Invigorate your holiday season with a gift-giving strategy that fulfills the giver and the receiver alike. Here’s a list of unique Colorado – inspired offerings that range from toys and tools to sleigh rides and adventure gear sure to spark smiles, warm homes, and invite adventure. When it comes to gift-giving Colorado style, wrap up presents that evoke memories of a visit to the Centennial State, offer the opportunity to make a memory on an upcoming visit, or tempt the future with gifts that embody the essence of the state. www.Colorado.com
Cowboy Christmas. Gift western-loving friends and family with leather goods from Zapata Ranch’s Ranchlands Store: leather bags, knife cases, cast-iron handle holders and dog collars. For the horse fanatic, consider a custom ordered saddle from Sherer Custom Saddles. Make Colorado your holiday destination at dude ranches; enjoy skiing and sleigh rides at The Home Ranch north of Steamboat Springs or Nordic skiing at the Latigo Dude Ranch. If your Colorado-cation is planned for another time of year, gift a certificate for cowboy school at the Colorado Cowboy Company or leather making classes at The Makerie, Denver.
Heritage Holiday. Summon history and tradition at places like Mesa Verde National Park, where the Luminaria Holiday Open House is a beautiful and unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the southwest. At Bent’s Old Fort, step into the season with old-fashioned wagon rides, taffy pulls and toy making during their Holiday Celebration. Celebrate the mining town of Leadville with old-fashioned Christmas ornaments that can be collected for years to come. For a modern twist on a historic tradition, climb aboard a snowcat-drawn sleigh that carries you to a Scandinavian five-course dinner in a secluded mountain retreat at Ragnar’s in Steamboat Springs. In Golden, join Victorian carolers on a candlelight walk and witness the Olde Golden Christmas Parade as it meanders through historic downtown. Enjoy small-town holiday fun at the Georgetown Christmas Market; roast chestnuts, ride horse-drawn carriages through historic Georgetown, and shop for hand-made gifts at their outdoor European-style market.
For the Body, For the Soul. Pamper loved ones with a delightful new scent from DRAM Apothecary, handcrafted soaps or soap making classes from Caramel Apple Farm, a beautifully packaged gift set from Dirty Water Soaps Works, Lavender Hydrosol from Dayspring Farm, or soy wax Magic Fairy Candles.
For the Love of Fiber. Whether it’s a class from Table Rock Llamas, yarn from the Yarn Outlet, Dom wool hats from Icebox Knitting or mittens from Edelweiss Alpacas, Colorado fiber is a warming holiday gift. For milling services or freshly spun yarn, try Yampa Valley Fiberworks. Pleasant Journey Alpacas offers everything from yarn to loom rugs to felted scarves, while wearable art from Wild Hair Alpacas is a favorite.
Winter Harvest. Keep the memory alive or entice future travels with a Colorado-made gift basket. For easily shippable gifts guaranteed fresh and made with love, opt for juices, jams and cider from Delicious Orchards, honey from Honeyville, cheese from Jumpin’ Goat Dairy, bean-to-bar chocolate from Nuance Chocolate, cantaloupe salsa from Scaff Brother’s in La Junta, and Pine Syrup from DRAM Apothocary. Check out the Colorado Food & Agriculture Gift Guide for more ideas.
Take Them Outside. Colorado is, perhaps, best known for its epic mountains, abundance of state parks, expansive vistas and adventures. Give the gift of exploration, with park passes to a Colorado State Park or a subscription to Colorado Outdoors Magazine.
From interactive adventures to quality-crafted souvenirs, Colorado’s wide array of unique offerings ensures every present given and received is meaningful. Make gift-giving an enjoyable experience this season with Colorado-inspired gifts and create a holiday tradition and memories for years to come.
For more information or a copy of the 2015 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.colorado.com or call 1-800-Colorado.