala Sioux and legendary frontiersmen like Jim Beckwourth. Remington’s illustrations bring Parkman’s journey across the prairies and Rockies to life, capturing the drama and majesty of the West. Rebound in elegant 3/4 crushed leather over marbled boards, this collectible edition looks very attractive on the shelf.
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey, Grosset & Dunlap Edition, circa 1940
Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage (1912) is a classic Western story of a gun-slinging avenger who saves a beautiful young woman from forced marriage. The book played a significant role in shaping the new formula of the popular Western genre. In fact, Grey’s vivid storytelling inspired over 100 film and TV adaptations. This illustrated 1940s Grosset & Dunlap edition, beautifully rebound, is a prime example of the adventurous plot and griping writing that made Gray such a legendary chronicler of the frontier.
Vintage "End of the Trail" Bookends, Mid 20th Century
This vintage pair of bronze bookends are crafted after James Earle Fraser’s iconic sculpture "End of the Trail," depicting a weary Native man and horse in striking raised relief. Originally modeled in 1894 and celebrated at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, Fraser’s massive sculpture reflects the artist’s experiences in the Dakota Territory and his vision of the vanishing American frontier.
1857 "Nebraska and Kanzas" Published by J. H. Colton
This original 1857 printing of J. H. Colton’s map of Nebraska and Kansas captures a transformative moment in the American West, showing vast territories before the Civil War and the rise of new states. Hand-colored and finely engraved, the map highlights Native American lands, proposed transcontinental railroad routes, and the early spelling of “Kanzas.” A striking artifact of westward expansion and frontier history, this would be the perfect gift for Western history lovers.
"Famous Brands of the Lone Star State" Santa Fe Railway Texas Travel Poster, Circa 1950
This vintage “Famous Brands of the Lone Star State” poster, designed circa 1950 for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, celebrates the iconic livestock brands of Texas with bold, vibrant mid-century graphics. Beyond its eye-catching and colorful design, it's a relic of the Santa Fe Railway, a key driver of western settlement and commerce in the 19th and 20th centuries.
"Grand Canyon" Vintage Santa Fe Railroad Travel Poster by Oscar M. Bryn, 1949
This 1949 Grand Canyon travel poster by Oscar M. Bryn captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the South Rim, with terracotta and ochre rock formations stretching beneath a clear blue sky. Commissioned by the Santa Fe Railway, it highlights the railroad’s exclusive access to the park, a major draw for travelers of the era. Oscar Bryn had a very successful, decades-long career as a premier illustrator for the railroad and his posters and illustrations are highly collected today.
"An Argument with the Town Marshal" By Frederic Remington, Color Relief Half-Tone, Circa 1906
This 1906 color relief half-tone, "An Argument with the Town Marshal," is a striking example of Frederic Remington’s dynamic frontier compositions, originally issued in Artist’s Proofs: Six Remington Paintings in Colors. The print captures the tension and movement of the West in Remington’s signature style, highlighting a dramatic moment on horseback. Archivally framed and in excellent condition, it makes a compelling addition for collectors seeking a Remington night scene.
Bring the scents of the frontier to your holiday with Ranger Station’s Cowboy Christmas candle. Hand-poured in Nashville with notes of amber, Montana juniper, frankincense, and a hint of whiskey, it’s a nostalgic, limited-edition fragrance perfect for stockings or under the tree. Each 8 oz. soy candle also comes with matches and a cocktail recipe.
