Each year we organize a list of Colorado sourced gifts as the holiday season approaches. This year has been incredibly challenging to local businesses. We’ve expanded our gift guide efforts this year: we curated a list of gift suggestions like usual, but also reached out to our friends at About The Springs for a list of great local businesses to support. Remember: shop local AND shop early. Our Colorado Springs small businesses need us now more than ever. You can also check out our previous gift guides for additional ideas:
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2020 Gift Guide
GIFT CARDS TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Increasing Covid cases and restrictions are significantly reducing restaurant capacity limits. Consider buying gift cards for your friends and family from your favorite local eateries. They can use them when conditions improve or enjoy a takeout night.
BLACK FOREST HONEY Local Colorado Springs Honey
What says “I love you” in the time of Covid more than local honey produced by bees right here in El Paso County (natural cough syrup, anyone?). Their honey is raw and unfiltered which means that it will retain all of it’s unique health benefits. Want bonus points? Use this local honey to make immune system boosting elderberry syrup for your loved ones this winter.
THE LIVING ROOM Plants
This is a great idea for the plant lady (or man) in your life. Really anyone in the current circumstances could use a little bright spot in their home. What better way to literally liven things up than with a few houseplants? You can shop online and get curbside pickup, but make a point to check out their dreamy store when you feel comfortable. eGift Cards are available as well.
photo courtesy of The Living Room
Related Reading: Top 10 Colorado Springs Christmas Activities
BUTTER + MILK Holiday Cupcake Flight
To be honest, Butter + Milk had us at the words “cupcake flight.” Self-taught baker and owner, Meagan, decorates these cupcakes to perfection. Each flight includes 6 cupcakes and you can choose 2 of their holiday themed flavors: mint chocolate marshmallow, brown butter spiced chai, or white chocolate eggnog. Special note: Butter + Milk will join 10+ other local businesses on December 9 from 9am -noon for The Holiday Pop Up Market at Clay Venues (10 N Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs 80903).
photo courtesy of Butter + Milk
ALMAGRE Charcuterie Boards and Cocktails (Delivered!)
Delivery is back from The Bar at Almagre! They’ll deliver cocktails, charcuterie boards, and more straight to your door. We utilized their delivery service when they were offering it back in the April and May, and their boards and cocktails were always a hit with our clients! Be sure to check out the Holiday Essentials Package: cheese and charcuterie board for 4, chocolate from Bonbon Bombardier, and your choice of a cocktail kit or wine duo. Free delivery for orders over $50.
PLATED PICNICS Luxury Picnic
Make a loved one feel extra special with a luxury picnic from Plated Picnics. You choose the location: local park, your backyard or even your living room. Plated Picnic will set up everything including their special “grazing boards” and lemonade, rugs, pillows, decorations and place settings. This is a great idea if you’re considering a holiday proposal!
photo courtesy of Plated Picnic
BURNT BRIDGES Custom Candles
This brand new company repurposes craft beer cans and bottles to create custom candles. A perfect gift for the beer lover in your life.
THE UNIVERSE CONSPIRES Custom Necklace
Artist Bri McGrew designs and crafts each piece of jewelry in her Colorado Springs studio. Her made to order Bezel-Set Necklace allows you to choose your stone colors for a beautiful, custom creation.
photo courtesy of The Universe Conspires
R. RIVETER Handbag
This business is *technically* based in North Carolina, but it employs military spouses around the country–including one right here in Colorado Springs. Each bag is made of parts constructed by several different military spouses. Military spouses have a difficult time finding meaningful work during normal times, but have been especially hit by the pandemic’s economic challenges.
photo courtesy of R.Riveter
WINE PUNTS Wine Glasses
Another company upcycling materials to create something beautiful and new! Wine Punts started out as a college project in 2006 and they use wine and liquor bottles to create wine glasses, vases, cannisters and more. Custom etching is available. Perfect for anyone who loves wine (we’re lookin’ at you parents-of-young-children-during-a-pandemic).
BERRY BERRY GOODS Oh my Gourd! Tea Towel
How cute is this tea towel? If you have someone on your list who loves puns, be sure to check out Berry Berry Goods’ mugs, candles, greeting cards and more.
photo courtesy of Berry Berry Goods
Local Business Love
As promised, here’s a list of favorite local businesses (thanks for the input About The Springs!):
Curated Gift Boxes & Deliveries
Plated Picnics – Picnic Boxes and Grazing Boards
Bramble and Brie – Charcuterie Boxes
Front Porch Gift Co -Locally Sourced Gift Boxes
Hello Sunshine Creatives – Luxury Balloons
Cosette’s – Custom Florist
The Bar at Almagre – Craft Cocktails and Regional Food Boards
Local Shops & Boutiques
Local Honey Co – Local Clothing Boutique
Eclectic Co – Homemade Local Goods
Novis Mortem Collective – Unique Local Art, Gifts & Jewelry
Terra Verde – Local and Women Owned Clothing & Gifts
Rocky Mountain Soap – Palmer Lake Based Homemade Bath and Body
Living Room Plants – Cutest Plant Store in the World
Jewelry & Crafts
Morse & Mantra – Custom Made Morse Code Jewelry
Berry Good Goods – Unique Gifts for Fruit & Veggie Lovers
G44 Gallery – Local Jewelry & Art
Wilder Bag Co – Handmade Jewelry
Universe Conspires – Handcrafted Jewelry
Wine Punts – Wine Glasses made from Upcycled Wine Bottles
Burnt Bridges Candles – Repurposed Craft Beer Bottles and Canes used to create Custom Candles
Experiences (Gift Cards)
Ephemera Dinners – High-End Immersion Dining Experience
Red Earth Knots – Macrame Workshops
Blush Dry Bar – Hair Styling Salon
Blo Colorado Springs – Hair Styling Salon
Painting with a Twist – Painting & Wine Classes
Brush and Board – DIY Wood Craft Classes
3ESComedy – New Downtown Comedy Club
The French Kitchen – Cooking Classes
Sweets & Treats
BonBon Bombardier – Vegan Craft Candy
Minnie’s Macarons – Amazing Homemade French Macarons
Butter and Milk by Meg – Cookie Boxes & Cake Flights
Mark’s Pretzels – Soft Pretzel Delivery
Loyal Coffee – Best Local Coffee Gifts for Caffeine Lovers
Pikes Peak Lemonade – Gourmet Lemonades (delivery available)
Non-Profits
Support The Springs – Helping Local Cos Businesses
Cottonwood Center for The Arts
Project Angel Heart – Meal Delivery for People with Illnesses
Special Olympics of Colorado Springs
We love Colorado and we strive to support businesses here. Want to be featured in next year’s gift guide? Drop us a comment below. If you enjoyed this list, click the picture below to subscribe to our blog. We post information about about local events and activities, home ownership and real estate. You’ll get updates sent directly to your inbox and be the first to know when we post new content. Happy Holidays from Colorado Real Estate Group.
