2019
Holiday Gift Giving Guide Nite Ize: Spotlit™ XL Rechargeable Collar Light – Disc-O Select™ ($19.99)
The Manufacturer’s Edge team loves all of the unique and innovative products from Nite Ize (their Gear Tie© reusable twist ties are life-changing and come in a variety of sizes to fit everything from computer cords to bikes!!), but we all have a particular soft spot for anything dog-related. These collar lights let you select your favorite colors and light up patterns, clip conveniently to your dog’s collar, and they’re even rechargeable. So, they’re fun, functional, and will keep your 4-legged furry friends safe in the dark. And how can you resist that adorable face??
Loki: Men’s All in One Tech Hoodie ($149) Loki Gear is known as the “All-in-One Outdoor Clothing Company” and that is exactly what they are. Nearly every article of clothing they design and sell is intended to help you adapt to the changing weather. This particular hoodie comes with a gaiter that you can pull out to protect your face, convertible gloves to keep your hands warm, and it even collapses into itself to form a handy backpack in case you suddenly find yourself not needing a jacket at all. They have really thought of everything and it is stylish, comes in a ton of different colors and sizes, and it’s super comfortable to boot. I bought one for my husband two years ago for Christmas and now we fight over it. So, maybe buy two… trust me. You’ll be glad you did!
Balaam: Sterling Silver Double Round Link Necklace ($645) One of the best things about working with manufacturers is watching them take their passions and turn them into actual products that make lives better, easier, safer… or, in this case, more beautiful! This necklace is at the top of my holiday wish list and, for what it’s worth, I have been VERY good this year, Santa! The majority of Monica Zamora’s pieces are made of sterling silver and are reminiscent of the region in Mexico where they are lovingly handcrafted by a team of artisans. Each one is a unique, beautiful work of art. With a slew of different pieces and styles varying from incredibly affordable to splurge-worthy, you are sure to find a statement piece to suit your style and budget.
Katari: Argil Mediterranean Green Clay Facial Masque (1 oz: $22/4oz: $44) If you ever have a chance to meet Kate, the genius behind the Katari brand, then by all means do. Kate is one of the most energetic, thoughtful, passionate, intelligent people I have ever met and her enthusiasm is contagious. She’s like a shot of espresso made from exotic fair trade beans from deep inside the Amazon rainforest and served in a handcrafted ancient vessel discovered at the bottom of the Dead Sea. Seriously. Every product that she makes has a story behind it and each one basically requires her to become Indiana Jones as she scours the globe for the perfect ingredients and the highest quality, sustainable bottling and packaging solutions. This green clay masque, for example, is taken from the ancient seabeds of the Mediterranean. And that’s not an overstatement. Kate actually collects it herself. Check out her website — there are pictures! Plus, the masque is like a miracle cure that helps not only with wrinkles, acne, and cellulite — it even helps with hair loss!
Blindworm Guitars Part musical instrument, part artistic masterpiece, part Tolkien-esque fantasy explored through masterful woodworking craftsmanship — Blindworm guitars and basses have to be seen to be believed. Although mere words fail to do them justice, here is how Blindworm describes the “The Cragg”: “A new magnificent creature that lies between a dragon and a sea serpent, poised to create its own legends. (…) The combination of 100-year-old Bird’s Eye Maple fretboard, Jade nut and tailpiece, and the Seymour-Duncan Seth Lover pickups, create a legendary sound you must hear to believe.” Visit their shop in Colorado Springs to find an unforgettable one-of-a-kind gift for the musicians on your list!
Kodo Kids: Marble Rubber Ramp ($99) If there’s a child in your life, then you know the power of play and imagination – that box you wanted to throw away is the PERFECT space ship, and bath time becomes an exploration of mermaid culture. Kodo Kids believes in the power of play too - as a learning method! Kodo Kids’ promise is that they will provide resources and tools, “which cultivate the opportunity for kids to think deeply and creatively, and foster intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.” One of my favorite things about Kodo Kids products is that they don’t have one solution or a singular function. Instead, the products open the possibility for problem-solving, manipulation, and open-ended questions, all of which are vital skill sets. Some of our favorite investigationbased learning products include the marble rubber ramp ($99), the light lab rainbow pegboard set ($450), and the laguna clay ($30). Whether you know a kiddo, or are simply a big kid yourself, you can’t go wrong with these awesome Kodo Kids products.
Tailwind Nutrition: Starter Kit ($26) If you haven’t heard of Tailwind Nutrition, first of all, where have you been?? Secondly, it’s high time and we are happy to make the introduction. Tailwind is a fun and unique company located in the small community of Bayfield, CO (pop. 2,687). Co-Founder Jeff Vierling started the company to develop nutritional solutions for endurance athletes, specifically ones who have trouble properly digesting other products on the market. Jeff has, in fact, become a bit of an internet celebrity as his “Aha! Moment” was actually caught on video at the end of his first Leadville 100 (don’t watch if you are squeamish!). Rather than waiting for the perfect product to materialize, Jeff and his wife Jenny, went about creating it themselves—right in their own kitchen. Since then, Tailwind has become a staple for athletes around the world. If you have an athlete on your list this year, the Tailwind Starter Kit just might be the perfect introduction to the Tailwind brand and it makes for an awesome stocking stuffer!
Voormi: Inversion Jacket ($499) What in the world is a Voormi? Glad you asked! The “Voormi” were a legendary race of yetilike beings that modified local resources, allowing them to live comfortably in harsh climates and explore the planet’s frozen places. Similarly, the philosophy of Voormi Outdoor Apparel is, “to create a new breed of technical clothing that harnesses the amazing properties of natural wool for backcountry travelers”. Don’t let that philosophy scare you – you don’t have to be a backcountry explorer to appreciate the apparel Voormi has to offer. Using natural fibers, mainly wool, Voormi has developed a range of apparel with unique properties: moisture-wicking, comfortable, tough, breathable, and odor-resistant so you can wear it for multiple days without laundering. A few of our favorite Voormi options are the incredibly warm inversion jackets ($499), ski socks ($40), and the full-length base layer bottoms for both men and women ($119). If you love exploring the outdoors in any season, Voormi products are for you!
2019
Holiday Gift Giving Guide Liberty Skis: Genome ($900) Liberty is a company dedicated to the mountains and to the skiers who seek them out. They have skiers from every background making their products in Avon, CO, but they all share the same commitment to crafting exceptional products to make any ski experience better. As a team with a number of avid snow monsters, we at Manufacturer’s Edge particularly love their attention to detail, commitment to service, and, maybe most of all, their completely shred-tastic product designs!
Topo Designs x H&B Outdoor Apron ($94) Two of my favorite things in the world are the Topo Designs brand and watching baking shows with my kids. So, imagine my excitement when I recently discovered contestants wearing the usual hedley & bennett aprons (favored by virtually all television baking or cooking shows and known for their handcrafted, customized designs marked by an “&” tag), but with a very notable twist - they were Topo AND hedley & bennett aprons. These aprons are basically the ultimate crossover event of reliable, dependable, stylish brands all rolled into one glorious garment perfect for baking and cooking (obviously) as well gardening, mechanical work, and general mischief-making. If aprons aren’t your thing, rest assured that Topo has a million other gift ideas from backpacks and laptop cases to button down shirts, tees, stickers, water bottles, hats, and so much more!
Melanzana Outdoor Clothing: Wind Pro Sweats ($86) Born, raised, and thriving in Leadville, Melanzana is a rare beast of a company. They manufacture and sell outdoor clothing – all under one roof – in downtown Leadville, using only U.S.made parts and fabric. Their commitment to locally brewed apparel puts quality, soul, and authenticity before quantity. But be patient, grasshopper! Their inventory sells out quickly! Melanzana’s manufacturing is currently set up to produce a steady flow of Micro Grid Hoodies and Dresses. Most of their other products, like Hard Face, High Loft and Power Dry, are scheduled periodically throughout the year, and will be available in the store on pre-determined dates. Check the product pages on their website for up to date in-store inventory status and release dates so you or a loved one can be one of the few, the proud…the Melanzanians!
Spinster Sisters: Pedicure Lover Gift Set ($36) Based out of Golden, CO since 1994, Spinster Sisters makes safe, gentle, sustainable, biodegradable, fair trade health and beauty products that are good for the user and good for the planet. As if that wasn’t enough they also smell amazing and have really adorable packaging that will elevate the look of your bathroom, bedroom, or living room instantly. As if THAT wasn’t enough, they are also one of the 15,500 companies certified by the Women Business Enterprise National Council as a women-owned and women-run business. AND AND AND they also directly contribute to valuable, deserving charities like Children’s Hospital Colorado who receives half of all profits from the sale of their Hand & Foot Salve. So, how can you possibly resist slipping a couple Spinster Sisters products into every stocking?? Holiday shipping is available until Friday, December 20 at noon or go visit their flagship store in Golden to see what all of the fuss is about!
Hoopologie: Amnesia Ibiza LED Hoop ($119.95) Believe it or not, there’s a way to get exercise, discover your authentic self, calm your mind, express creativity, and become part of a community, ALL with one simple product – you guessed it, the iconic hula hoop! Well, maybe you didn’t guess it, but how cool is that?! The hoops sold at Hoopologie aren’t just any ol’ hula hoop, though. Hoopologie offers do-it-yourself hoops, combining high-quality tubes in various sizes and a wide variety of tapes, lights, and even fire for customization! Just as importantly, Hoopologie provides customers with how-to videos, interviews with hoop ambassadors, and a blog that helps connect hoopers across the globe. Pricing on your Hoopologie hoop varies based on level of customization and type of hoop purchased, with prices starting at $18.95. Get out there today and find your flow!
Side By Side: Turkey Cranberry Small Bite, Soft Treats ($15.99) As you may have already gleaned, the Manufacturer’s Edge team is made up of several dedicated puppy parents. As such, we frequently share tips, tricks, favorite puppy playgrounds, and tons of pics from the previous weekend’s adventures. It is possible, though, that no one loves and understands dogs the way that Marney Prince and Carol Bramson, founders of Side By Side, do. Marney and Carol have created a line of unique, healthy, high-quality dog foods and treats that are specially designed to suit your dog’s own specific needs. By combining practices from both Eastern and Western medicine, Side By Side has developed a system that allows them to holistically examine your dog’s individual needs and suggest a specific line of products to increase energy, repair damage, and extend their lives while also increasing their happiness and quality of life. Plus, they come in paws-atively awesome flavors like turkey cranberry and duck à l’orange!
Moots Cycles: Baxter 29” (contact for pricing) Okay, okay. I admit it. I’m not sure I’m even worthy of these products as a full-time soccer mom who still has a baby seat on the back of her Schwinn. But all the same—are you kidding me? These bikes are supremely rad (did I mention I speak 90s?)! Moots Cycles has been handcrafting bicycle frames in Steamboat Springs, CO since 1981. The company is known for building the finest quality titanium road, mountain, cross, and specialty bicycle frames, and select components from its facility in the Rocky Mountains. Every possible aspect of the Moots organization and their products is Colorado tough, through and through.
Colorado Yurt Company: Red and Tan Yurt Let’s say you want to have a camping experience, but you don’t want to sleep on the ground. Or maybe you’d like a cozy year-round structure that protects you from the elements, but doesn’t cost as much as a house and comes with the convenience of being able to relocate it whenever you want? May we suggest a yurt? Some people call it “glamping,” some are looking for a smaller living space or an alternative to a guest room. Whatever your needs, Colorado Yurt Company has you covered. Their customizable yurts, tents, and tipis can be found all over the world and vary in size from 200 to 706 square feet. They even have a handy customization tool right on the website to help you calculate the total cost in real time. Pretty cool, right?
Eat, Drink
Rheinlander Bakery: Raspberry Vanilla Yule Log (available GF/DF)
Haystack Mountain Creamery: Queso de Mano
Montanya Distillers: Exclusiva
Allegro Coffee: Celebration Caffe
Perky Jerky:
The BIG 14 oz. Bag Beef, Turkey and Pork Variety Pack
Odell Brewing Company: Isolation Ale (Winter Warmer)
Pappardelle’s: Italia Gift Box
Wild Zora Foods: Real Tea Variety Pack
Bobo’s: Gingerbread Oat Bar
&
Be Merry!
Enstrom: Copper Milk Almond Toffee Tin
Golden Moon Distillery: Crème de Violette
Blue Moon Goodness: Organic Tomato Fennel Soup
Teton Waters Ranch: Spicy Andouille Sausage
Ska Brewing: Steel Toe Milk Stout
The Real Dill: Bloody Mary Box
Hope Foods: Roasted Red Pepper Cashew & Almond Dip
Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha: Living Ginger Resilience
St. Vrain Cider: Dry Hopped Ginger Cider
2019
Holiday Gift Giving Guide Eyeline Golf: Target Circles ($24.95)
Vintage Overland One afternoon in the studio, with a magic marker in hand, Britton Purser sketched out a simple teardrop shape on a piece of scrap plywood. That was the moment that everything came together… The countless nights spent under the desert sky, the restless side that needs to wander, an appreciation for art and design, and the romance of vintage travel. These were all summed up in a trailer design scribble that became the first Vintage Overland caravan. Teaming up with his wife Ami (a sculptor herself), the pair has created some of the most sought-after custom teardrop caravans anywhere on the planet. I have to admit that there are moments when the kids are fighting, the dogs are barking, and the spouse is watching sports that I dream of getting away in one of their creations…
How’s your golf game? Could it use a little work? There’s no shame in getting a little help, especially if it’s coming from the #1 training aid company on the PGA Tour. If Eyeline is good enough to improve the performances of 19 out of the 24 Presidents Cup players, then surely you can trust them to fine tune your game! This Target Circles system, for example, is a great way to accurately visualize where you need to place the ball. Designed to be thin enough for the ball to roll over easily and sturdy enough to last, you’ll be using this system for years to come. The Target Circles are also designed to be used as full or half circles to allow you ultimate flexibility. Any of the products on this website would make an excellent gift for the golfers on your list this year!
ISUN: Honey Goji Berry Face & Hand Mask ($42) If you are looking for the next level of skincare and would like a big dose of Zen thrown in for good measure, look no further that ISUN. Born out of the purity and inspiration of their backyard in the San Juan Mountains, ISUN utilizes impeccable manufacturing practices mixed with an Eastern-medicine approach that is grounded in empirical science to create high-quality skincare products for men and women. Each ingredient is meticulously curated and leveraged for maximum health benefits. This hand and face mask, for example, is made from true Tibetan goji berries. Not only were they chosen because they are “exceptionally rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, polysaccharides, amino acids and a wide range of other phyto-nutrients,” but they are also blessed by Tibetan monks and arrive at ISUN with a handwritten blessing that says “May all Beings be Happy...May all Beings be Free”. I don’t know about you, but just reading that is making me feel calmer and more relaxed already.
Guerrilla Gravity: Shred Dogg (starting at $2,195 for frameset) I may not be a hardcore mountain biker, but I am a total manufacturing geek. So, I get super jazzed about things like the fact that Guerrilla Gravity has successfully created the world’s first fully carbon fiber bike frame that costs less than bikes from overseas competitors while also being 300% more impact resistant. By harnessing the power of composites, Guerrilla Gravity has created a bike that is lighter, stronger, less expensive, and made in Colorado. All cool stuff! But, by all means, feel free to freak out about the ultra sleek lines, GeoAdjust Headset, Freedom Linkage, Gravity Mode, and Integrated-External cable routing. Cuz, you know, that all sounds really amazing, too!
Fire Within: The Alexis Soyer Okay. Go with me on this one. Have you ever wanted to start your own business and make your own hours, but you don’t know where to begin? Second question, do you love pizza? Of course you do! It’s pizza. There are so many cool things about Fire Within. The coolest might be that they literally make and sell dreams. Not only will they build you a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza oven and customize it to your exact specifications, but they also offer a host of tools to teach you how to make a living using it. Fire Within University is offered several times a year and during the intensive in-person training, they will teach you everything from popular pizza making techniques to Business 101 basics like profit margins and the best venues to haunt. They’ll even teach you how to make millions of other unique items in your oven that you’ve never even considered. Wood fired s’mores brownies? Yes, please!
Park and Sun Sports: Outdoor Steel Cable Volleyball Net ($42.99) Park and Sun Sports set the standard for upper end outdoor volleyball net systems over thirty years ago with its telescopic, aluminum standards that adjust to three playing heights and the original slip-on sleeve net design. The quality and innovations of these volleyball net systems continues as the Spectrum Classic and Spectrum 2000 still remain perennial favorites of tournament directors and competitive players. True enough, but that doesn’t begin to describe how much this Denver-based manufacturer lends a vibe of endless summer to, well, basically everything. Bump, set, or spike your way to their website and gear up for warmer weather and the sand between your toes!
Sarabella Fishing: Ready To Fish – Periwinkle 8’6″ 3 weight ($595) After many years of fishing with men’s gear in a “sportsmen’s” world, April Archer began to notice a problem – not just with the lack of products made for women but also for lack of respect given to women for their skills, passion and love of the sport. She turned frustration into opportunity when she began to see that with smart beautiful products and a better overall experience, she could change the way women fish. Now CEO of Sarabella Fishing, she and husband (and COO) JT named the company after their two dogs Sara and Bella and the rest, as they say, is history. If you’re doing the tough shopping for the sportswoman who has it all—don’t give up! There are tons of Ready To Fish Rods or check out Sarabella’s fully-custom rod, The Rainbow, to design the angling experience of her (or your) dreams.
Little Colorado: Waldorf® Play Stands (2) & Arch Set ($278.95) In 2016, after a 30-year-long career in manufacturing and marketing at Fortune 500-level companies, Bill Hare and his wife Noelle Baker decided to move to Golden, CO to buy Little Colorado. And, while many of their competitors have moved production oversees, Little Colorado is committed to making high-quality, Americanmade, handcrafted furniture as they have since they were first established in 1986. The signature style of Little Colorado is simplicity and stability that inspires creativity while emphasizing clean lines, modern sensibility, and socially as well as environmentally responsible practices. This play stand and arch set is a favorite amongst kids, parents, and Waldorf schools alike and is sure to spark many years of fun, imagination, and wonder!
2019
Holiday Gift Giving Guide Vortic Watch Company: The Springfield 127 ($2,195)
Vortic Watch Company is a true Colorado treasure. This unique company creates one-of-a-kind watches that combine modern techniques with timeless, historical preservation. Their mission is to “preserve and enhance the legacy of manufacturing excellence in America”. In order to do so, they take wrist and pocket watches dating back sometimes 100 years or more and they refurbish, upgrade, and reveal their original brilliance all at the same time. They can, for example, take a WWII bomber navigator’s pocket watch and tune it up, convert it into a wrist watch, 3D print new components for the movement, and then display all of that masterful work by using a skeleton back that reveals the inner workings of the piece. If you are interested in not just owning a watch, but also “owning a story” there is only one place to go and that is Vortic.
Black Hound Design: Pine Top Simple Steel Base Desk ($1,250) Black Hound Design was founded by husband and wife duo James and Kate Hixon. Having started out as a set designer for stage productions, James took his artistic passion and craftsman skill set and decided to try his hand at furniture design. This unique combination of artistry, family, technique, and playfulness have resulted in a sought-after line of custom furniture designs for restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels. If you have ever been to Hearth and Dram in Denver or any Punchbowl Social in the country, you are already familiar with their work. In addition to commercial designs, they also offer affordable home furnishings like this striking pine desk sure to make working downright fun... well, more or less anyhow.
Body Wax Brazil: The Honey Wax - Discs ($18)
Revel Gear: The Ultimate Adventure Pack ($169.98) The team at Revel puts it right out there—we believe that doing business with integrity has the power to change the world. Indeed, not only does Revel design and build some of the most innovative solar camping lights on the market, but partners with numerous organizations with the goal of providing 1,000,000 solar lights to residents of over a dozen African nations to increase security, allow kids to study at night, and enable businesses to stay open after dark. Their Ultimate Adventure Pack (currently on sale at $169.98) will help you equip your camp while you can revel in knowing you’re being ecologically conscious and helping others.
Did you know that waxing is the most profitable service in the salon industry? Did you know that it is also the most wasteful (not to mention the most painful)? Body Wax Brazil is committed to changing that by making premium waxing products that are 100% biodegradable and compostible AND less painful! These honey wax discs, for example, are applied at a low temperature, don’t require a hair removal strip, and they effectively stick to the hair not to the skin, which means that they hurt less and also remove hair more effectively. In fact, they rank highest in the industry for what is known as bulb removal, meaning that these little discs remove hair by the root resulting in thinner, weaker, easier to remove hair over time. They also carry soft waxes and other related accessories. And if honey isn’t your thing, they have other scents including chocolate. And who doesn’t love chocolate?!?
From the 2018 Gift Guide Meier Skis: Quickdraw ($750) There are so many amazing things about Meier Skis, we don’t even know where to begin. First, Meier specializes in beautiful, handcrafted skis and snowboards that are made from 100% natural Colorado wood products and adorned with colorful, dynamic artwork sure to make you the envy of every other person on the slopes. Second, their commitment to responsible environmental practices is second-to-none. Third, they are so confident in the quality of their craftsmanship that they are one of the only ski manufacturers to use a clear top sheet–because they literally have nothing to hide. And last, but certainly not least, you can watch them make or tune your skis in real time while you enjoy a frosty cold craft beer at the world’s first Craft Skiery! It does not get any cooler than that.
From the 2017 Gift Guide Body Bark: Scarf ($49) Derived from sustainable beech trees, Body Bark’s line of durable, soft, ecoconscious apparel includes shirts for men and women, pants, scarves, and even a stylish little black dress. Each garment is designed to be the softest and most versatile item in your wardrobe. Pair a Body Bark shirt with a pair of Body Bark EveryWear Luxury pants for a stylish loungewear ensemble or throw on this unbelievably soft white scarf and a blazer to check in at the office or go out to dinner.
From the 2015 Gift Guide The Dough Source: DaVinci Aromatherapy Dough - Duo! ($15) Next, we have a fun and whimsical product from our friends at The Dough Source. Their DaVinci Aromatherapy Dough is fun to play with and has the added benefit of stress reduction and other health benefits, thanks to the healing powers of aromatherapy. For the Duo!, you can choose 2 scents from the following options Vanilla Orange, Lemon Ginger, Rosemary Mint, or Eucalyptus Mint. And, at only $15 per pair, you can afford to slip one jar into each stocking hung by your chimney this Christmas.
From the 2016 Gift Guide DOHM: Mo-Zag in brown/tan ($32) DOHM Headwear has spent the past 20 years hand crafting unique and stylish hats using high quality all natural fibers and antique knitting machines to “enhance the character of the fabric”. The Mo-Zag hat is made from 100% merino wool with mohair accents and would make an affordable stocking stuffer. For those with a little more cash to spend, DOHM also offers a 100% cashmere line of hats!
www.manufacturersedge.com