Colorado.com Staff Writer

<p>Whether you want to bring some Colorado home with you, or share it with a loved one, there are countless ways to enjoy the Centennial State — and support local in the process.</p>


Colorado Gift Guide for Winter

Upstairs Circus in Denver's LoDo & Tech Center areas

Create Cooking School in Aurora

Slideshow

<h2>For the Creativity Connoisseurs</h2>
<h3><a href="http://coloradoshoeschool.com/">Colorado Shoe School</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/bellvue">Bellvue</a><br />
Get your kicks, literally, with one-day custom shoemaking workshops. You’ll use your hands and imagination to construct the sneakers of your dreams. </p>
<h3><a href="https://makergeneral.com/">Maker General</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/longmont">Longmont</a><br />
This isn’t your granny’s craft shop. Cross-stitch kits here feature icons from across the ages — from Harriet Tubman to Prince — and a percentage of proceeds are donated to rotating nonprofits. </p>
<h3><a href="https://donlomercantile.com/">Donlo Mercantile</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a><br />
Work with a master jeweler to dream up no-one-else-has-’em rings, earrings and necklaces made from fine metals and gems. You’ll evoke Helen of Troy vibes with DonLo’s unique artisan style. </p>
<h3><a href="https://upstairscircus.com/">Upstairs Circus</a></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a> (LoDo &amp; Tech Center)<br />
Awaken your inner DIY-er with clever projects like concrete coasters, make-your-own butcher boards and supple leather pet collars. Artsy adults can sip citrusy mimosas while they craft. </p>
<h3><strong>More</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.artisansofmancos.com/">Artisans of Mancos</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/mancos">Mancos</a>; and <a href="https://www.lefthandwool.com/">Left Hand Wool Company</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/niwot">Niwot</a></p>
<h2>For the Experience Seekers</h2>
<h3><a href="https://www.epicpass.com/">Epic</a> or <a href="https://www.ikonpass.com/">Ikon</a> Pass</h3>
<p>Pick your path by choosing a ski pass: Epic or Ikon, or both! You’ll be cruising Colorado’s praise-worthy terrain in no time (and appreciating multi-resort ski/snowboard access as you go). </p>
<h3><a href="https://www.coloradocrosscountry.com/Punch-Pass">Colorado Cross Country Ski Association Season Punch Pass</a></h3>
<p>Don’t get stuck skiing or snowshoeing one tired spot. The CCCSA punch pass means you’ll be striding in style at cross-country havens like Breckenridge, Crested Butte and Vail. </p>
<h3><a href="https://www.colorado.com/spas/harmony-health-massage-wellness-spa">Harmony Health Massage</a>’s Harmonic Sound Healing</h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a><br />
Book a sound-healing session and you’ll swear those <a href="https://harmonyhealthmassage.com/project/harmonic-sound-healing/">soothing singing bowls</a> are made of angel’s wings. Your wildest worries will melt away with each celestial tone. </p>
<h3>Ice-Climbing Trip With <a href="/ridgway/mountain-trip">Mountain Trip</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/ouray">Ouray</a><br />
Channel your inner Sir Edmund Hillary with an adventure in our ice-climbing capital. You’ll conquer a frozen waterfall using crampons (boot spikes), your trusty ice axe and a healthy speckling of fear. </p>
<h3><strong>More</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cross-country-nordic-centers/tennessee-pass-nordic-center-cookhouse">Tennessee Pass Cookhouse</a> yurt dinner and stay, <a href="/cities-and-towns/leadville">Leadville</a>; and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/why-families-love-colorado-wild-animal-sanctuary">The Wild Animal Sanctuary</a> tour, <a href="/cities-and-towns/keenesburg">Keenesburg</a></p>
<h2>For the Libations Lovers</h2>
<h3>Weekend Getaway to <a href="/stratton/claremont-winery-inn">Claremont Inn &amp; Winery</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/stratton">Stratton</a><br />
Book the “Taste, Dine &amp; Stay” package to delight in house-made vino, chef-made meals and all the relaxation you could ask for on the eastern plains.</p>
<h3><a href="/greeley/syntax-spirits-distillery">Syntax Spirits</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/greeley">Greeley</a><br />
A nip of Syntax’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey feels like you’re sipping on sunshine. Made with Colorado’s own Poudre River whitewater, the liquor boasts notes of caramel, apricot and honey.</p>
<h2>For the Fearless Foodies</h2>
<h3><a href="/durango/animas-chocolate-company">Animas Chocolate Company</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a><br />
Sink your sweet tooth into creamy chocolate bars, hand-dusted truffles and chocolate-lover’s smorgasbords from this gourmet chocolatier. </p>
<h3><a href="https://grainfreenola.com/">Mawa's Grainfreenola</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/aspen">Aspen</a><br />
Fill your morning-time tum (or make a crunchy snack) with gluten-free, vegan and protein-rich granola. You’ll love fruity flavors like Tropical Paradise and Berry Me. </p>
<h3><a href="https://createkitchenbar.co/">Create Kitchen &amp; Bar</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/aurora">Aurora</a><br />
Up the date-night ante with hands-on experiences boasting names like “Flavors From Italy” and “Party in Dublin.” Sign up to join classes where chefs cook with you, not for you. </p>
<h3><strong>More</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.scaffbros.com/">Scaff Brothers</a> salsa, <a href="/cities-and-towns/la-junta">La Junta</a>; and <a href="https://coloradocoffeecompany.com/">Colorado Coffee Company</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/loveland">Loveland</a></p>
<h2>For the Fashion Fanatics</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.royalstaghats.com/">Royal Stag Custom Hats</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a><br />
No matter your vibe (Old West, Roaring ’20s or Bob Dylan in a fedora), this custom hatter will craft a crown that’s all for you.</p>
<h3><a href="https://yocolorado.com/">Yocolorado</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a><br />
You’ll feel fly in themed apparel that’s stylish and fun. Wear pom beanies, puffer vests, cool caps and casual tanks to declare your love for Colorado. </p>
<h3><a href="https://www.gorsuch.com/">Gorsuch</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/vail">Vail</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/aspen">Aspen</a> &amp; <a href="/cities-and-towns/snowmass">Snowmass</a><br />
Glam up your mountain lewk with a lifestyle brand embodying ski-town chic. You’ll be strutting through the village like it’s your very own runway. </p>
<h3><strong>More</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/boutiques-clothing/fm-light-and-sons">F.M. Light &amp; Sons</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat Springs</a>; and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/boutiques-clothing/rockmount-ranch-wear">Rockmount Ranch Wear</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a></p>
<h2>For the Adventure Seekers</h2>
<h3><a href="https://frictionlabs.com/">Frictionlabs</a>’ Secret Stuff Hygienic Liquid Chalk</h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a><br />
If you love rock climbing, you’ll adore Friction Labs’ liquid chalk’s extra-grippy formula. Find <a href="https://frictionlabs.com/">online</a> and in select CO shops. </p>
<h3><a href="http://powderfactory.com/">Powder Factory Skis</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/silver-plume">Silver Plume</a><br />
These made-in-Colorado skis will make you fly through the pow. Pick from stellar “fat” models like Dream and Deep — or design your very own. Find <a href="http://powderfactory.com/">online</a> or visit the Silver Plume factory.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.fatbike.com/">Borealis Fat Bikes</a></h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a><br />
One of these beefy fat-tire bikes means you can roll your way through anything, even snow and sand. Find <a href="https://www.fatbike.com/">online</a> and in select CO shops. </p>
<h3><a href="https://shredly.com/">Shredly</a> Bike Shorts</h3>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/carbondale">Carbondale</a><br />
You’ll love how you look in this ladies-only MTB apparel. These cute shorts do double duty with protective bum padding and flattering shapes. Find <a href="https://shredly.com/">online</a> and in select CO shops. </p>
<h3>Pro Tip </h3>
<p>Be kind to Mother Earth (and your wallet) by getting your gear at secondhand shops like Colorado Springs’ <a href="https://www.merecyclers.com/">Mountain Equipment Recyclers</a>. Shopping a killer end-of-season sale never hurts, either!</p>
<h3><strong>More</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.otterbox.com/">Otterbox</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a>; and <a href="https://westonbackcountry.com/">Weston Backcountry</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/lakewood">Lakewood</a></p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p>Hunt for Colorado’s treasures and pleasures — and you’ll simultaneously be championing our <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/shop-local-give-colorado-made-goods-loved-ones-holidays">resident makers and creatives</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/colorado-liquid-arts">Learn more about Colorado’s thriving wine, craft beer, mead, cider and spirits scene</a>.</p>
