9 Minute Read
Photo: @visitgrandjunction
We are making it easy to start checking off your gift list. With 22 ideas that are truly unique and special, this will be your easiest holiday shopping season ever. And we are encouraging you to treat yourself along the way too, so check out all of the ideas below and thank us later. You’re welcome.
Give the Gift of DIY
Funky Junk
Photo: @funkyjunk_gj
This funky joint provides you with the opportunity to turn any Pinterest project into a gift made with love. With the motto ‘If you can pin it, we can do it,” Funky Junk turns your Pinterest ideas into crafty creations! If you’re looking to give the gift of DIY crafts, Funky Junk is the place to go. Check out their Instagram to see all the cool projects fans are creating, and you can even make suggestions for future projects.
Candle Kitchen
As a DIY experience that just makes “scents,” gift the Candle Kitchen. Stop in and create your very own custom-scented soy candle or design a custom-scented diffuser, wax tart, or room spray. Natural soy wax is clean-burning and long-lasting. There are over 120 scents to choose from, so the combinations are endless for both male and female scent preferences. Try lemon eucalyptus for mom or bourbon with dirt for dad – both smell amazing. You can even bring your own container and pay by the ounce pour – such a great option!
The Palette
Photo: @thepalettegj
Are you looking for an awesome date night idea? Sign up for a class at The Palette. They offer a wide variety of paintings to choose from and the best part is, you can sip all while creating a beautiful piece of art. Bond, sip, and create! Wondering what the latest creations are? Check out their Instagram and be amazed. Choose a project from their calendar of upcoming seasonally-appropriate pieces or purchase one of their take-home kits to enjoy in the comfort of your home while sipping your own spiked beverage of choice.
Fat Cat Pottery
Do you know someone who likes to paint or is looking for a new creative outlet? Head over to Fat Cat Pottery and choose from hundreds of ceramic pieces and paint your very own piece using their high-quality glaze paints. You can also sculpt your own creation from clay, have it fired and then paint and glaze it – you even receive two visits for the price of one! They have to-go kits for that perfect Christmas Day activity, and you can even purchase clay from Fat Cat. There are so many options for you and your gifting, you must check them out.
Give the Gift of Adventure
Adrenaline Driven Adventure Rentals & Tours
Photo: @adrenaline.driven.adventures
Unlock your adventurous side on a thrilling ride with Adrenaline Driven Adventure Rentals & Tours. Rent a side-by-side and kick up some dust on the hundreds of miles of OHV trails in Grand Junction or reserve a slingshot and take a scenic cruise in style along the Grand Mesa Byway. We highly recommend hiring one of their expert guides for an extra special experience where they show you all the secret spots. If you like heart-racing adventures, Adrenaline is here for you this holiday season!
Grand Junction Adventures
Are you looking for a hiking, mountain biking, SUPing, climbing, kayaking and rafting company? Grand Junction Adventures is your best option. They are a locally owned, small business whose owners and staff are fully educated and trained on all of these activities. And they make you feel comfortable no matter where you are in your journey. Either rent from their diverse inventory or plan an adventure with one of their skilled and friendly guides. They offer day, multi-day and multi-sport excursions. Their women’s stand up paddle board yoga retreats are popular with newbies and experienced ladies; float down the calm Colorado River on an SUP surrounded by majestic canyon walls, it’s life-changing. The Grand Junction area is 76 percent public land so there is a lot of terrain and water to explore out there! Trust Grand Junction Adventures to help you navigate it all.
Jet Boat Colorado
Photo: @visitgrandjunction
What do you get when you combine a New Zealand-style jet boat with the Colorado River? A wet and wild ride that will get your heart pumping at an all-time high with screams and grins that will leave you winded. Embark on “Wild Mustang” for a one-of-a-kind Colorado adventure and hold on tight! Jet Boat Colorado takes river boating to the next level; but don’t worry, they also offer scenic and informative riverboat tours if that’s more your speed!
Axeology
This indoor axe-throwing facility is the perfect place to get together with friends and family while enjoying a drink or two. Axeology also provides more than just axe-throwing. Other activities include corn hole, ping pong, air hockey, giant Jenga, and giant connect four. Grab a gift certificate or head over on the weekends for neon nights.
Gift the Gift of Earth’s Bounty
Rooted Gypsy Farms
Photo: @rootedgypsyfarms
As a mother-daughter team that is rooted in providing fresh local ingredients and healthier food options for everyone, Rooted Gypsy Farms (RGF) and their health-conscious products help to support over 60 local family farms, ranchers, artisans, and small businesses in the Grand Junction area. From one-time boxes to regularly delivered artisan boxes, wine & cheese boxes, or a breakfast, meat or vegan box delivered to your door, RGF makes giving the gift of the earth’s bounty easy, fun, and convenient.
Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive
When you step into Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive in Downtown Grand Junction, you’re not just walking into any olive oil and balsamic vinegar store. You are walking into Jeremy and Rebecca Berlin’s extensive library of knowledge and passion for real, authentic extra virgin olive oil. The Berlin’s started their first store in Florida in 2011 and then decided to open another shop in the heart of Grand Junction, selling 100% authentic and verified extra virgin olive oil. They promise that you will be able to taste the difference! Organic lemon olive oil and the honey ginger balsamic are a perfect match to dip fresh-baked sourdough in from Kulina Lani Bakery. This is the perfect gift for your foodie friends.
Belli Fiori Lavender Farm
Photo: @visitgrandjunction
Belli Fiori Lavender Farm grows 1,100 lavender plants onsite and 11 different varieties – all of which serve a specific purpose. Stop in and let your worries float away with the relaxing and peaceful smell of lavender. Pick up a bushel to take home and keep in your shower for an aromatherapeutic experience, or grab a bottle of lavender pillow spray that will guarantee sweet dreams. There is also a food market for convenient grab-and-go picnic ingredients. There’s more! Head to the backyard where Highlands Distillery is stirring up unique cocktails. There is also an Italian street food truck, called Picnic, offering quality Italian meats, spreads, and cheese sandwiches. Lavender, mixed drinks and an Italian hoagie by the firepit - if you haven’t figured it out yet, Belli Fiori Lavender Farm and Highlands Distillery is a destination in and of itself.
Give the Gift of the Great Outdoors
JR’s Carriage Service
Photo: @jrscarriage
Enjoy a sleigh ride this holiday season with JR’s Carriage Service. Immerse yourself in the vineyards with a wine tour, a romantic sunset tour, a bachelor or bachelorette experience, or embrace and learn about western heritage - a horse-drawn carriage ride with JR’s Carriage Service will make your experience special and memorable. There is nothing more majestic than Amish-trained draft horses against the backdrop of the Book Cliffs.
Western Anglers
As the only full-service fly-fishing shop in Grand Junction, Western Anglers provides the best fishing gear, advice, and guide trips for anyone looking to get out on the local water. Stop by and talk to one of their expert guides so that you have all the right gear you need for a successful day with plenty of tight lines and good times. The staff is happy to share fishing reports and the best spots appropriate for the season. The shop carries the best brands and they price match and special-order daily so you have what you need when you need it. Aside from their guided trips, they also have access to private trophy waters. Whether you are new to the sport, or an experienced angler, Western Anglers is your one-stop-shop.
The Gear Junction
Photo: @thegearjct
Outdoor equipment can often be expensive – especially if you are just looking to try out a new hobby before you get fully invested. The Gear Junction can help! As an outdoor gear consignment store, The Gear Junction is the perfect place to pick up used outdoor equipment. From rafts and bicycles to clothing and supplies, they have everything you need to get started on your next outdoor obsession. If you are looking for new outdoor gear, they have that too, as well as a full-service bike shop for all your bike repair needs. And if that’s not enough, The Gear Junction shares a space with one of Grand Junction’s newest breweries, Trail Life Brewing, so you can grab a brew and a bite to eat while you wait for your tune-up before getting back out on the trails. And one more thing – you can bring in your used gear to sell and you get to set the price. It’s the perfect way to subsidize your next recreational hobby.
Brown’s Cycles
Aside from bikes, accessories, books, and gear, Brown’s Cycles is the place to stop for the best advice in town for any mountain biker or cyclist. Chris Brown is a legend in Grand Junction, and you can usually find him at the shop most of the time. He even wrote a book titled, Bicycle Junction. It is a historical fiction ride through time (1880-2015) and the cycling prosopography of the Grand Junction area culture featuring modern-day trail maps and other really cool stuff. The book was so popular, it was made into a Folk/Jazz Opera called One Bike, available via DVD. Stop by and have Chris sign your copy.
Give the Gift of Family Fun
EUREKA!
Photo: @eureka_science_museum
EUREKA! is a hands-on teaching play area based on scientific and mathematic principles for kids at Confluence Hall on the Colorado Mesa University campus. EUREKA! hopes to redefine the way people think, learn, and interact with science and technology by making it fun for everyone. Aside from the interactive exhibits, there are insects, reptiles and other live specimens to gawk at.
Get Air Trampoline Park
So many options and so much fun at Get Air Trampoline Park! Drop the kiddos off or book a party – Trampolines, arcade, jungle gym, galaxy dots, dodgeball, ninja, foam pit, slam ball, slackline, and even massage chairs. As long as your kiddos are 10 years or older, you can drop them off for a much-deserved grown-up break. Since you are Downtown, we recommend a drink at the speakeasy-themed, Moody's Lounge. Party packages are available, and you can even bring in your own food and beverage!
Colorado Baby
Photo: @coloradobabygj
After 14 years of doing business, Owner Megan Alfaro has this shop perfectly stocked for your newborn, infant, or toddler. And Megan knows babies – she and her husband, Alberto have six beautiful kiddos who are the perfect toy testers and clothing models, ensuring everything you buy from Colorado Baby has been kid-approved. Looking for advice? Megan is always willing to share her knowledge and often hosts gatherings for mommas to get together and learn about everything from birthing, cloth diapering, and returning to work.
Taylor’s Croft
Photo: @taylorscroftofficial
The holidays are all about family traditions. It’s no surprise that Taylor’s Croft is obsessed with honoring Scottish heritage and customs when you meet the owners. Sharon was born and raised in Bonnie Scotland and has brought her favorite food, drinks, books, sweets, music, and attire to this lovely store. Her husband, Sean, is a professional bagpiper and plays at weddings, funerals, and ceilidhs. Learn about Scottish heritage while you shop and be sure to attend the Grand Valley Highland Games each spring in Grand Junction.
Give the Gift of Retro
Candy Time Shoppe
Photo: @visitgrandjunction
Step back in time to your childhood sugar rush and get your sweet fix at Candy Time Shoppe. From razzles to Japanese candy, a truffle bar to homemade ice cream – walking through this old-time candy store will bring back memories and feed your soul. There is also a quality deli in the back, The Hog and The Hen, with select imported meats, cheeses and homemade spreads. The Tom is a local favorite. And to top it all off, there’s a liquor store too! This is a one-stop shop for your entire holiday shopping list.
Board Fox Games
From a casual game night to the serious gamer, Board Fox Games has everything including a friendly staff who is very knowledgeable and loves to help with whatever you need. They offer board games, cards, miniatures, puzzles, and kids toys. You can chill with your pals and play board games onsite or stop by during tournaments to take it a little more seriously. You can even bring your own snacks or purchase drinks and treats from the in-store coffee shop. This place just has an ultra-cool vibe, it’s a must-stop!
A Robin’s Nest
Photo: @arobinsnestantiques
Looking for a vintage Christmas ornament? This is the place! Step back in time and while you meander through this massive store featuring antiques and collectibles from over 75 vendors. It’s like a museum, but even more entertaining! A Robin’s Nest is the largest antique boutique shop between Denver and Salt Lake City. From high-end antiques to one-of-a-kind quirky gifts, you’ll find something for just about everyone on your gift list. It’s easy to visit a Robin’s Nest and leave with something you never knew you needed – treat yourself!
For more ways to give the gift of Grand Junction, check out pages 16-23 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
