Missouri Mule Gifts Guide

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Shopping for the Mule-Lover in Your Life

Do we really need a Mule Gift Guide? Yes! Why? To avoid extreme frustration! As a self-proclaimed Missouri Mule, I spend a lot of time searching online for information about mules and for unique gift ideas for mule lovers.

When I talk about mules, I am specifically referring to an animal. NOT donkeys or horses, drug runners, rock bands, sports teams, shoes, deer, or software!

Searching for anything, especially gifts, can be very frustrating and take many hours of paging through non-relevant items. I will explain why later. What this article does is present to you, in one condensed shopping guide, dozens of choices as gifts for yourself or the mule lover in your own life!

Image Courtesy of Summi on Flickr via Creative Commons license

Why It Is So Difficult to Find Mule Gifts

The Missouri Mule Gift Guide Can Help with That!

Missouri-Mule-Gifts-GuideRegardless of the shopping site you venture onto, finding gifts that are specific to our kind of mules can be very difficult!

As of this morning, when I did a clean search in a Google Chrome incognito window, the search term "mule" returned more than 64 million results!

On Amazon, that search criteria will return over 22 thousand results. eBay returns almost 50 thousand. And, Zazzle returns over 2,400 (most of which are actually donkeys)! Ever wonder why? Well, there are lots of reasons:


  1. Shoes known as "mules" have made a huge comeback. To eliminate all of them, you would have to exclude hundreds of descriptive words such as pink, blue, brown, black, fuzzy, slip on, slingback, beaded, jeweled, and so forth.
  2. Mule deer are very popular subjects, possibly more frequently sought after than our kind of mules. A search for "mule deer" on Google will return more than 4 million pages. Those same pages will be included in a search just using the word "mule".
  3. Gov't Mule is a Southern rock jam band started in 1994. This search alone will account for almost 3 million of the searches for "mule".
  4. During the last few years, the word "mule" has become a common designation for a drug runner.
  5. A software application known by the acronym M.U.L.E. has a huge following, accounting for thousands of other search results. Google and other searches will basically ignore the periods in the abbreviation.
  6. There is a popular video game which also uses this acronym, further complicating the search for "mules".
  7. One well-known manufacturer has come out with an ATV called The Mechanical Mule. Yep, that will get included in your searches, too.
  8. On every venue, sellers must include keyword "tags" that tell Google and other search engines how to classify their products. Unfortunately, many sellers will include the "mule" tag for products that are actually donkeys or horses, not mules.
  9. And, last but not least, the University of Central Missouri has the image of a mule in thousands of places, especially their sports programs. They have a wide array of products of their own that feature their mule on jewelry and so forth.
Many websites (including Google) let you enter Boolean search criteria. Using a Boolean search, you can exclude certain words from the search results by entering the word with a minus sign in front of it. For example, "mule -deer" will eliminate the 4 million pages of mule deer results. However, excluding all the possible words to eliminate shoes called mules would be virtually impossible. Add to that the need to exclude deer, software, and so forth. and you can quickly see why this search is so painful!

To further complicate the issue, many online shopping sites do not allow Boolean searches. You may find yourself clicking through countless pages of irrelevant items trying to find just the right mule gift. And, if you are not a mule-addict yourself, you may not be able to tell the difference between horses, mules and donkeys!

No need to worry, however. I have spent countless hours searching out just right mule gifts! They are presented here for your shopping pleasure.

Image Courtesy of Una Smith on Flickr via Creative Commons license

Mule-Lover-Gifts

JEWELRY - "Charm" the Mule-Loving Woman in Your Life

Jewelry Selections for Mule Lovers

Amazon has very few offerings for mule gifts in the jewelry category, and several of their offerings are for items specific to the University of Central Missouri. Furthermore, when you do a search, most of the items returned are NOT actually mules; they are donkeys. People often label their products with all three equine names (horse/mule/donkey) because they can't tell the difference! Here are three beautiful charms to add to a necklace or bracelet for a wonderful gift!

14kt Yellow Gold Mule Charm. 3-Dimensional

Amazon Price: $675.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Currently on sale for $375!

Mule Charm - 10k Yellow Gold

Amazon Price: $286.77 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Rembrandt; 10 millimeters

Rembrandt Charms Mule Charm, Sterling Silver

Amazon Price: $24.50 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Rembrandt Charms; 925-Sterling; 3D; guaranteed for life!

DECOR - Mules Gifts for Your Home

Let Your Home Show Your Love of Mules

Lady MULE RIDER 8X10 Horizontal Picture Frame

Amazon Price: $29.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Frame available in various sizes and orientations, with both male and female riders.

MULE Ornament Or Fan Pull

Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Laser cut; 18 gauge steel. Suitable for light or ceiling fan.

14" Old Fashioned Ice Wagon Pulled by Mule Decorative Home Accent

Amazon Price: $31.59 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Polyresin; handpainted; wood wagon with metal roof; faux leather reins

Description: A mule silhouettes the top of this combination single switch and outlet plate cover. This piece is reversible and can be installed facing either direction. Laser cut for the best quality and detail. Mounting hardware included. Size: 4-5/8" wide x 7-3/8" tall. Material:18 gauge steel. Finish: Black wrinkle powder coat.

MULE Single Switch & Power Outlet Plate Cover

Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


18 gauge steel; laser cut; reversible so mule faces either direction.

Male MULE RIDER CANDLE WRAP

Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Laser cut; 18 gauge steel. Available with trees plus just a mule or trees with a female rider. Type "mule candle wrap" in the search window after getting to Amazon.

"At Your Service" Mule Salt & Pepper Shaker Set

Amazon Price: $18.24 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


Polyresin; 7.5" long; adorable!

1901 Man and a Mule in Milwaukee Cyan - 6 Inch Tile Napkin Holder

Amazon Price: $36.99 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


6x6x4 napkin holder; vintage image; solid maple with satin finish, and two gloss ceramic tiles. Customized engraving available.

MULE Mailbox Topper

Amazon Price: $19.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


14 gauge steel; laser cut with precision. 12" wide; 8-1/4" tall; 1" bend at the bottom.

Oak Glass Top End Table With Mountain Man and Mule Etched Glass - Mountain Man and Mule End Table Furniture - Unique Mountain Man and Mule Gift Ideas - Fully Assembled - 22" x 22" x 20" high

Amazon Price: $299.00 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


Hand-rubbed solid oak; fully assembled. Glass top is 1/4" thick and individually etched and guaranteed never to fade.

Bath Towel Set with Embroidered Mule Head

Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


3-piece-set; wash cloth is not embroidered. 100% cotton; color-fast polyester embroidery thread. Three available colors: cream, sage green, and beige.

1900 Man and a Mule in Milwaukee Sepia - 8 Inch Porcelain Plate

Amazon Price: $36.99 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Decorative, collectible plate. 8.25" in diameter; high gloss finish; trimmed with two 24kt gold rims. Comes with stand.

BOOKS - Young Readers

Books make EXCELLENT mule lover gifts!

If your child is already a mule-addict, he/she will love the highly-acclaimed books in the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide. If not, introduce him or her to the joy of these fabulous animals with this great selection of books for young readers.

Although "stubborn" is the first word commonly used to describe mules, they are also affectionate, highly intelligent, and courageous. Books about mules can help children become strong, independent thinkers - just like mules! Some of the most colorful and entertaining books in the world have been written with mules as the focal point. Share with your children the great stories and wondrous illustrations in these books.

Jake Johnson: The Story of A Mule

Amazon Price: $259.99 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


Fun-filled story about an "ornery" critter! Great characters (both animal and human), fabulous illustrations with vibrating colors that children love and a laugh a minute at the antics of this "stubborn mule" and those who would make him do as they want. Suitable for children 4-6.

The Adventures of Jedediah the Mule: Book One

Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Contains both English and Spanish versions!
Charming and witty! Based on a true story.

Three Dollar Mule

Amazon Price: $19.70 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


Delightful story of a mule rescued from cruelty by a young boy whose family is at first dismayed with their "ornery" new pet, but eventually won over by his love the children.

Mule Train Mail

Amazon Price: $5.01 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


Children will love "watching" the mail man pack his deliveries onto the backs of his mules and leading them down into the Grand Canyon. Great reading for children 5 and up.

New Shoes for Chili Bean: Adventures of a Little Red Mule

Amazon Price: $19.44 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Reviewer comment "... as a language arts teacher, I can say with confidence that this book will appeal to both boys and girls. Chili Bean is a refreshing addition to anyone's library!! "

BOOKS - Mule Teams

Selection for the Missouri Gift Guide

Mule teams played such an important role in the settling of America. Perhaps the most famous of all, a 20-mule-team was used to transport borax from the mines in Death Valley, California, to the rail spurs for use in a variety of commercial products. It became closely associated with the brand, and the name 20 Mule Team Borax instantly brings to mind images of that great mule team that graced the cover of Borax products.

Other smaller teams were used to transport everything imaginable into areas where horses were not suitable. Steep, treacherous mountains and vast deserts were common places where mule teams were used. Being sure-footed, cautious, highly intelligent, courageous, sturdy, resistant to diseases, and relatively "maintenance free", these great teams of mules were perfect for those types of terrain. Used throughout the country for mass movement of goods and materials, these mule teams helped shape America.

Tales of Teams: Heartwarming Memories Of Hardworking Horses and Mules

Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


A collection of articles from Farm and Ranch magazine with stories of team of mules and horses working in modern times.

The Mule Train: A Journey of Hope Remembered

Amazon Price: $40.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


A compelling story of a 20-mule-team caravan of people who went from Marks, Mississippi to Washington, D.C. to bring awareness of poverty in America. Maybe we should do it again.

BOOKS - Pack Mules

Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Book Selections featuring Pack Mules

Pack mules were even more important to the development of our country than were mule teams. Horses are not suited well to carrying heavy burdens. When the early settlers needed a pack animal, they usually chose the mule. Being of hardier stock than his horse+donkey parents, the mule was a natural choice for such long distance hauling of heavy burdens, especially through hazardous terrain.

Amazingly enough, pack mules are still very much in use throughout the world for hauling heavy loads in difficult terrain. Pack mules are also the animals of choice for caravans of tourists in the Grand Canyon.

The Mule Men: A History of Stock Packing in the Sierra Nevada

Amazon Price: $7.38 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Exploring the history of the Sierra Nevada and the awesome mules who helped in that effort.

The Mule Alternative: The Saddle Mule in the American West

Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Exploring the old West from the back of a mule, with lots of good stories and anecdotes. A very entertaining read.

Packin' in on Mules and Horses

Amazon Price: $15.24 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now


Everything you need to know if you want to do your own mule packing trip!

ANTIQUES for the Mule Lovers

Fine Antiques for the Mule Lover

The Missouri Mule Gift Guide would not be complete without bowing to our antique lovers. People who love mules usually also love collecting antique mule gifts. I have restricted this search in every way I could think of to eliminate non-relevant items. However, due to the reasons outlined at the beginning of this article, it is virtually impossible to eliminate all "cross-overs". Please forgive me if the search returns a non-related item.

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COLLECTIBLES - Prized Mule Gifts

Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Selections of Mule Collectibles

Once again, I have eliminated everything possible from this search so that it returns only gift items related specifically to our kind of mules. Because the items for sale on eBay change so rapidly, it is possible that a "cross-over" item will be posted that is not excluded from the current search.

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MULE COFFEE MUGS for Coffee Lovers

Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Selections of Great Coffee Mugs

Many people who are passionate about mules are also passionate about coffee. The fabulous artists on Zazzle have created some awesome coffee mugs just perfect for those people. From beautiful artwork to clever quips, these are sure to delight!

Most Zazzle artists feature their artwork on a wide range of products. Just click the image below to purchase the coffee mug or visit the artist's store to find other products that feature the same design. Note: In the next month or two, I will be adding my own line of products featuring some marvelous mule artwork. (And it will be real mules.) In the meantime, please visit to see what I have now in my Zazzle gallery!

Missouri Mule Gifts Guide selections Selections from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Pack Mules from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Draft Mules Selections from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Stubborn as a mule - from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Mule Teams - A Missouri Mule Gifts Guide selection Mule Gifts Coffee Mug Selections from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Selections from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Stubborn as Missouri Mules - Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Selections

T-SHIRTS - Make a Statement

Selection of "Statement" T-shirts

Proud mule-lovers like to brag about their extraordinary "diversion" from the norm. They are eager to proclaim to the world that they take the "road less traveled" on the back of a mule. Whether they are partial to show mules, gaited mules, draft mules, pack mules, riding mules, spotted mules, or mule teams, they will love wearing these cool tees!

Stubborn Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Gentlemen prefer Blonde Draft Mules from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Stubborn as a one-eyed Missouri mule - Available in Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Mule Teams Selected from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Pack Mules Selections from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Gaited Mules in the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Riding Mules featured in the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Gaited Mule Mom shirt available from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Gaited Mule Tee Shirt a selection from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide

BAGS / TOTES - Very Special Mule Gifts

Customizable Tote Bags

Do you or your favorite mule-loving person need a new tote bag? Why not show off that love of mules everywhere you go?

Snowy Molly Gaited Mules from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Personalized Missouri Mules bag available from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Gone Hybrid Pack Mule bag Selection from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Draft Mule bag - a Missouri Mule Gifts Guide selection I Luv My Longeared Riding Mule bag - Available from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide I Love Mule Teams bag Selected from the Missouri Mule Gifts Guide

MOUSEPADS - Honor Your Mule with Every Click

Amazing Mousepads

Everyone who uses a computer needs a mousepad. Make it special by honoring your favorite mule with your mouse! Presented here are a few of the awesome mousepads designed by a-mule-a-day (aka Sue Kroll) on Zazzle. I love Sue's paintings of mules and am blessed to have found them to share with you!


Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Gaited Mules Selections from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Selections from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide - Pack Mules Mule Teams Selections from Missouri Mule Gifts Guide

ARTWORK #1 - Perfect Mule Gifts

Draft Mules and Pack Mules

This first poster is from AllPosters.com. I love it because the draft mules are combined with such powerful scenery. It makes my soul rejoice. It can bless you or your favorite mule-lover the same way.

Draft Mules Pull Carts Laden with Produce on Coastal Road Overlooking Ocean
Buy at AllPosters.com


This second poster is offered on Zazzle, and it also blesses my heart. This charcoal drawing of a draft mule is rendered in such exquisite detail you feel as if you could reach out and stroke the mule's gorgeous head. (Note: The actual image of this poster may not appear. I keep putting it back, and it keeps disappearing again. The link will work, though, and the poster is magnificent!)

Patience is a Virtue print

Patience is a Virtue by Gypsy_moon_creations

ARTWORK #2 - From eBay

Additional Selections of Great Artworks

eBay is another useful source for finding beautiful artwork featuring our beloved mules. Old postcards and photographs are much sought after and loved by collectors. These are great gifts for mule lovers!

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The Missouri Mule Gifts Guide

Missouri Mule Gift GuideThere are many different kinds of mules: Missouri mules, draft mules, gaited mules, pack mules, spotted mules, riding mules, show mules, and those awesome mule teams. Because it can be so difficult and extremely time-consuming trying to locate just the right item for yourself or to give as a gift to someone who loves mules, this mule gift guide came into being. I hope the selection of gift items has been useful to you. If you would like to see another category of gifts added, just let me know in the comment section below. I will do all the leg-work for you in finding those perfect gifts!

Image Courtesy of Dario Sanches on Flickr via Creative Commons license

Articles by the Missouri Mule Herself!

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Shopping Assistance


If you need help finding something, leave a comment with a description. I'll be glad to help!


Photo Courtesy of Luke on Clkr

Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Image Photo Credit

The mule image used in the Table of Contents and Guest Book banners as well as the Return to TOC button in each section is derived from an image whose copyright has expired.

Sit and Talk a Spell

You must be tired from all that shopping!

 Missouri Mule Gifts Guide Guestbook

Thank you for hitching up your mule at my trading post! I would love to know what you think of the Missouri Mule Gift Guide. Are there other categories that need to be included? Did you find the guide helpful? Please let me know. If you just want to leave a comment about your own love of or experience with mules, that's okay, too. Let's just talk a spell!

  • Glenda Covey Mar 9, 2012 @ 11:40 am | delete
    I have a charm bracelet with wagons and 20 mules on it and cant find it anywhere on the internet or e-bay. Could you help me?
  • guardianstar77 Mar 14, 2012 @ 2:06 pm | delete
    I'm sorry. Do you mean you have SEEN such a bracelet and now cannot find it or do you mean that you already have one and are trying to find another like it?
  • Paperclip Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:44 am | delete
    Great site for mule lovers!
  • CPDInteractive Dec 15, 2011 @ 1:38 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing such a good knowledge.
  • kathy martin Aug 14, 2011 @ 2:59 pm | delete
    I have searched high and low for bronze like figure of cowboy on a mule or horse leading 2 pack mules. Can you Help? ( I have found a lot of bronze like figures but none like I described.)
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Meet the Author of Missouri Mule Gifts Guide



guardianstar77 is a writer, graphics design artist, nature enthusiast and lover of everything that resembles a horse. She lives in Central Arkansas and shares her life with a husband of over 40 years, 2 sons, and 5 fabulous grandchildren. guardianstar77 is not domesticated, finding that spending time doing almost anything else beats doing housework. Her passions include recycling, frugal living, feeding the hungry, old-fashioned vintage everything, nature, reading, writing, flea markets and yard sales, Christmas, mystical creatures, carousels, and artwork filled with glorious earthy colors.

guardianstar77 is a devout Christian, a staunch conservative, a passionate American, and a defender of capitalism. Although she is, by her own definition, somewhat of a "professional hermit crab", guardianstar77 is deeply loyal to her family and those she chooses to have as friends. When not pursuing writing and artistic goals, she spends her time deepening those relationships.

Being born in the state of Missouri and having recently discovered a passion for the Missouri state animal— the mule—guardianstar77 developed yet another persona—that of a mule, specifically a Missouri Mule .

guardianstar77 is a long-standing member of Squidoo, and she shares her royalties with many Squidoo charities. View all my lenses!


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guardianstar77

THISMissouri mule shares LOTS of hard-to-find mule gifts for the mule-lover in YOUR life. Happy shopping!

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