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To-Go Facials
Self-care has, for obvious reasons, been popular this year. Alchemy Face Bar’s Facials To-Go are a take-home version of their signature in-spa rituals and perfect for gifting. Each kit contains a mini-regimen—cleanser, serum, and moisturizer—along with targeted treatments that are enough for two to three facials. Choose from over 10 kits, including favorites like Blackberry Detox, Alchemy Glow, and Alchemy Ritual, or gift a bundle of kits for weeks of pampering. $20 to $40 each, available online and in store; 2701 Canyon Blvd., Boulder; 4343 W. 44th Ave.; and 4300 E. 8th Ave., Unit 102
Soothing Honey Mask
If you want to gift just a single beauty product this season, try a mask from Free + True. Helmed by a triple threat beauty entrepreneur, licensed esthetician, and certified cosmetics formulator Tami Blake, this clean brand is all about creating high-performing beauty products that don’t require complicated skincare rituals. Her Raw + Wild Illuminating Honey Mask is made with hydrating raw honey, pomegranate enzymes to exfoliate, kaolin clay to detoxify, and brightening pearl extract. It’s the perfect go-to for dull, lackluster winter skin in need of some serious TLC. Free + True Raw + Wild Illuminating Honey Mask, $56, available online and at Aillea, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3000 E. First Ave., #203
Gold Toggle Necklace
Lindsay Bloom of Bloom Jewelry is known for her delicate, metal-wrapped jewelry made in her Colorado studio. Bloom incorporates precious and semi-precious stones in pieces that are the epitome of elegant everyday wear (a vibe Bloom has been working for the last 15 years). My pick this season is her Gold Antique Signature Toggle Necklace. Crafted in brass and finished with 14-karat gold filled hand wrapping and toggle clasp, this on-trend piece offers a lot of look for the price, plus it can be worn alone or layered up. $95, available online
Travel Ski Print Pouch
Even though most of us are staying close to home, Hi Love’s packs and pouches aren’t just for traveling. The splash-resistant, recycled material is perfect for stashing everything from cosmetics to snacks and electronic chargers to small children’s toys. Plus, the Dancing Skiers print is inspired by Cloud 9 bistro in Aspen. $45, available online and at Perch, 2606 E. Third Ave.
Cozy Sweatshirt
Denver-based designer Mimi Shim is part of the slow fashion movement, which means her luxury versions of everyday wardrobe essentials are made-to-order. Shim’s Lux Sweatshirt is cut in French cotton terry, and has just enough special details—like balloon sleeves and a gathered waist—to make it an on-trend, but cozy and comfortable statement piece. It’s an ideal gift for the woman who wants to look as good for a Zoom meeting as she does heading out for a socially distanced brunch. Editor’s Tip: Shim will begin taking orders on November 23; each piece requires two weeks to produce, so order early to receive in time for Christmas. $125
Tomboi T-Shirt
Known for her cool mix of 90s grunge with city sophisticate, Denver-based designer Crystal Lee brings her aesthetic to everything from joggers and hoodies to ponchos and maxi dresses. Don’t expect basic pieces to hide behind here; Lee’s fashion-forward, yet fluid silhouettes (influenced by her time growing up in Southern Cali) are cut in unique materials like laser cut mesh, bleach dyed fleece cotton and graphic printed silk charmeuse. Like Shim, Lee is part of the slow fashion movement, so every individual item is handcrafted and made-to-order (so plan for lead time!). Her signature “Tomboi” T-shirt will fold up nicely into any fashionista’s stocking. $40
Leather Saddlebag and Pouch
Leather goods are always a holiday favorite, but it’s rare to find stylish bags and wallets under $100. Leave it to Sarah Tischler at Studio Colfax to search out the best small-scale designers in the U.S. for unique options. From Urban Southern in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pick up their triangular clutch in rustic burgundy full-grain leather (the lovely crossbody saddlebag is a bit more). For somewhere to stash cash, choose one of Woolly Made’s vegetable tanned leather wallets. Helmed by two designers out of Portland, Oregon (one is a Nike alum), the pair create modern items rooted in heritage craft. Urban Southern crossbody bag, $195, and clutch, $85; Woolly wallets, $62, available online and at Studio Colfax, 2418 E. Colfax Ave.
Ultra Cozy Slippers
The Japanese are known for weaving some of the softest, most absorbent towels around. These Moku room shoes are made from the same cotton-linen mix fabric as the brand’s towels, making them lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Available in two unisex sizes. $80, available online and at Cedar & Hyde Mercantile, 2015 10th St., Boulder
Winter Gloves
Gloves are a winter must-have, and family-owned and Stockholm-based Hestra (their U.S. HQ is here in Arvada) has been producing sport and fashion gloves for him and her since 1936. My pick this season? For her, the beautiful cream cable knit wool and caramel leather Ragnhild for its rich and on-trend color combination. $125, available online
DAM Art Books
Everything is keeping us indoors these days, from the cold weather to the pandemic. Keep her entertained with a great art or fashion read from the Denver Art Museum, which always has an outstanding selection of titles available in their shop. Pick up a bio on groundbreaking Mexican artist Frida Kahlo by Andrea Kettenmann that sheds new light on her art and self-portraits by examining them alongside her unconventional life or get up-to-date on the most important fashion designers in the world over the last25 years with Taschen’s 100 Contemporary Fashion Designers, featuring such industry luminaries as Rick Owens, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. Frida Kahlo, by Andrea Kettenmann, $15, and 100 Contemporary Fashion Designers, $20, available online and at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.
