FOR YOUR LITTLE PRINCE
No doubt about it, little boys like toys — of all shapes, sizes and styles. But when you’re done buying remote-control helicopters (that will crash and burn in a week), Lego sets (that will become booby traps under your feet) and the other toys du jour, we have a suggestion. How about the cutest ever leather coat and ultra-hip 81611 hat? Says Dakota Sever at Monkey’s Aspen: “It’s high-end, but grounded; a look every kid can do.”
Monkey’s Aspen, 409. S. Hunter St., 970-710-2597, monkeysofaspen.com
FOR YOUR LITTLE PRINCESS
Looking for all things pink for your little girl? Pop-up shops The Tot and Everafter — housed together on the Cooper Avenue mall — have the gifts for you. Our favorites: a perfectly pint-sized unicorn purse by Bari Lynn and the quaint but heirloom quality 11-piece Il Etait Une Fois porcelain tea set with its own carrying case.
The Tot, 430 E. Cooper Ave., 855-934-3928, thetot.com; Everafter Aspen, 430 E. Cooper Ave., 970-230-5439, everaftershop.com
FOR YOUR POOCH
Aspen loves its dogs, and Only Natural Pet delivers on ways to pamper your pooch this holiday season. At the top of the list, says assistant manager Allison Blair, a Ruffwear jacket (add the goggles and a scarf for a real Aspen look), something from the shop’s Edibites CBD-infused treat line (“for when your pet stresses over the holidays,” says Blair), comfy dogs beds and more.
Only Natural Pet, 416 E. Cooper Ave., 970-718-5060, onlynaturalpet.com
FOR THE SKIER IN YOUR LIFE
Oh, how skis have changed over the years. But according to the pros at the Ski Shop Ajax, this is a the year to invest, as many long-standing brands have put on the market some kick-ass, diverse and state-of-the-art lines. Check out Head’s Super Shape Series and Nordica’s Enforcers. The skier on your list won’t be disappointed.
The Ski Shop Ajax, 555 E. Durant Ave., 970-429-0101, theskishopajax.com
FOR YOUR FAVORITE BOOK WORM
You can never really go wrong with a book as a gift — there really is something for everyone. But we love exploring Explore Booksellers’ selection by local authors or about local subjects. Swing by the quaint Victorian shop on Main Street and browse, chat and enjoy a meal at the upstairs Pyramid Bistro.
Explore Booksellers, 221 E. Main St., 970-925-5336, explorebooksellers.com
FOR YOUR MOM OR WIFE
Every woman — whether they express it or not — loves a little pampering. The French boutique with an Aspen shop L’Occitane has you covered. Among the gifts store manager Sara Haneman suggests are the Lavender Collection for a truly “relaxing” experience and the ultra-popular Immortelle Divine Anti-Aging Collection (whose name says it all).
L’Occitane Aspen, 402 S. Galena St., 970-544-0521, usa.loccitane.com
FOR YOUR DAD OR HUSBAND
Men are notorious for buying what they need or want when they need/want it, leaving creative gift buying a challenge. But Dana Laughren at Pitkin County Dry Goods has this one nailed: “They will never tell you they need new socks and underwear, but they do.” Style them with these necessary, and suprisingly affordable items, by Pullin and Paul Frank. All fun, but still practical.
Pitkin County Dry Goods, 520 E. Cooper Ave., 970-925-1681, pitkincountydrygoods.com
FOR YOUR TEENAGER
Teenagers — whether they are your children, your nieces and nephews, friends’ kids, favorite babysitters, etc. — are some tough customers. Too old for toys, but too young for practical presents (or so they think!), choosing gifts for the tweens and teens if your life is nearly impossible. So we suggest the obvious: cash. Yes, cash is king and is rarely — if ever — met with an eyeroll or need for a gift-exchange receipt. To make it more personal, wrap that cash in a hand-written card. You never know, that kiddo might actually read your words of wisdom?!
Your wallet, bank or the nearest ATM machine
FOR YOUR BOSS, FRIEND, BABYSITTER (AND BASICALLY EVERYONE ELSE)
Looking for the ultimate multi-purpose gift for mountain-town people (or those who fancy themselves rugged and outdoorsy)? We’re telling you it’s anything Yeti. From shot glass and tumblers to thermoses and coolers, this is a product line that nobody can complain about. Says Ute Mounaineer’s Joel Nunez-Smith: “They say it’s built for the wild, and it is. And a whole lot more; the perfect gift.”
Ute Mountaineer, 210 S. Galena St., 970-925-2849, utemountaineer.com