We all have those people in our lives — the people we absolutely love to death, but find nearly impossible to shop for. Maybe they already have everything under the sun. Maybe they’re just not big on hobbies or passions. Maybe they’re super selfless and just don’t want anyone spending money of them.
Whatever the reason, trying to come up with gift ideas for these people can add unnecessary stress to your holiday season. Instead, peruse our list of great local gift ideas for people who are difficult to shop for.
A Day of Decadence
It’s no secret that the St Julien has one of the best spas around, so why not treat your loved one (or yourself) to a day of pampering and bliss in the shadow of the Flatirons? The hotel’s “Day of Decadence” package is perfect for gifting, since it includes a body scrub, a full-body Swedish massage, a St Julien facial, a classic pedicure and a shampoo and style. This ultimate day of luxury also includes a glass of champagne and a charcuterie board.
A Sheep Pelt
Black Cat Organic Farm (the team behind Bramble & Hare and Black Cat) raises hundreds of heritage sheep on 350 acres of organic pasture. Black Cat’s team works closely with skilled professionals to transform the sheep’s rugged coats into beautiful, luxuriously soft pelts that are perfect for gifting. They’re available at the Black Cat farm store at 4975 Jay Rd. But act fast, because they’re likely to sell out quickly.
Frasca’s Cookbook
You already know and love Frasca, Boulder’s iconic James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Why not bring a little of the restaurant’s magic into your favorite foodie’s home? Check out their cookbook “Friuli Food and Wine,” which has more than 80 recipes and wine pairings inspired by the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy.
Heirloom Wheat Pasta
Pastificio owner Claudia Bouvier believes that pasta can help solve the world’s problems — well, at least some of them. While earning her master’s degree in engineering at the Univesity of Colorado Boulder, Bouvier and her partner Ted Steen began learning about the benefits of heirloom and ancient varieties of wheat, which they discovered are easier on the environment and easier to digest than their processed counterparts. With a wide array of shapes and variations, you really can’t go wrong gifting any of Pastificio’s pastas to the special people in your life. You can order it directly from the Pastificio website or get curbside pickup or delivery via Boulder County Farmers Market.
Whiskey for Sipping Around The Fire
What’s cozier than sipping a glass of whiskey by the fireplace while the snow falls outside? And though we’ve been, ahem, a little short on snow so far this year, it’s still a good idea to be prepared. Consider buying a bottle of whiskey made locally, with all Colorado ingredients, like the various bourbons, ryes, malt and wheat whiskeys made by Laws Whiskey House in Denver. The whiskey lovers in your life will be thrilled with a bottle from Laws, which has earned a stellar reputation for making incredible, perfectly balanced spirits using ingredients grown right here by farmers in the Centennial State.
A Holiday Staycation
Sometimes the best gifts are not stuff, but rather, memorable experiences shared together. A staycation at the new RiNo hotel Catbird is the perfect gift for the travel lover in your life. Now through Dec. 31, the hotel is offering a special holiday package that includes watching holiday movies, playing holiday bingo, eating candy and popcorn, sipping hot chocolate and reading romance novels from Tattered Cover bookstore. It’s aptly named the “Catbird & Chill Holiday Experience.” The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, The Red Barber, also has one of the absolute best views of the city skyline around, so be sure to head up for dinner or cocktails before you change into comfy sweatpants.
