Scott Bayens

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Your Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Local for Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season!

With gifting season in full swing, there's no better time to support local businesses than by shopping locally in Aspen, Snowmass, and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley for all your holiday gift needs. Whether you're a long-time area local or a visitor that wants to support our ski towns, this guide is here to help you find unique and local items that your friends and family will love, all from the comfort of your computer. Each of the items featured have been hand selected by locals.

 

Gifts from Aspen and Snowmass

 

Meat and Cheese Aspen

For the foodie in your life, stop by the market area in Meat and Cheese to scour the many craft items they have available. From olives to elevated cheeses and prosciuttos, these delicious items will make an iconic charcuterie board. Head to their website to check out the menu of all the yummy meals they offer.

Photo courtesy of meatcheese.avalancheaspen.com

 

Carl's Pharmacy 

Head to Carl's Pharmacy for a plethora of options for all of your loved ones. Whether you're looking to spoil your pet with new chew toys or grab a hilarious holiday card for your best friend, Carl's has it all. Head to their location on Main street to check out all of the fun gift options.  

Photo courtesy of carlspharmacy.com

 

Capricho Bags 

These luxury leather travel bags are made for any and all adventures. Designed by Aspen locals Laura Kaplan and Nicole Tarumianz, these Columbian-made bags were created with exploration, luxury and convenience in mind. The Clarita Bag ($1,795) is the perfect travel and everyday bag with space for all your adventure necessities. Check out their Instagram for more on their beautiful bags.  

Photo courtesy of caprichobags.com


Caitlin Dunn Jewelry

Founded seven years ago by Aspen local, Caitlin Dunn, Caitlin Dunn Jewelry is simple, modern and elegant. Caitlin makes each piece by hand using the best materials in her studio at the Red Brick Center for the Arts. Inspired by the picturesque surroundings of Aspen, travel and simplicity, each piece is unique and elegant. This beautiful pendant necklace ($80), featuring the iconic Maroon Bells, is the perfect gift to remind your friend just how stunning Aspen is. To see more of her jewelry, visit her Instagram page.

Photo courtesy of caitlindunnjewlery.com


O2life Approval Boxes

Looking your best while working out a home or joining a virtual class is easier than ever with the O2life Approval Boxes. After connecting with an O2life stylist, a customized box of stylish workout apparel and goodies will be sent right to your door. Prices will vary based on products and budget. A great way to support a local business from anywhere! To see more products and info from O2life, check out their Instagram

Photo courtesy of 02life.com


Dan Young Studio

Dan moved to Colorado in 1989 to begin painting the Western landscapes full-time. After graduating from the Colorado Institute of Art and a career in commercial art in Texas, Dan knew he had to get back to the place that inspired him the most. Dan focuses on detailed and lifelike paintings. This ‘Heading to Base Camp’ painting is a great gift for anyone that wants to feel inspired by the famous Colorado mountains. Contact Dan Young for pricing and more information. 

Photo courtesy of danyoungstudio.com


Strafe Outerwear Jackets

An outerwear brand founded in the Aspen mountains, Strafe was designed for the adventurer and anyone that likes to go fast. Owned by athletes, all their products are designed to perform across all conditions. These insulated mens ($134.50) & womens’ ($223.30) jackets are ideal for everyday wear or your biggest adventure yet. Check out more of Strafe's gear on Instagram.

Men's Alpha Hooded Insulator - Photo courtesy of strafeouterwear.com

Women's Aero Pullover Insulated - Photo courtesy of strafeouterwer.com


Frazer the Yellow Dog Children’s Book

A children’s book ($19.95) that tells the story of Courtney and her yellow dog Fraser's adventures in Snowmass. A perfect gift for any kid in your life that wants to be a part of the adventures of skiing in Colorado. 

Photo courtesy of goodreads.com


Aspen Hatter

With influences from Austin, TX and Aspen, Colorado, Aspen Hatter was founded by Chris Roberts in 2013 after spending many years making beautiful hats for friends and family. Each hat is customized and handmade by Chris and his team. With an impeccable eye for style and use of innovation, Aspen Hatter hats are the unique gift you are looking for. Prices vary based on hat and customization. To view more of their custom hats, check out their Instagram

Photo courtesy of Aspen Hatter

Bundles Gift Co 

Bundles Gift Co specializes in creating custom and unique gifts for events big and small. Sourcing items from small businesses around the country and focusing on packaging that won't end up in the trash, Bundles Gift Co brings originality and innovation to the gift giving world. Their Holiday Gift Bundles are perfect for any Aspen lover, mountain man or mountain girl.

Photos courtesy of bundlesgiftco.com


Robert Parker Prints

Beautiful prints of the iconic Colorado mountain and landscapes. Robert Parker Prints are a great gift idea for any mountain lover in your life. From black and white landscapes to colorful Aspen trees, these prints are a timeless addition to any space.

Photo courtesy of Robert Parker at etsy.com


Ridgeline Tree Gifting

Give the gift of nature this year with Ridgeline’s Tree Gifting program. With this program, you can gift anyone in the Aspen area or Roaring Fork Valley two  Aspen trees to be planted in their yard. Ridgeline is known for being committed to top of the line landscape and construction work. 


The Aspen Cookbook

The Aspen Cookbook was started by the Aspen Young Professionals in conjunction with the Aspen Board of Realtors in the midst of the pandemic. With the idea of bringing community and delicious recipes to the Aspen area, The Aspen Cookbook features well-known recipes from chefs in the area. Though the pandemic is slowing, small businesses still need your support! Sales from the 100+ recipe book help support local restaurants in need. Head to their website to purchase the cook book and read more about the recipes. 

Photo courtesy of aspencommunitycookbook.com


Gifts from Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs 


Bullocks Western Handwoven Pillows

These Escalante Rugs are handwoven by master weaver Alicia Gurierrez with 100% Churro Wool Yarns. They are timeless and incredibly durable. A perfect addition to any space, these one of kind gifts are great for anyone on your list this year. Head to Bullocks in Glenwood Springs to check these out in person or buy online! 

Photo courtesy of escalanterugs.com


Martis Essentials - Beauty Products

Started in 2012 by Mari DiBacco with the goal of creating healthy skin care products without any toxins, Marti’s Essentials are the perfect gift to help people look and feel great. This Season Essentials set has all the products to help anyone do just that. Head to their Instagram for more great products. 

Photo courtesy of martisessentials.com


5028

These small-batch, handcrafted artisan shoes are made by European craftsmen with premium and sustainable materials. The shoes are designed with every facet of life in mind, because one shoe does not fit all. These mens' boots are perfect for everyday wear and will last a lifetime. These stylish womens’ boots are great for any occasion, fancy or casual. For more great styles, check out their Instagram.

The Walrus Men's Boot - Photo courtesy of weare5028.com

Sweetwater 2.0 Women's Boot - Photo courtesy of weare5028.com


Kitchen Collage - Glass Chip & Dip Bowl

Kitchen Collage is a local, gourmet kitchen supply store featuring any and all kitchen products, from decor and table settings to specialty tools and gadgets. Their beautiful shop and endless products makes finding a gift for anyone easy. This beautiful glass chip & dip platter by Annieglass ($197) is a unique platter that is sure to be a conversation starter. 

Photo courtesy of annieglass.com


True Nature Healing Arts - Spa Day

Located in the heart of Carbondale, this sanctuary of a spa, yoga studio and serenity garden is the perfect gift for anyone in need of some relaxation. With options for classes of all types, unique spa offerings and opportunities for self-discovery and inspiration are endless. A gift card is the perfect way to give the gift of peace to anyone in your life. Check out their Instagram for more of their offerings.        

Photos courtesy of truenaturehealingarts.com


Bookbinders Basalt - Audio Book Subscription

Getting the perfect gift for a book lover is a hard task even when heading to a bookstore and browsing aisles of books is an option. Now, with shopping in person opportunities limited, that task is even harder. That’s why Bookbinders of Basalt is now offering an Audiobook subscription through Libro that can be purchased and gifted right from your computer. Choose from a 1,3,6 or 12 month subscription for access to thousands of books. Each subscription purchase helps support Bookbinders while giving book lovers access to all their favorite titles. 

Photo courtesy of bookbinderbaslt.com and libro.fm


Hangai Mountain Textiles - Knit Cashmere Throw

A luxurious cashmere throw is a gift that everyone would love to receive. This Aubergine Bird’s Eye Knit Cashmere Throw ($600) is a beautiful blanket with eye-catching details. Hangai Mountain Textiles is a family owned business out of Basalt, CO that sources materials from Mongolia to create top of the line products. With customized gift options, they can help you find the perfect gift. 

Photo courtesy of hangaimountaintextiles.com