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The madness of Denver International Airport security lines and I-70 traffic hasn’t slowed down interest in air travel and road trips. Because your favorite jet-setters are likely planning their next adventure, why not gift a little something to make their sailing (or soaring) smoother?
Whether they’re hopping on a long-haul flight or just taking a road trip, they’re going to love these local gifts that wish them bon voyage. Here are 10 of our favorite travel-inspired gifts with a Colorado slant.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Travel Pillow
It’s hard to enjoy your lavish vacation when you’re running on minimal shut-eye and fighting jet lag. Give your globetrotter the gift of a good night’s sleep (even sans bed) with the UltraCool Travel Pillow ($49) from Arvada-based Slumber Cloud. The 14-by-20-inch, machine-washable wonder boasts NASA-engineered Outlast fabric on both sides to fend off heat and is proven to boost sleep efficiency by 20 percent. Available online and at various retailers
A Staycation at Limelight Denver
The Colorado sports-lover on your list is likely all set with fanwear. Instead, pump them up with a Mile High Sports staycation (starting at $349 per night) at the Denver outpost of boutique hotel chain Limelight. Along with a one-night stay, your avid Avalanche, Broncos, or Nuggets enthusiast will get complimentary valet parking along with a six-pack of Colorado craft suds and Klean Kanteen reusable pint cups for a little in-room pre-gaming. The next morning they can use the $50 food-and-beverage credit for a recovery brunch of Boursin omelettes and wagyu double cheeseburgers at in-house eatery Ajax. Available online
The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties and Mules
Is there anything better than prying off your ski boots and slipping into a soft pair of booties? Your friend who spends every weekend in Vail will likely appreciate a pair of Thermoballs to keep their tootsies toasty post-slopes. These best-selling slippers from the North Face, which is headquartered in Denver, are available as traction-equipped booties ($69 for men’s and women’s, $55 for kids’) and mules ($59 for men’s and women’s, $50 for kids’) in a range of earthy and out-there colors. Available online and at various retailers
Fjallraven Keb Fleece Crew Neck
Whether they’re shivering on an airplane or camping in the high country, we all have that one friend who’s perpetually cold. Cut their complaining off at the core with the new-this-season Keb Fleece Crew Neck ($170) from Swedish outdoor brand Fjallraven, which has its U.S. headquarters in Louisville. Made from a blend of recycled polyester and soft-to-the-touch wool, the relaxed-fit top works well as a first layer (it wicks sweat, after all), but can also be worn over a tighter-fitting base layer like the Bergtagen Thinwool LS ($100 for men’s and women’s) for an extra dose of cozy. Available online and at various retailers
Colorado Crafted Taste of Colorado Tote
The Taste of Colorado Tote ($95)—and all of the sweet and savory goodies inside—is ready to tag along to destinations across its namesake geography. Packed inside this reusable bag from Colorado Crafted are a handful of Centennial State–born treats your traveler will appreciate next time they’re stuck in I-70 traffic, including a fruit-and-nut blend from Altitude Snacks, Blisters on my Buttercrunch popcorn from Too Haute Cowgirls, and a Midnight Snack Bar from Hammond’s Candies. Technically, the snacks are sized for sharing, but we won’t judge any giftees who keep their faves in the front seat. Available online
Royal Robbins Billy Goat BC Lined Pant
Maybe you and your boo finally booked that dream trip to Reykjavík where the northern lights await. Or maybe you’re just booking it up to the newly designated Dark Sky Community of Breckenridge for a long weekend. Either way, your better half’s lower half will appreciate a pair of fleece-lined, travel-ready pants from the Louisville-based adventure gurus at Royal Robbins. Made with a blend of organic cotton canvas, stretchy Tencel modal, and a touch of elastane, the Billy Goat BC Lined Pants ($130 for men’s and women’s) are durable, easy to move in, and as soft as a Snuggie inside. Available online and at various retailers
DestinationScratched Colorado Bucket List Scratch-Off Poster
Commemorate your Colorado adventures with this fun scratch-off poster ($34), which includes 60 popular sites from around the state, including lesser-known locales like Bishop Castle and the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center alongside oft-visited spots such as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Maroon Bells. The frame (in black or teak) is about $20 extra. Available online
Kelty Trash Pak
While a trash bag isn’t the most glamorous gift, the green guys and gals on your list will appreciate this vehicle-mounted Trash Pak by Broomfield-based Kelty ($98). It stores any debris you might collect while bopping between campsites, and the durable vinyl interior is easily rinsable when you get home. Pro tip: You can also use the bag as extra external storage space when trunk capacity just isn’t enough. Available online
Colorado State Parks Pass
Jump-start a year of adventures by purchasing a Colorado State Parks Pass ($29 to $120) from Colorado Parks & Wildlife for your favorite explorer. The annual pass covers all state park entrance fees and can be vehicle-specific or transferrable. Either way, Colorado awaits. Available online
Skratch Labs Unsweetened Hydration Sport Drink Mix
The best thing about gifting a 30-serving pouch of hydration mix ($28) from Boulder’s Skratch Labs is how easy it is. You don’t have to know anything about the giftee’s measurements, preference for air travel or road trips, or what they already have squirreled away in their gear shed. (Although you will need to know if they prefer salted margarita or lemon-lime.) Every traveler needs to stay hydrated, and they can never have enough electrolyte mixes—especially when they’re not only tasty but have zero grams of sugar. If they prefer something sweeter (or a wider range of flavors), swap in the standard hydration sport drink mix (20 servings for $22). Available online and in various retailers
