It’s the season for gift-giving and shopping! Being that I love Colorado and am passionate about my community, I gathered a broad range of products ideal for gift-giving that are Colorado-sourced. The majority of these products are made here in Southern Colorado and support individual artisans in their entrepreneurial efforts. They range in price points from a few dollars to several thousand for Fine Art. I hope this gives you some ideas that you haven’t considered before and encourages you to shop locally as well. This way we are giving on both ends: to the ones we love and to our local small businesses!
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I hope you find this helpful and wishing you a joyous holiday season.
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Our 2018 List
Our 2019 List
1. CARAMEL APPLES AND CHOCOLATES by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
You must stop in Old Colorado City off of Highway 24 and enjoy a juicy & sticky caramel apple while picking out one of their many handmade treats. Select something scrumptious for a hostess gift at your next holiday event, or for clients and customers. You may even arrive in time to watch them cooking up a batch of chocolate or caramel in their giant copper kettles!
Pecan Bear Caramel Apple by Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory
2. HOME AND BODY PRODUCTS by Cafe Earth
Founder and creator, Erica, lives in Colorado Springs and used to be a boutique owner in Old Colorado City. Her desire to slow down and follow a long-time passion has led to the creation of Cafe Earth. Safe, effective, sophisticated, and inspired by nature, Cafe Earth products are an excellent choice for those with skin sensitivities, or have a desire to use natural, earth-friendly products. She carries options for men and women. Her products can be found in a variety of boutiques around Colorado or online at www.cafearth.com
3. COLORADO WINE from Holy Cross Abbey
While there are several excellent wineries in Colorado, I recommend the wines of Holy Cross Abbey Winery. If you live in the area, take a drive to Cañon City and sip on free samples of wine in their charming gift shop. They are friendly, helpful, and boast a large selection of wines to choose from. Also, fantastic wine accessories and cookbooks are available. I personally recommend the Apple Blossom wine; so refreshing as an accompaniment to hors d’oeuvres of fruit, cheese, and nuts at a holiday party.
4. REPURPOSED RETRO SNAP SHIRTS by Altered Antiques
I met Jenifer at a vintage market in Pueblo and fell in love with her repurposed snap shirts! I purchased a flannel shirt with a Colorado logo on the back, and it is my favorite! Each shirt is unique and one-of-a-kind. She tends towards retro-western designs. (Tip: Order a larger size and wear open with a tank, leggings, and boots!). Contact Jenifer through her Facebook page or visit her boutique in Cañon City. These shirts are a great idea for those who have everything or love something that is different.
5. SHERLING SHEEPSKIN BOOTS AND MITTENS by Sundance and Friends
Handcrafted in Colorado since 1971, this family-owned business has been making their own sheepskin and leather goods for decades. Top quality products at a smaller price point than other international or national brands. Check them out! Everyone loves a good pair of slippers or mittens – or even some cute boots! Visit their shop in South Main, Buena Vista, Colorado or shop online at SundanceLeather.com
6. KNITTED HATS AND SCARVES by Comfy Mountain & Kozy Kids
Two adorable artists! Knitted hats are increasing in popularity, and especially so, for the Colorado beanies. Comfy Mountain has created a sweet version of the Colorado State knit hat. For your wee ones, Kozy Kids has the cutest infinity scarves and hats! Both artists are located in Colorado and have shops on Etsy to order through.
7. NEW WEST ARTWORK at Tracy Miller Gallery
Colorful and fun western Fine Art is for that special someone. Visit Tracy’s gallery on Ruxton Blvd in Manitou Springs, CO. Her unusual design attracts collectors from all over the world. Grab an original piece of the New West and display in an office or at home. Her original, one-of-a-kind artwork starts at $250 and up.
Copyright Tracy Miller Gallery. For currently available work, visit her Manitou Springs Gallery or shop online at www.TracyMillerGallery.com
8. WOOD COVER JOURNALS & CLIPBOARDS by Binding Bark Designs
Journal fanatics are everywhere! Whether they write, doodle, daydream, or sketch – nearly everyone loves the look and feel of journals. These wood covered journals are hand-crafted and bound, and each one is completely different. Clipboards are available as well. Contact them through the Binding Bark Facebook page for orders. They are quick to respond. Located in Falcon, CO.
9. VASES FROM RECLAIMED ASPEN by Spinning Aspen Studios and Original Aspen Studio
Both of these artists are from the Pueblo-Penrose area of Colorado, and they each have amazing talent turning wood. For a more natural and rugged look, Spinning Aspen Studios by Bruce Elkins provides products from burl wood in addition to aspen. Polished and finely finished vases are created by Don Noble of Original Aspen Studio. Both artists sell through small retail outlets, usually at local tourist locations such as Garden of the Gods or Manitou Springs. Their work is very popular and easy to find in the Colorado Springs area.
10. LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE by Redemption Road Coffee
Have a coffee lover in your family? They will hug and kiss you for this gift! I had my first sip of Redemption Road Coffee in September of this year, and I’m hooked. Not only is their coffee fantastic, but their passion and support of ministries in the area and around the world are admirable. I recommend the Guatemalan coffee, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Visit their website at www.redemptionroadcoffee.com to shop for bags of whole beans and to learn about their mission! (Tip: For a complete gift, order a few bags of whole beans and include it with a French Coffee Press and a locally-made pottery mug!)
I hope you enjoyed my picks of Colorado-sourced gift ideas for this year. There are so many to choose from! Either way, I encourage you to seek and explore the many wonderful products available from Colorado.
Happy shopping!
