Get Practical

Colorado Casual Hoody

Based in Louisville, Pearl Izumi makes clothes for the Colorado lifestyle. From cycling shorts to speed suits, the company caters to runners, cyclists and triathletes, but they also have a stellar line of fashionable lifestyle jackets and vests for both men and women. With wool on the outside and fleece on the inside, the Pearl Thermal Hoody is a luxury for those below-zero winter days.

Pearl Izumi: pearlizumi.com

Where to buy: Louisville Cyclery, 1032 S. Boulder Rd., Louisville; University Bicycles, 839 Pearl St., Boulder

Phone Cases With Muscle

When you give your hubby a new iPhone 4S for the holidays, make sure there’s an Otterbox case in his or her stocking. The Fort Collins-based company makes the toughest, most rugged cases—protecting phones against drops, scratches and your two-year-old’s grubby clutches. We like the stylishness of the Commuter Series Case, but those in need of heavy-duty protection should stick with the Defender Series. $34.95, $49.95

Otterbox: otterbox.com

Where to buy: Cell phone provider stores

Cell Phone Savior

It’s newfangled and shiny but not totally out of this world. The Steelie is a high-powered, magnetic system that reduces the chances of loosing your cell phone in your car. The basic Steelie—unveiled in mid November—attaches your cell phone to a shiny ball fastened securely to your dash. It’s handy and stylish, and perfect for the person who has every thing—but still can’t find their phone.

Steelie: steelie.com

Where to buy: McGuckin Hardware, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

Handmade Gift Tags

Impress your family and friends with these adorable handmade gift tags, made by crafty lady and Louisville resident Nicole Stibrany. Using modern design, reused, upcycled materials and a delicate touch, Stibrany creates little pieces of art for all seasons. Tags come in all shapes and sizes, price vary.

Concepture Papery: concepturepapery.etsy.com

Travel Gadget

A Tugo is a funny, little item that you’d expect to see in a Sky Mall catalogue. In truth, it was the brain child of a Denver couple who had taken one too many trips juggling luggage, boarding passes and coffee cups. The tugo is a flexible cup holder that secures to the space in between the upright handles on your rolling suitcase. And it’s a brilliant present for the traveler in your life.

Tugo: tugo.com

Where to buy: Airport Baggage Center and First Class Baggage at DIA; Send’em Packing, 283 Columbine St., Denver

Smart Socks

Broomfield Based Save Our Soles specializes in protecting feet from the damaging effects of the Colorado lifestyle. The company’s sock technology is unsurpassed: fabrics with moisture management and control near the foot, and three-ply nylon on the outside to boost durability and strength. Plus, SOS socks come in nifty designs that make your Nike socks look like grandma’s.

Save Our Soles: sossocks.com

Where to buy: Trek Bicycle Store, 1817 Colorado 42, Louisville; Full Cycle, 1795 Pearl St. and 1211 13th St., Boulder.