Holiday Gift Guide: Flat Creek C-Store Edition
We’ve all been there: you’re staying in Jackson Hole for the holidays, nestled in a family-owned motel nearest to Grand Teton National Park, sipping hot cocoa and listening to elk bugle—when suddenly you realize you’ve completely neglected to buy presents for your loved ones. And they’ll be over in minutes. Where can you find just the right gift on such short notice?
Never fear, the C-store is here! Some gift guides want you to believe the perfect present is rare, curated, and wrapped in expensive paper. This one disagrees. Everything on this list can be purchased mere steps away from your room, usually while wearing boots and exhibiting mild holiday fatigue.
Hot Chocolate
For the person in your life who loves the idea of winter but doesn't want to deal with all that inconvenient cold weather. Best enjoyed after being outside just long enough to feel accomplished, while wearing a nice North Face puffer jacket. Pairs well with paper cups, comfortable silences, and not checking your email.
Huckleberry Candy and Sodas
Because huckleberry is one of Wyoming’s most cherished exports. Sweet, nostalgic, and regionally specific enough to feel thoughtful and intentional, even if you staggered into the store in a blind panic and bought it five minutes ago.
Beef Jerky
The universal crowd-pleaser. It works for dads, hikers, road trippers, and people who want something to mindlessly snack on. It also survives long drives and possibly nuclear holocausts, making it the most responsible holiday gift on this list.
Microwave Dinners
You’re not just giving a delicious meal laden with mild preservatives; you’re also giving the generous gift of not having to clean up after a holiday dinner. And isn’t that the real meaning of Christmas?
Windshield Wipers
The boldest holiday gift here, and arguably the most loving. Nothing says “I care about you” like bestowing better visibility in a Wyoming winter. Perfect for the practical folks on your list who regularly ask for hose adapters and light bulbs for Christmas.
Motor Oil
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like vehicle maintenance. It’s not romantic, but neither is being stranded in winter. Props if you can also change their oil from your mom-and-pop automotive shop that's about to be bought out by big city developers and the only thing that can save you and Christmas is if the whole town has a bakeoff to raise money. (Do we watch too many Hallmark movies or what?)
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
For the person who believes Christmas should have a little chaos. Not only that, but you’re basically reenacting the traditional holiday legend of the giant anthropomorphic cheetah who visits the good little boys and girls and leaves their hands powdered with cheery red dust. (Don’t look that up, just trust us.)
So there you have it! And if you want to really show off, pair any of these with the actual best gift you can give: a quiet night, a warm room, and waking up somewhere beautiful with nowhere you have to be. Merry Christmas from Flat Creek Inn!
