Shop local this holiday season

It’s never been a better time to shop hyper local than this holiday season.
Hardware Hank, Kasson Variety Fabrics & More, Johnson’s General Store and The Smiling Moose, all located in Kasson, have you covered when it comes to gifts for any gender or age. Or if candy is more your game, consider checking out The Chocolate Shoppe in Mantorville.
First, step into the Variety store and you’ll be immediately struck by how many kids’ gifts there are. Holiday coloring books and story time books are at the front of the house, with titles such as “The Night Before Christmas” for $8.99 and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for $16.99.
Mr. Potato Head is another classic find, priced at $12.99, and if the kid in you wants some fun, pick up an adult coloring book for only $5.99. Engraving art is $5.49 and Word Finds are $5.95.
At the Smiling Moose, soap rocks are $13.99, a hot and cold eye mask is $8.99 and a tic tac toe set is $28.99. Clever coasters start at $3.99 and soup powder for singles are $3.99.
Walk into Johnson’s General Store, and you’ll be ready to open your wallet. This store screams “buy me!” from clothing at the front door to the pet-themed items in the back.
A striking flannel shirt is $58.50 and an Amish wooden rolling pin is $46.95.
Couch pillows are affordable at $17.99 and a collection of ice cream syrups is only $11.
Holiday candles here are $23. There’s also an array of delectable treats, including pretzels for $8. Those come in dill pickle, kewl ranch and bacon cheeseburger.
Soup mixes here are $7.95, and a nifty cheese grater is $12.45.
A trout bottle opener geared at men is $19.99 and wooden spoons emblazoned with “Made with love” and “May the fork be with you” are priced at $12.50.
Socks featuring sayings such as “Never camp alone” and “Hot stuff” are $9.50.
If candy is your game, check out The Chocolate Shoppe in Mantorville, where you can build your own box of chocolate in a variety of sizes priced starting at $3, and an average price of $20.
Here you can also buy cocoa bombs for $20 for a four-pack, and jelly bellies.
You might not think to go to a hardware store for gifts, but you’d be wrong. Hardware Hank in Kasson is full of gifts, from jewelry to candles and hats to fuzzy socks.
Especially popular around the holidays are the store’s dip and drink mixes, said owner Greg Kuball. There’s also no-bake cheesecake mix and hot cocoa mix.
The 20- and 30-somethings love the pre-made mixes, Kuball said.
Another fan favorite for every demographic are the candles. He said they carry scents that appeal to everyone, including men with tempting scents such as campfire oak and cinnamon bourbon.
For a bit spendier gift, check out a fancy leather tote for $49.99. A Nesco holiday cake pan is $15.99 if you want to deliver your dessert in style to an upcoming holiday party.
The best gift for all, however, is the cherished gift card, Kuball said.
“That’s usually my number one thing in December,” he said. “What to get someone who has everything? A gift card. You can choose among 10,000 items.”