Made in Colorado has a nice ring to it. This holiday season, give your friends, family, and even yourself a unique gift from the Centennial State. There are products of every kind, from backpacks to baby diapers, so you’ll be able to find a good fit for everyone.
Colorado-headquartered companies produce everything, including hi-tech snowboards and ski jackets, to sweet and savory candies. There are a myriad of products in every type of category. These local Colorado companies have a well-earned reputation for quality. So you can be assured your item will last as long as it’s supposed to.
Even if you live out of state, it’s easy to get a taste of Colorado delivered to your door. Browse all the wonderful offerings from our personal favorites below. Someone on our staff has owned, used, or tasted something from each company mentioned.
It’s always great to support small companies, and in colorful Colorado, there is no shortage of unique, locally owned businesses to choose from. From locally sourced handcrafted goods and products to experiences at some of the state’s museums, you won’t be pressed to find great gifts for anyone on your list.
We are all looking for ways to remove harmful chemicals from our everyday lives, and what better way than with the soap you use daily? Show those on your list that you care by shopping for the natural soaps, balms, and body butter from Mountain Time Soap. Mountain Time Soap uses ingredients “made from nature” to create its soaps and other products without using fillers, hardening agents, fragrances, or dyes.
Even their packaging uses a minimalist approach that is environmentally friendly. Feel good about your purchase, with 1% of their profits going to non-profit organizations in Colorado. Shop their online store at mountaintimesoap.com.
Show off your state pride with a Colorado-themed gift. From themed clothing to coffee mugs, you’ll find plenty to support the Centennial State. Colorado clothing companies produce exceptional, quality products and will have your friends asking about what brand you’re wearing.
It’s safe to say that those who love this state are fanatical about it. So why not shop for them at Coloradical? Find Colorado-themed apparel, hats, and other fashion items that scream “I Love Colorado!” Shop tanks, long-sleeve, short-sleeve T-shirts, hats, baby onesies, sweatshirts, and colorful, iconic patches that you can stitch to anything, so they can proudly show off the state everywhere they go!
This apparel company is all about representing CO. With tasteful designs featuring the flag, mountains, and wilderness across all of their products, Coloradical’s popularity is rising fast. They are based in Denver on East Colfax.
You can find Coloradical apparel at select retailers around the state. I found the brand in a small bicycle shop in a sleepy mountain town. T-shirts and hats are their best sellers. They also sell more unique items like snowcaps and sunglasses
Shop their online collection at coloradical.com or visit them at their store on Colfax between St. Paul and Milwaukee Street. Their website also features some cool virtual ‘field trips’ to notable attractions around the state, a great way to show out-of-state friends and family the beauty of Colorado.
Melanzana
Melanzana shop in downtown Leadville. Photo by: Nomad55
The highly coveted Melanzana makes unique, rugged apparel for the outdoor Colorado life. From jackets to hats, they make everything in the store, cutting and sewing like mad in downtown Leadville, at over 10,000 feet. If you’d rather sport a fuzzy local fleece than a Patagonia jacket, this company is for you.
Due to high demand and low supply, web orders are limited. If you want to get your hands on Melanzana’s popular gear, your only bet is to head out to Leadville and book an appointment to shop.
Located in southeastern Colorado, a family of 14, yes 14, started the Phoenix Fiber Mill with one alpaca. As the alpaca farm grew, they began raising them specifically for their fibers. They have grown their business into a beautiful collection of unique socks created with comfort and style in mind. Using only natural, high-quality fibers, these socks are durable, moisture-wicking, and super soft.
Named after mountain peaks in Colorado, such as Mount Lincoln and Mount Evans, each sock design offers its own unique pattern and colors. Socks can be purchased at their online store or local retailers around Colorado.
Inspired by the traveler in all of us, Topo Designs has created a lifestyle brand that is made for anywhere “on the map’ you might find yourself. Whether you walk through forests or concrete jungles, Topo Designs offers apparel, packs, and accessories to aid in your adventures.
The company started with a sewing machine in a Fort Collins basement, and the rest is history. Today, Topo is committed to creating durable, long-lasting products while maintaining a sustainable production process. You can feel good about gifting these products, knowing the business is actively making strides towards limiting its footprint on the environment.
You can shop them online at topodesigns.com, or for a fun outing, visit their flagship store in Denver’s RiNo district.
Sport Obermeyer
Tuscany Parka.
Started in Aspen, Obermeyer outdoor clothing will keep you comfortable on the ski slopes and beyond. Just like the town it’s based in, Obermeyer designs outstanding apparel. Production happens overseas, however.
They are most known for their breathable, warm, waterproof outerwear. They also have a range of base layers, kids’ clothing, and innovative products, including extendable clothing for the little ones as they grow, high-altitude sunscreens, and flow-fit ski boot models. You can buy Obermeyer products directly at obermeyer.com
Thirsties
Green cloth diaper cover by Thirsties.
Making cloth baby diapers, Thirsties is a 100% sustainable brand through and through. From the sourcing of local materials to production and warehousing (which is completely powered by wind energy), this Loveland-based company is the type of brand you feel good supporting.
They specialize in producing cloth diapers and accessories for babies. Hand-picking the highest quality materials, Thirsties diapers offer supreme comfort, fit, and performance. They are also leak-proof, so parents don’t need to stress. You can shop online at thirstiesbaby.com.
If there is one thing the past few years have shown us, it’s that we should all strive to be a good person. Well, a local Denver company agrees and has created an entire brand around that exact phrase, “Be a Good Person”. The brand was inspired by a passion for positivity and a brighter future that the founders envision for our society.
Shop their collection of stylish beanies, t-shirts, long-sleeves, socks, and hats online at beagoodperson.com, and show the world what it looks like to be a good person. If you’re passing through the Denver airport, they have a booth right in the middle of the B concourse that’s perfect for snagging a gift on the way to your holiday celebrations.
Kemo Sabe
Kemo Sabe Grit cowboy hat made in Colorado.
Statement tees are not the only pride of Colorado. There are a lot of local artisans who make world-class apparel, including Kemo Sabe, based out of the Roaring Fork Valley. The company got its start in Snowmass Village in 1990 before moving to Aspen a few years later.
Their cowboy hats are known for their high-quality all around the world. They also produce Western apparel and sell it out of their flagship shops in Aspen and Vail, Colorado, as well as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Park City, Utah, Round Top, Texas, and Whitefish, Montana. You can also shop online at kemosabe.com.
Memories last longer than material goods, so sometimes it’s better to gift a unique experience for the holidays. What better way to support the endless attractions our beautiful state has to offer than giving someone a gift certificate to experience them firsthand?
A membership to the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a gift that keeps on giving. Members enjoy free admission all year long, plus exclusive access to members-only events, discounts on workshops, two free guest passes for friends, and other discounts. Gifting a membership is tax-deductible, and packages are available to fit families of all sizes at mychildsmuseum.org.
Give the gift of beauty and connection with a membership to the Denver Art Museum. When you purchase an annual membership to give to someone else, they get 2 extra months for free. Perks include free general admission, invites to Member Preview events, discounted gift shop items and class fees, and so much more.
Founded in 1893, the museum features over 70,000 pieces of art representing numerous cultures. In addition to African, Asian, ancient Americas, and Oceanic art, the exhibits also showcase work from the Rocky Mountain region and local artists. Their membership gifting options are available for purchase on their website and include an offer for 2 months free with a year purchase.
Snag a gift certificate to the Royal Gorge Railroad so your loved ones can experience the beauty of the Arkansas River deep within the canyon. With up to 4 departures a day and multiple train car class options to choose from, it is something exciting for any type of person.
Experience panoramic views in the Vista Dome car, or treat your loved one to a first-class dinner train. Certificates can be used on anything the railroad offers, including train tickets, gift shop items, and food or beverages. Gift cards can be purchased online and are emailed digitally and never expire.
If you have a family or animal lover in your life, give them a Denver Zoo membership. Any level of membership is available to purchase as a gift certificate, from an individual to a family.
Visit over 3,500 animals and 60 species at the massive zoo located in City Park in downtown Denver. Members gain access to training vouchers, exclusive members-only hours and Zoo Lights privileges, and up to 12 Bring-a-Friend passes. Head to their website to explore all of your options for gifting.
Colorado is filled with naturally occurring hot springs that are not only a great way to warm up in the winter months but also with health benefits. Whether you want to gift a private cabin with its soaking tub or a trip to one of the larger resorts with multiple developed pools, most hot springs offer gift card options.
The quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Indulge in some of these Colorado-made treats. There is a treat for every taste bud here, from grass-fed beef jerky to coconut oil potato chips.
One of the largest tea companies in the U.S., Celestial Seasonings, makes a perfect gift for the tea drinker in your life. If you are in the Boulder area, you can visit the Mint Room while on a free tour of this working factory. Sleepytime is probably Celestial’s most famous tea, with a sleeping bear on the box.
Founded in 1969, Celestial Seasonings has become a worldwide staple. They have an extensive line of herbal teas in all sorts of flavor combinations, like Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride or Bengal Spice.
A few of Celestial Seasonings’ bestsellers include:
Give the gift of health with Boulder-based Rowdy Mermaid. This flavorful Kombucha has taken over the shelves of grocery stores with its adorable packaging.
This aesthetically packaged stocking stuffer is perfect for those who need a little immunity boost for the holidays or just love a good booch. Shop their website at rowdymermaid.com.
Tour this classic candy maker year-round in Denver. Since 1920, Hammond’s Candies has been hand-making candy canes and other exquisite sugary creations. They’re also known for their line of creative chocolate bars with flavors like PB&J and More S’mores, as well as their famous Sour Balls.
From start to finish, the whole candy-making process at Hammond’s is hand-made. If you get a chance to go on a tour of this working factory, you’ll witness the passion and creativity in each product. Send something sweet from Colorado with a unique gift from Hammond’s. One of its best sellers is Sour Balls, aard candy; also try the peach, root beer, and licorice drops
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Rocky Mountain Chocolate. Photo by: Al_HikesAZ
Southwest Colorado is home to one of the best chocolatiers around. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is known for its sweet treats with chains all across the state and country. All locations are marked by a giant stuffed bear out front. Stop by for a classic caramel-dipped apple or make a personalized box of chocolates.
Founded by a small confectionery maker in historic Durango in 1981, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is now an international franchisor, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. From its 53,000-square-foot factory in Colorado, it produces over 300 varieties of sweets using its proprietary recipes. Stop by a local store to sample the desserts or order something exquisite online for a great gift.
Zuke’s
Zuke’s best-selling dog treats.
This one’s for your four-legged friends! Grab something healthy and fresh for your pooch. Headquartered in Durango, Zuke’s sends its pet products nationwide. You’ve probably seen Zuke’s dog treats in your local pet store, so why not pick up an extra bag for a holiday gift? Learn where to buy at zukes.com
Home is where you make it, and nice candles are a perfect gift for the home. They create an instant ambiance, providing subtle lighting and a great aroma for any mood.
Since 1991, Bluecorn Beeswax has been handcrafting candles on the Western Slope in Ridgway. Their candles are paraffin-free, lead-free, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. They even trademarked their beeswax candles’ “ridiculously long burn times”. The best part about burning beeswax is that it emits negative ions that cleanse the air.
Candles are always a good gift for everyone on your list, from your kids’ teacher to your hairstylist, which always makes you feel like a million bucks. But don’t just get them any candle, get them one from the Old Pine Candle Company. Made with 100% American soy wax and no additives or dyes, their candles burn for up to 50 hours!
Offered in a variety of natural scents such as eucalyptus, jasmine, evergreen, and pine, Old Pine also collaborates with local businesses for special scents. Make it easy this gifting season with their holiday gift set, which includes a 9-ounce candle, a wick trimmer, a wooden coaster, and an old pine matchbox. The gift set can be purchased online at oldpinecandleco.com.
A local artist in Denver creates colorful illustrations of various Colorado scenes and landmarks. Her Etsy shop sells one-of-a-kind prints. It’s the perfect way to give a little bit of Colorado to those you love.
Each print is available in sizes from 8×10 up to 24×36. Some are even customizable, with the option to change the background or font color depending on your preference. Each purchase includes the print only, so be sure to grab a frame before you gift it.
Not just for those who love Denver, but for all those who love Colorado, the I Heart Denver Store showcases 200+ Colorado-based artists and designers. Shop glassware, jewelry, pottery, artwork, locally designed furniture, clothing, and so much more. It’s the perfect one-stop shop to find Colorado creatives and support local businesses.
Located in the heart of Downtown Denver, the store is at the Pavilions on the 16th Street promenade. You can also shop them online at iheartdenverstore.com.
Give the gift of all things Centennial State with a subscription to the Colorado Life magazine. The bi-monthly publication features local writers, photographers, and those who make our state so special.
Help support a local print magazine and gift yourself or someone you love a subscription, a gift that will keep on giving all year long. Gift subscriptions can be purchased on their website at coloradolifemagazine.com.
BEE-OCH
Take care of your body with BEE-OCH.
Take care of your body. Treat it to something made with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Colorado produces plenty of body care products, from facial wash to lip balm, many without the harmful chemicals and additives that come in their name-brand counterparts.
When it comes to finding organic body essentials, Colorado had a hidden gem (now based in Wisconsin). BEE-OCH Organics brings awareness to the “toxicity hiding in your everyday-use products.” With their soaps and body care merchandise, you can take care of your skin without having to compromise on the quality of the product. BEE-OCH is 100% chemical-free and USDA organic certified.
Brooke founded the business when she was still an undergraduate in Biology/Chemistry and pregnant with her first child. Being a “science nerd,” she began reading the labels on the products she used at home and for her baby. She had a “mom moment” that threw her off because she discovered how a majority of the mainstream products we use include chemicals; yes, even the ones that claim to be “natural” and “non-toxic”.
Because of this, Brooke created BEE-OCH, where all the products are organic and fully certified. This means that all products, like the Queen Bee Organic Under Eye Cream, have a “traceback system” that allows you to track every single ingredient used back to the exact date and time of harvesting. Interesting, right? What’s even better is that by purchasing BEE-OCH, you are supporting local businesses and bee farmers as well!
Play at an epic level with world-class snowboard gear designed here in the Centennial State. If you’ve been to any ski resort in the last few years, you’ve undoubtedly come across a Never Summer product.
They make some of the best snowboards in the world with their patented hybrid camber technology. Boards combine traditional double camber flex on the tips and a rockered center, so you get the best of both worlds for a superior ride.
What began as a snowboard company in 1983 has now grown into a highly reputable lifestyle brand within the outdoor community. Never Summer has been designing and building snowboards since 1983 in their Denver factory. Beyond the boards, shop their outdoor apparel collection of beanies, goggles, hoodies, and T-shirts. Discover their snowboard and apparel lineup at neversummer.com.
Osprey
Backpacking with Osprey.
If you need a reliable backpack for any occasion, look no further than Osprey. All the engineering and design is done in the Cortez headquarters. While their bags are produced in Vietnam, everything is carefully maintained from their Southwest Colorado home.
Their products are durable and cleverly created for ease when traveling or backpacking. You’ll have plenty of choice when picking out a gift from their large travel duffles and roller cases to smaller daypacks and packing cubes.
Those are just a few of the fine products from local companies. While some are produced outside of the state, most are handcrafted and designed right here in Colorado. Either way, the companies started here and make quality products for all to enjoy.
Be sure to shop these and other made-in-Colorado companies this holiday season to help support small businesses! Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!
About Shawn Reeser
Shawn is a front range local who loves to share about Colorado. He’s usually off on an adventure somewhere mysterious.
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