Each year we pick ten small businesses to recommend for possible Colorado Christmas gift ideas. It is a privilege to highlight and bring attention to the artists and small businesses based in our state and community. Plus, it is such a fun article to put together!
As more and more people move toward looking for locally-made items, or services owned by those in our local community, the possibilities and choices expand each year. The hunt for Colorado-made Christmas gifts always turns up the unusual and unique.
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Below are 10 independently-owned small and micro businesses in Colorado representing a variety of interests and industries. Step out and explore something new this year!
Our 2016 List
Our 2018 List
Our 2019 List
1. LEATHER AND PINE CO.
Leather and Pine was created by Bethany Kicz of Denver. Her household decor items draw inspiration from modern art, photography, design, fashion, and her travels. Most notably, her designs follow a definite minimalistic element. Her simple, yet boho-inspired items range from wall hangings to the popular triangle hanging shelf, and even leather luggage tags. You can find Bethany’s Leather and Pine Co. on Facebook or her etsy shop.
2. JAY DAVIS BAGS
I admit I have a weakness for leather bags. I discovered these stone and leather purses on Instagram and immediately fell in love. Her first leather bag was created in an 8th-grade history class after a unit on medicine bags. (It’s amazing where we get our inspiration for life!) All of Jay’s bags are handmade in Denver, Colorado with locally-sourced materials.
Order yours here (psst…check out the Wyatt & Jay series!)
3. JANE E ROBERTI (Men’s and Women’s mixed metal accessories)
Jane’s designs are a bit unexpected and lean towards a dark nature. I found myself drawn to how she repurposed vintage pieces, especially the flasks. Jane states, “As a Nature Girl and Literary Geek, I like to say I am inspired equally by both the beautiful and the terrifying things in nature and literature.” I can definitely see her personality in the creations. Well done, Jane! If you are looking for the interesting, and especially something for men, you’ll enjoy this shop.
4. MAKE MY NOTEBOOK
I love that there is a large surge in people of all ages embracing their creative side. Whether it is lettering, drawing, writing, watercolor…or you just have a knack for organizing your day in a beautiful way, notebooks are everywhere. and for everyone. I’m always on the hunt for a great notebook (literally. I have dozens of notebooks that are full!) When I stumbled on Make My Notebook I’m pretty sure I just condemned myself to spend lots of money! To be able to personalize your notebook sounds like heaven for a writer, artist, or just someone who loves to organize!
Based and manufactured in the Denver area, it is a 100% US sourced product.
5. GREENLEAF AND BLUEBERRY
Now that you know where to get that perfect notebook for you or anyone else, you can create an entire gift set for your artist family and friends!
Greenleaf and Blueberry is a husband and wife company that handmakes materials and supplies for the traveling artist. I was so impressed with their work. (Check out their hand-carved paint brushes!!) Their best selling items seem to be the travel tins of watercolor palettes.
One important note: Their products sell out quickly. They open their online shop on a regular basis and then all items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So get on their email list and keep track on when new supplies are being offered for sale!
6. THE QUEEN’S TEAPOTHECARY
Coffee isn’t the only hot drink that is a hot item for gift giving! Tea is making a big resurgence (most likely thanks to our friends across the pond). What a joy to find someone who grows her own herbs in Colorado for artisan-crafted tea!
Her flowers and herbs are organically homegrown in Colorado Springs, hand-picked and oven-dried at the peak of flavor and freshness. They create their blends in small batches to preserve freshness.
They also offer bath items and other tea accessories. Click here to browse their site.
7. DESERT MOUNTAIN STITCHING
There’s something about handmade leather shoes, bags, and accessories. In this case, Caity and Marcus have a unique heritage suitable for hand-stitching their adorable booties, moccasins, and backpacks with local Yak leather. (Marcus was taught to make moccasins by a native man when he was a child.) Tough, adorable, and perfect for that person who loves nature and being in the outdoors. They also have adorable mink/elk skin elf hats!
8. COLE AND DAINER, MODERN STITCHES
Winter and flannel love! Super cozy and gorgeous throws for toddlers to adults, as well as, crib sheets, burp cloths, and hair bows! Flannel and faux fur in colorful designs. While cute for kids, what adult doesn’t love a blanket to snuggle in too?! (You can never have too many!)
Shop here for adults and kids!
9. POLISHED AT HOME
Polished At Home is the only non-product-based suggestion on my list, but it is definitely something I want in my stocking this year (hint, hint)! Many ladies would love to have manicures more often than they do, but are usually so busy that when they get home, the thought of getting childcare or jumping in the car to get a manicure just isn’t always a priority. As a result, Amber Turner founded a mobile beauty service, making beauty convenient and easy for everyone. Polished At Home serves northern Colorado Springs and Monument. (I think it’s a great idea!) Find out more about her beauty service and their safety and quality assurances here.
And certainly not to forget host/hostess gift ideas, the largest and most well-known of the companies featured on my list this year is Vapor Distillery. Craft distilling at its finest. They’ve won many awards and have several popular products that make great gifts, including their Rhok 114 Gin, and Pumpkin King Cordial. Based in Boulder, you can order your bottles online and have them in time for all your holiday parties.
We hope you enjoyed this year’s list and take the time to familiarize yourself with these wonderful Colorado small businesses. Let’s support our neighbors and community and have a fabulous Colorado Christmas!
