Gifts to Activate Your Holiday
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean adventures stop – and this goes double for Colorado, where the fun is year-round, especially when the fresh powder hits. Whether you’re interested in checking out the active arts scene and vibrant culture; the truly weird and wonderful Colorado has to offer; or the endless outdoor activities, everything you need to keep the excitement going during the winter months can be found on our list.
Having the right gear for the winter months when conditions tend to be less forgiving is a must, for yourself or any four-legged friends you bring along. The right gear and equipment will help ensure you have a safe, fun adventure. Staying indoors? Find live shows, music, art exhibits and cultural experiences that keep the Colorado scene vibrant and keep you moving all winter long.
Cheesemaking Class with Wine Pairing
$49/person
The Art of Cheese
505 Weaver Park Rd., Longmont
303.579.9537
http://theartofcheese.com
Have a friend who is ready to kick off their cheesemaking journey? The Art of Cheese has you covered! Enjoy an unforgettable experience creating your own mozzarella on a cold evening or tackle the three-day cheesemaking bootcamp (complete with formal certification). Online classes and DVDs are also available.
Skydog Butterfly Kite
$34.00
Into the Wind
1408 Pearl St, Boulder
303.449.5906
https://www.intothewind.com
If you’re looking for a gift to wow a child in your life, head directly to Into the Wind, the premier kite store in Boulder. They also have many other whimsical gifts. The Skydog Butterfly Kite is great for beginners, and the kids will be wowed by the 17-foot tail and its ability to fly high, even in strong, gusty winds.
Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit
$169.00
Front Range Anglers
2344 Pearl St., Boulder
303.494.1375
https://frontrangeanglers.com/
The Encounter package includes a fly rod, reel, line and backing. These affordable outfits come in a variety of sizes and line weights and are great gifts for the first-time angler or a seasoned pro looking for a backup rod. The Encounter rods provide a great introduction to the sport of fly fishing.
Trekking Poles
$34.99
McGuckin Hardware
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Unit D1, Boulder
303.443.1822
https://mcguckin.com
Whether the snow is flying, or you just need a little extra stability, trekking poles are a must. These Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking Pro EA from McGuckin’s in Boulder work well on any terrain. Use them for an array of activities, from hiking to fishing to mountaineering.
Pottery Wheel Throwing Class
$225 for 6 weeks
Hoi Polloi Workshop
4939 Broadway Studio #57, Boulder
303. 449.4942
http://hoipolloiworkshop.com
If you’ve ever caught your friend ogling the ceramics at craft fairs, this class might be right up their alley. During this course, they can learn how to use a pottery wheel to shape, center and pull walls. While it may seem like a sedentary activity, it takes some muscle to throw all that clay around. All materials are included in the cost, in addition to the firing and glazing of artwork and extra studio time.
Avalanche Probe 240
$68.50
RedFox Outdoor Equipment
1218 Pearl St., Boulder
303.442.6867
https://us.redfoxoutdoor.com/
Before you head out into the high country, it’s best to be prepared to accurately determine just how much snow is underfoot – and possibly putting you at risk. This Avalanche Probe 240 folds down to 40 centimeters in length but can extend to 240 centimeters, with markings every centimeter. It’s lightweight, at only eight ounces.
Local Custom-Made Skis
Price varies
Larry’s Bootfitting
1665 Folsom St., Boulder
303.402.6733
http://larrysbootfitting.com
Make the ski enthusiast happy this holiday season. At Larry’s Bootfitting, shapes are available in a variety of lengths, flex patterns and more. From powder/big mountain, all mountain, to frontside/carving, Larry’s Bootfitting creates custom-made skis for your specific fit, style and desire. Check out theses Powder/Big Mountain skis with awesome Aspen graphics.
Yeti -30 Down Sleeping Bag
$348.50
RedFox Outdoor Equipment
1218 Pearl St., Boulder
303.442.6867
https://us.redfoxoutdoor.com/
A little cold wouldn’t stop you from camping, would it? With the Yeti -30 Down Sleeping Bag, you’ll be warm and toasty at temperatures from 28°F down to -22°F. With Regular and XL sizing, this mummy bag provides warmth, shelter and safety. It includes a draft tube along the inside of the zipper and around the shoulders to block the cold out plus a snorkel tube around the face.
Light My Fire Lunch Kit
$19.99
McGuckin Hardware
2525 Arapahoe Ave. Unit D1, Boulder
303.443.1822
https://mcguckin.com
Your friends could always use a convenient way to eat outside while on an adventure. The Light My Fire Lunch Kit includes a plate and bowl (both with corresponding lids), and a unique fork-spoon-knife utensil. It all comes with a container that is waterproof and guaranteed to keep your food safe inside.
Vario Dual Technology Filter
$94.95
Neptune Mountaineering
633 S Broadway St., Boulder
303.499.8866
https://www.neptunemountaineering.com/
Fresh water is non-negotiable. When you’re out on the trail or in the backcountry, it can be tough to ensure you’ve brought enough. Lose the extra weight in your pack with the Vario Dual Technology Filter: It has three filter levels and can provide up to two liters of drinking water per minute.
Archery Classes
$37.50/class – Includes four instructional hours over four days of instruction, one day per week.
High Altitude Archery
455 Weaver Park Road #500, Longmont
720.491.3309
https://highaltitudearchery.com
If you’re looking for something completely different, consider introducing a friend to archery. The Adult Level I classes teach adults the foundational topics of safety and the four-step shot process. The instructors are all experts, and these four-week classes are a great gift idea.
Kånken Toiletry Bag
$60
Fjällräven Boulder
1048 Pearl St., Boulder
720.213.7254
fjallraven.us/
When you’re carrying gear, or traveling in general, it’s easy to lose track of your toiletries – the bare necessities, so to speak. With the practical and stylish Kånken Toiletry Bag, you’ll have easy access to several zippered and opened pockets, making organization easy. The foam padding provides stability while the PU-coated polyamide lining makes it easy to keep clean.
Drop-In Beginning Argentine Tango Classes
Eight classes starting at $70
Boulder Tango Studio
http://www.bouldertangostudio.com
Are you looking for a gift that you can share with a partner? If you’re looking to stay active indoors during the winter months, consider dance classes. The Argentine tango is a partner dance that offers the chance to form deep connections with the music, the environment, and most importantly, one another. At Boulder Tango Studio, Gustavo and Giselle strive to help dancers develop their skills, empowering them to attend community events with confidence.
Ultimate Survival Learn
and Live Way Finding Kit
$9.99
Jax Broomfield Outdoor Gear +
Ranch & Home
5005 W 120th Ave., Broomfield
303.439.1000
https://www.jaxmercantile.com/
This fun game is the perfect way to better learn how to navigate the outdoors. The Ultimate Survival Learn and Live Way Finding Kit includes a quick pocket guide, wayfinding cards and a durable compass for practicing navigation techniques.
A Very Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
$25/person
Bookcliff Vineyards
bookcliffvineyards.com/tasting-touring/
Do your friends like wine? Do you like wine? Why not give everyone the gift of an intimate winery tour, complete with libations, chocolate and cheese. Additionally, attendees get to experience a virtual tour of this family-owned, award-winning Colorado vineyard during the event.
Backcountry Snowshoes
$127.99 to $299.95
Moosejaw
1755 29th St., Unit 1092, Boulder
720.452.2432
moosejaw.com/
Backcountry snowshoes range in price from $127.99 to $299.95. The most popular for men and women are the Lightning Ascent Snowshoes, at the top of that price range. These ultralight snowshoes have a five-star rating and claim to be aggressive snowshoes for all-terrain exploration. What’s different about the women’s version? They’re a better fit for a narrower gait.
Accessories for Your
Four-Legged Friend
Prices Vary
Struttin Pup
2850 Arapahoe #110, Lafayette
303.665.3038
struttinpup.com/
Featuring farm-to-bowl healthy food, locally sourced bones and biscuits, to sustainably made collars, leashes, toys, and more, Struttin Pup has everything you need to keep your pet comfortable, and stylish, through the winter. They also provide grooming services.
Café Aion
1235 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder
https://storyslamboulder.com/
Storytellers and theater goers alike might enjoy a different kind of theater experience with Truth Be Told. This bi-monthly story slam brings together some of the best performers in the Front Range to share real stories specific to each show’s unique theme. Bold audience members can get onstage and share their own stories, or simply listen and vote for their favorite storytellers of the night.
Personalized Fragrance
Contact Dawn for Pricing
The Essence Studio
4593 N. Broadway, Studio D120, Boulder
http://artscent.com
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience to gift a friend or loved one, consider a Smell and Tell, skin analysis, or ready-to-wear fragrance education. A new scent, aromatherapy concoction, or bespoke design can be discovered and created during this special olfactory adventure.
Laser & Liquid Sky Shows
$10/person
Fiske Planetarium
2414 Regent Drive, Boulder
https://www.colorado.edu/fiske/
Something for the aspiring astronomist or just the aspiring. Check out these abstract art and psychedelic music shows at Fiske Planetarium. Programs change throughout the year, offering a variety of mind-bending theater experiences. The comfortable chairs allow visitors to sit back, relax, and take in a fantastic laser show, and music courtesy of one of the best sound systems in the world.
Improv Classes
$255 for 9 weeks
Boulder Improv Collaborative
http://boulderimprov.com
Improv skills can be integrated into every aspect of a person’s life. By gifting improv classes to a friend, you will be giving them a chance to “yes and,” fail big, and have fun in a totally new and unexpected way. Beginner classes cover improv basics such as character development, object work, and team collaboration.
Escape Room Experience
$28/person
Enigma Escape Room
1426 Pearl St. #020, Boulder
https://www.enigmaboulder.com/
Inside a uniquely-themed locked room, you and a group can set about solving interactive puzzles in a live-action environment. To get out within the allotted 60 minutes, escapees must work together to find the clues, solve the puzzles, and break free! This is a great gift idea for friends and coworkers alike.
Botanicals – Playing with Papers, Texture & Colors Class
$65/person
Two Hands Paperie
803 Pearl St., Boulder
http://twohandspaperie.com
If you have a friend with artistic flair and a love of nature, this might just be the class for them. During this 2.5-hour class, demonstrations and hands-on crafting take place, using a wide variety of mixed media. The instructor teaches many techniques to use when creating unique botanical-inspired art.
Girls Akita Insulator Jacket
$70 to $160
SHRED DOG
online only: shreddog.com
A local Colorado company that just launched, SHRED DOG offers premium kids gear at half the cost of retail. SHRED DOG launches with its first collection: Winter 2018/19, including hardshell and insulator jackets, and convertible bib ski pants for kids ages four to 14.
Rock Climbing Passes
$175/ 10 day pass
Boulder Rock Club
2829 Mapleton Avenue, Boulder
https://boulderrockclub.com/
Whether an experienced climber or a novice, your loved one can get on the rocks even if the weather might be prohibitive. The Boulder Rock Club offers 10 day passes that let you get a feel for the gym and keep your abilities sharp. The gym also offers group fitness classes, yoga and equipment rentals.
Riese & Müller – The Load 60 e-cargo bike
Starting at $7,400
Best Electric Bikes
1919 Federal Blvd., Denver
The Mercedes Benz of eBikes, the full-suspension Load e-cargo bike holds up to 200lbs (and offers optional child seat and seat belts for two small kids). Riese & Müller uses the premium Bosch e-Bike system, which offers electric pedal assist up to 20pmh or 28mph (depending on model).
Adventure Lodge
Prices Vary
91 Fourmile Canyon Drive,Boulder
303-444-0882.
Give your hardworking loved ones a staycation at the Aventure Lodge in Boulder. There are cabins you can rent, free shuttles to Eldora on the weekends, guided backcountry skiing and access to snowshoeing trails as well as a hottub and yoga classes for ultimate post-adventure relaxation.