When it comes to finding the perfect gift for someone special – or even an office acquaintance – the choices can be overwhelming. But I’ve got a sure-fire way to make gift-giving even easier. 

Take my best friend Bert, for example. He is a bison that lives here at ZooMontana, and if you’ve read my past blogs about us exploring the Billings Brew Trail, you know he is a huge craft beer fan. But he also eats lots of grass and leafy plants. So I bought him 3 tons of hops and barley. He can either eat them or brew his own beer. Best. Gift. Ever.

While I have no way of knowing the people in your lives and what gifts would bring them the most joy, I do have a deep understanding of most personality types and the gifts that match them. So here is my list, and I will let you draw the parallels to the people in your life who you wish to make merry.

Director Jeff, Human
One of my favorite humans, Director Jeff, is very kind and loves animals. We spent a lot of time on the road together and I learned that he also likes tacos. So – nice human, loves animals and eats tacos. Naturally, I got him free passes to ZooMontana (even though he works here) and some cash so he can go out to eat at one of Billings’ incredible restaurants.

Uki, Badger
I have the perfect gift idea for that special badger in your life. Uki has huge claws that she uses to dig massive tunnels, and she is nocturnal. So if you know anyone who needs to get their paws cleaned and remain entertained after sunset, I recommend an appointment at a Billings salon for a mani/pedi, and tickets to an evening performance at the historic Alberta Bair Theater.

Scout, Eastern Screech Owl
Owls are known to be particularly wise. So for the smarty pants in your life, consider a gift that the person (or animal) can really wrap their mind around. In Billings, we have many historical attractions and sites – like the Yellowstone County Museum, Pompeys Pillar and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – that teach you all about the history and heritage of the region. A visit to these locations is the perfect gift.

Emilio, Bald Eagle
What should you get someone who is bald? I got Emilio an authentic cowboy hat from Rand’s Custom Hats in Billings. They make the highest quality custom hats that are so popular even a man named Clint Eastwood once wore one for a movie. I bought Emilio one out of their “Old West” collection, and now he doesn’t need to worry about being bald.

Pabu, Red Panda
I wouldn’t ordinarily buy a gift for my arch-nemesis, but we have a rule here at  ZooMontana that if you bring a treat for one animal, you have to bring enough for all. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend a lump of coal in a giant sock.

There you have it. I hope my personal holiday gift guide helps ease your decision-making process. If you find that you’re still stumped on the perfect present to give, you can always just put all your sweet potatoes into one basket,  and then give that basket to me.