We know that finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can feel more like a stressful scavenger hunt than a fun-filled shopping experience. This holiday season, we’ve taken the worry and fuss out of trying to find a gift that's just right. We've visited locally owned businesses and asked the owners what they plan to gift this holiday season
Maria owns Out West Books in Downtown Grand Junction. She’s a Colorado native and has a wealth of knowledge about the local area. She loves filling the shelves of her charming store with books that represent the area. This holiday, Maria is recommending the book Running with Sherman. It’s uplifting and inspiring and Maria shares it is her favorite book – so much so that she is gifting it to everyone on her Christmas list.
This local skate shop comes complete with its own halfpipe, so you'll find friends hanging out and skating together most of the time. Josh, the owner, has everything from skateboard decks, trucks, bearings, wheels, and a wide selection of clothing. This holiday season though, he's gifting this portable grill to a friend who loves to skateboard. The grill comes with a carrying case that is also a cooler to keep your snacks and drinks frosty. It's perfect for anyone on the go, throw it in your bag, skate, set up the grill, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon snacking with pals.
Maddie from Kannah Creek knows all about drawing inspiration from the surrounding area. This brewery is named after Kannah Creek on the Grand Mesa. This year, Maddie is getting her loved ones to come into Kannah Creek Brewing Company to try some of their seasonal food specials, like their pomegranate pistachio crostinis which satisfy the palate with both sweet and savory notes. These oven-toasted crostinis are covered in a truffle goat cheese spread and topped with pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and shaved milk chocolate, which pairs splendidly with their Kolsch. She’ll also be gifting them this Kannah Creek Growler gift set. Four Kannah Creek glasses with a reusable growler – filled up with a seasonal beer that’s on tap.
For the little ones on your list, a visit to Colorado Baby is a must. They have a bounty of Colorado-inspired clothing, gifts, and everything else moms and dads might be looking for. This year, Megan, the store’s owner, is recommending this balancing cactus toy set, perfect for kiddos over age three. Stack pieces to create intricate shapes while trying to keep the cactus from falling over. This balancing cactus inspires creativity and develops dexterity and sorting skills in a fun and entertaining way. You’ll love seeing the masterpiece that your little tike will create.
Main Street Art Co-Op/Working Artists Studio & Gallery
Tana has been going to the Art Co-Op and crafting for years. She loves creating homemade gifts that light up someone's eyes when they open them. She is one of 90+ artisans who create and sell their goods in this Co-Op space. This year, she made handcrafted pour-over coffee mugs, one of which she’s gifting. Filled with hot coffee, this mug is the perfect gift for every coffee lover on your list.
Diana started the Zesty Moose with the mission to make fresh, preservative-free, and most importantly, delicious food. This holiday season, she's continuing that mission by helping everyone become a better chef with the Zesty Moose seasoning kit. Three house-made specialty spices, you can't find anywhere else, along with recipe cards, will turn you into an instant chef.
Dylan is the head distiller and master mixologist behind the cocktails at Highlands Distillery. This holiday season, he's whipped up something that should be on everyone's wish list. Thick and creamy, Santa's Little Helper is the must-try drink of the season! Nutella and coconut milk are spiked with Highlands craft rum and infused Deep Temerity Vodka. There's a little bit of peppermint syrup from Belli Fiori Lavender Farm, bitters, and topped off with a salted caramel gelato whip and peppermint bark. Santa’s little helper is the adult version of milk & cookies – stop by and sip before the season is over.
Robin, from Pollux Clothing Company, knows that the holiday deserves just the right outfit. That’s why she’s gifting a sweater and beanie combo to her friend who just had a baby. For even extra cuteness, there is a matching beanie for the baby too!
Colorado Mesa University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Ciara is a senior at CMU and this year she is getting a university sweater and Christmas tree ornament for her friend who is graduating in December. Go Mavs!
David is the proud owner of Kiln Coffee Bar, located in Downtown Grand Junction. It's a friendly place where people can sip quality roasted coffee and hang out in a hip and modern space. This holiday, David’s crew has teamed up with Enstrom Toffee & Confectionary to bring you a warming peppermint latte made with chunks of Enstrom's peppermint bark. The walls of the shop are also decorated with local art and would make the perfect gift for the art lover in your life.
Two Rivers Winery has been some of the finest Colorado wines since 1999. Since opening, Two Rivers has won over 60 different awards including the Pacific Rim International, the Southwest International, and the Critic's Choice international. After visiting the winery for a tour and tasting, Nataniel picked up a bottle of 2016 Chardonnay for his parents to enjoy. Cheers!
Powderhorn Mountain is tucked into the slopes of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. The steep glades of the Mesa create epic tree skiing. Seriously, Powderhorn has some of the best tree skiing in the state and is known for its short lift lines, affordability, and friendly, laidback vibe. That’s why Kyle is getting Mission Four’Dable Quad Packs for his out-of-state family can visit and see what skiing in Grand Junction is all about. Spend four days on the mountain enjoying the beautiful views and carving lines through the 250 inches of fluff the Mesa averages each year.
Discover more locally made gifts on page 36 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide!
