Gift giving ideas

Looking for some gift inspo?! Same, always.

Even knowing that supply chains are wonky and shipping delays are imminent, it’s as hard as ever to get a jump-start on holiday shopping. I always find a way to scramble. But better frazzled and enthusiastic than indifferent I suppose. (Right? Right?)

Here are a few ideas for the loved ones in your life.

Colorado companies I love

Like most people, I definitely want to promote shopping locally if and when at all possible. (Shout out to the small businesses making it work in our communities!)

When shopping for practically any person, I start with their favorite local restaurants and experiences. For us, we love passes to the hot springs or to the coffee shop (Drifters!) down the road. Everyone has their frequented haunts and favorites. Here are a few Colorado-based companies I love for non-gift card items:

• Enstrom Candies
• Mountain Valley Creations
• Dancing Lotus Artistry
• Opal June Jewelry
• Booze from New Castle Liquors
• High Desert Dangles
• Hole in the Wall Tattoo – either a tattoo or something from their Etsy Shop
• Photography from Drop Anchor Photography or Amanda Matilda Photography (she did our wedding!!)
• Nearly any winery in Palisade, CO
• Honeyville

For the husband

• Airpods / other wireless headphones
• Beer brewing kit
• New clothes – sweaters, dress pants/shirts, jackets, socks
• Ski ticket (we’re big fans of Sunlight of course!)
• Cold weather gear (I recommend Steep and Cheap for discounted outdoor goods)
• Matching pajamas
• Hot springs passes
• Massage
• Gift cards Chad would want: local restaurants, movie theater, Lowes, Target, REI, Amazon

For the wife (perhaps hint hint hint hint)

• Photography session with a local photographer
• A planned weekend trip
• Crumbl cookies
• Hot springs passes
• A vinyl album for my record player
• Pre-approved (lol) home décor (candles, vases, glasses, plates)
• Comfies – I love any kind of loose fitting sweatpants or practically anything from Aerie. (Maybe a gift card is best?!)
• Care package: box of favorite goodies (for me, it might include an Arizona tea, gummy bears, almond chocolate toffee, and a Dr. Pepper)
• Gift cards: Target, Amazon, American Eagle, Lulu’s, the movie theater

For the mom

• Restaurant gift card
• Winery tour
• Etsy gift – jewelry, phone case, art card
• Festive jammies
• Class on Skills Success
• Photography session with a local photographer
• Hot springs tickets
• Massage / spa treatment
• Gift cards my own mom might like: Etsy, Target, Sundance, Audible, local restaurants

For the dad

• Brewery gift card
• Spotify Premium subscription
• Tickets to a sporting event
• Headshot photography session
• Hot springs tickets
• Massage
• His favorite treat (chocolate and peanut turtles, holiday tin of popcorn?)
• Gift cards my own dad would enjoy: local restaurants, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Home Depot, REI, Amazon, Target, Best Buy

For the pup

• A big bone or yak’s melt treat
• Bandana – a seasonal plaid choice is always cute
• New toy – Chewy’s a great resource

For the brothers

• Sports team jerseys
• Gift card to their favorite retailers (it doesn’t hurt to ask!), i.e. REI, Backcountry, Target, IKEA, Amazon
• Class on Skills Success
• Travel accessory – travel backpack, inflatable water bottle, passport holder
• Hot springs passes
• Distillery tasting
• Gift card to favorite local restaurants
• Subscription to a monthly club. Wine club, coffee club, meal kit, etc.
• Ski ticket

For the in-laws (sisters, parents, brothers)

• Whatever is specifically on their list! Lol
• Framed photos (wedding photos, family photos, etc.) or a photo book
• A nice quality blanket
• Crumbl cookies
• Hot springs tickets
• Massage
• Gift cards: favorite restaurants, Target, Amazon, Etsy, REI, Ace
• Hot sauce kit
• Assortment of teas or coffees
• Groupon activity (paint and sip class, etc.)
• Sports team jerseys
• Ski ticket

For the besties

• Gift card: favorite restaurant, Amazon, Target, Lush, Airbnb
• Groupon for a date night
• Photography session with a local photographer
• Baked by Melissa cupcakes or Crumbl cookies or edible arrangement
• Blanket
• A print or digital portrait
• Adventure challenge book

For the neighbors

• Freshly baked cookies (I usually go toward Butterfinger cookies. Toooo delicious.)
• Hot cocoa mason jar mix
• Festive hats, scarves, mittens
• Homemade bath bomb

For yourself

• A new tumbler
• Something cozy from Aerie
• Phone or Airpods case
• A big ol’ treat: Crumbl Cookies, Edible Arrangement, Sherrie’s Berries, etc.
• Piece of art (like a framed print)
• A nice piece of clothing (I love a good dress from Lulu’s)
• Exercise equipment – I got a treadmill from Dick’s Sporting Goods and it’s perfect

What are you looking for this year?