The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
The madness of Denver International Airport check-in 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 globetrotting or just hopping in the car, 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.
A Staycation at Limelight Denver
With all the hustle and bustle of the season, sometimes it feels like we need a holiday from the holidays. If that’s the case for a loved one on your list, they’d be grateful for the Relax with Limelight package (starting at $399) from the Denver location of boutique hotel chain Limelight. Along with a two-night stay, your weary traveler will get to zen out with recovery-enhancing Therabody products and a 60-minute in-room massage. Plus, there’s no need to change out of their slippers and robe when hunger strikes. Simply use the $50 dining credit for Ajax, a live-fire kitchen concept new in August, on a room service order—maybe for the flame-blasted savoy cabbage and hickory-smoked duck breast. Available online
Zeal Whittier Sunglasses
Sleek and simple, the Whittier sunglasses ($159) from Boulder-based Zeal Optics feature traditional angles and a stately square lens shape inspired by the Victorian homes in their namesake Boulder neighborhood. Plus, with their lightweight and impact-resistant frames (made from environmentally friendly bioplastic), crisp Ellume Polarized lenses, and a scratch-resistant hardcoat, these fun sunnies are more than just a pretty face (accessory). Available online and at various retailers
Fjallraven Grid Abisko Fleece Hoodie
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 Abisko Grid Fleece Hoodie ($180, women’s, men’s) from Swedish outdoor brand Fjallraven, which has its U.S. headquarters in Louisville. This streamlined midlayer made from fully recycled polyester features a lofted, square-structured, fleece interior designed to retain warmth, ventilate easily, and effectively wick moisture. Available online and at various retailers
Colorado Crafted Front Range Tote
It might be called the Front Range Tote ($99), but this bag of goodies from Colorado Crafted is ready to tag along to destinations far beyond its namesake geography. Packed inside are all the Colorado-born treats your traveler needs to fuel his next road trip, including organic, grass-fed beef jerky from Jamie’s Jerky, On Tap Kitchen honey mustard pretzels, and Buttercrunch popcorn from Too Haute Cowgirls. Technically, the snacks are sized for sharing, but we won’t judge any giftees who keep their faves in the front seat. Available online
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 (RIP Jim Bishop) and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge alongside oft-visited spots such as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Maroon Bells. The frame (in black or teak) is $24 extra. Available online
Mountainsmith Trippin’ Fanny Pack
An all-purpose lumbar pack—or fanny pack, as we prefer to call it—is a go-to gift for the stylish (and sensible) traveler, and our favorite is the Trippin’ by Golden-based Mountainsmith. Designed as a 1980s throwback, the bag ($30) flaunts bold or black color blocks along with two zippered pockets to corral cash, trail maps, snacks, and even a small water bottle. It comfortably sits around the midsection but can be worn as a cross-body sling, too. Available online
Ripton & Co. Gift Card
Move over, jeggings. Denverites are loving a new breed of denim. Lightweight and stretchy—not that you’d know it from their double-take-worthy real denim look and feel—the full line of overalls, jorts, and jants (what the rest of us call jeans) from Ripton & Co. are ready for cramped hours in economy. What’s the secret behind this snarky, Boulder-born performance fashion brand? No question it’s the bottoms’ unique cotton, elastane, and recycled polyester composition. Go for a gift card if you’re not certain of your pal’s preferred size and style. Available online and at various local retailers
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 ($125). 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
Curvd Everyday Earplugs
It’s hard to give someone peace for the holidays, but you can give them quiet with a pair of ergonomic and versatile Everyday Earplugs ($20) from Curvd, based in Fort Collins. Made with soft-to-the-touch silicone and featuring a low-profile silhouette, the earplugs are designed to dim the noise of airplane cabins, urban bustle, and hotel din by up to 30 decibels. A sleek, aluminum carrying case is included, and there are plenty of color options to suit your silence seeker. Available online
