Holiday
DECEMBER 2021
+ Gift Ideas Guide
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, LOCAL GIFTS, ENTERTAINING AND MORE!
MARKETING FEATURE
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Inside 8
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'Tis the season: Boulder area holiday events
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Merry & magical: 2021 WinterFest
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Christmas makes a comeback – but with caution
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Cooking up holiday happiness
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Checklist for a hit holiday party
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A toast to the holidays
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Guilt-free grab-bagging (without the guesswork)
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The gift-giver's guide to shopping local
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Local gift ideas from Boulder area merchants
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The holidays await you at The Shops at Table Mesa
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Give yourself a wellness boost
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Give the gift of glow from Art + Soul Gallery
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Luxury is a state of mind at Christina's
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The hottest and newest holiday gifts for kids priced low to high
MARKETING CONSULTANTS Jeanine Fritz, Rich Hopkins, Keith Kratochvil, Dale Sekuler VP / MARKETING & ADVERTISING Jill Stravolemos The 2021 Holiday Guide is a marketing feature of the Daily Camera and Colorado Daily. ©2021 Prairie Mountain Media.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emma Castleberry, Barbra Cohn, Adam Goldstein, Sarah Huber, Erik J. Martin, Wendy McMillan, Jessica Royer Ocken, Darren Thornberry MANAGING EDITOR/ DESIGNER Greg Stone
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
DECEMBER 2021
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Season 'Tis the
Catch some of the area's beloved holiday events and make this season one to treasure. SARAH HUBER for the Daily Camera
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Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street. (Photo courtesy: Downtown Boulder Partnership). 4
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his year in Boulder, celebrating the holidays feels more magical and after last year’s limited schedule, more joyful than ever. Terri Takata-Smith, vice president of marketing and communications of Downtown Boulder Partnership, exclaimed, “We are thrilled to be able to bring back holiday events for the community to enjoy.” To share holiday magic with as many as possible, she added, “We are producing (events) with an abundance of care and caution, making safety our highest priority.” Along with Downtown Boulder’s annual Pearl Street events, several self-guided options are available, including a window display contest, light tour and Freezie bingo game. “We want people to enjoy the holiday season in ways that make the most sense for them and loved ones,” Takata-Smith said. In addition to Downtown Boulder Partnership’s Light up the Holidays events, other local holiday happenings celebrate the diverse interests and artistry of Boulder County. From multiple craft fairs to the annual Rocks & Rails exhibition presented by the Flatirons Mineral Club and the Boulder Model Railroad Club, there’s a holiday event for every niche. Gerry Naugle, treasurer of both the Flatirons Mineral Club and the Boulder Model Railroad Club, noted that the Rocks & Rails show is particularly “kid friendly,” with games, prizes, $1 grab bags of minerals and dozens of running model trains. He said, It’s a “great time for the season. People come in for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts of all sizes and price ranges. They can pick and choose minerals and model railroad hobby items. The show offers plenty of free parking at the fairgrounds without the DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
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choirs and shopping before the Erie Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Maxwell Street, Erie, eriechamber.org/calendar-ofevents/parade-of-lights-1 CU BOULDER’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL 2021 Dec. 3 to 5, various times CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival is a decades-old tradition that enchants all ages. This year’s celebration will bring together student choirs, bands and orchestras as well as faculty performers. Tickets are $20 to $66. Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, CU Boulder, cupresents.org
St. Nick on the Bricks. (Photo courtesy: Downtown Boulder Partnership).
hassles of the shopping malls.” Boulder County Public Health strongly recommends masks at holiday events; safety tips for attending the following events are available online at boulderdowntown.com/love-the-local/ visit-safe SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND Nov. 26 to 28 Takata-Smith likes to say that “small businesses are like snowflakes – each one is unique.” This weekend is an ideal time to finish up your gift list and support Boulder’s small restaurants and shops. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, boulderdowntown.com/light-up-theholidays ST. NICK ON THE BRICKS, Saturdays from Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring little ones and a camera for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause. After visiting Santa, children can sample hot chocolate and ride the free Snowflake Express, Pearl Street’s electric holiday train. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, boulderdowntown.com/light-up-theholidays 6
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LIGHTS OF DECEMBER PARADE Dec. 1, 6 p.m. The annual Boulder holiday parade features everyone’s holiday favorites: local marching bands, carolers, community vehicles and a grand finale showcasing, of course, Santa Clause. Parade starts at 15th and Walnut Street in Boulder, boulderdowntown.com/light-up-theholidays ERIE PARADE OF LIGHTS Dec. 3, 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy free hayrides, music by area school
PARADE OF LIGHTS AND HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE Dec. 6, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, the parade kicks off at 7 p.m. Pre-parade activities include visits with Santa, a living nativity and petting zoo, musical performances and ice skating. Historic Downtown Louisville, Main Street, louisvilleco.gov/Home/ Components/Calendar/Event/23792/2142 ROCKS & RAILS Dec. 10 to 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Presented by the Flatirons Mineral Club and Boulder Model Railroad Club, the annual rock and mineral show features rocks, gems and fossils, while the model railroad show, now in its forty-fourth year, includes displays and operating
Rock and mineral show part of the annual Rocks and Rails. (Photo courtesy: Flatirons Mineral Club). DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
layouts. They together feature a plethora of children’s activities and vendors. Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, flatironsminteralclub.org, bouldermodelrailroadclub.org FREEZIE FEST Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate the season of snow with a ride on the Snowflake Express and a visit with Santa. Complete “Find Freezie Bingo” for a chance to win a gift card from the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays LONGMONT LIGHTS BIKE PARADE Dec. 11, 5 p.m. All ages are invited to drape their bike in holiday lights and join the Longmont parade. Line-up begins at 4 p.m., and Bicycle Longmont / Longmont Bike Night is hosting a parade entry for participants on bikes. Parade starts at Longs Peak Avenue and Coffman Street, feedback.facebook.com/ events/452221076018949 HOLIDAY TEAS AT HOTEL BOULDERADO Dec. 11 to 20 A seasonal tradition, Hotel Boulderado’s tea service is an elegant way to mark the holiday season. Reservations are available, with Nutcracker Teas benefiting the Boulder Ballet. 2113 Thirteenth St., Boulder, boulderado.com/holiday-teas BOULDER HOLIDAY GIFT FESTIVAL Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 17th annual outdoor festival is one of Boulder’s biggest and best holiday shopping extravaganzas. Snag unique gifts from more than 100 local crafters and vendors. Boulder YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave., coloradoevents.org/boulder-holiday-gift-festival SKATE WITH SANTA Dec. 18, 1 to 3 p.m. Downtown Superior presents Skate with Santa, a Superior holiday tradition. Pictures with Santa, as well as a craft area for children and cocoa and cookies, will be available. Sport Stable Superior, One Superior Drive, Superior, superiorcolorado.gov.
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Merry+Magical Bring your friends and family and kick off the holidays with a horse-drawn carriage ride, breakfast with Santa, historic cottage tour and more at Chautauqua's WinterFest. WENDY MCMILLAN // for the Daily Camera
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Community House. (Photo courtesy: The Colorado Chautauqua). 8
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’s the most wonderful time of the year, and this year of all years, we’re all ready for a little magic. And what could be more enchanting than enjoying the splendor of the season at Boulder’s most delightfully beguiling setting? When it comes to scenic tranquility, The Colorado Chautauqua has it all. This winter, that timeless beauty and legacy further showcases everything anyone could look for in holiday merriment, at WinterFest 2021. “We are thrilled to be hosting WinterFest again this year,” says Shelly Benford, Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Chautauqua. “It’s been a challenging couple of years for the community and we are happy to provide an opportunity for people to visit us in person once again and bring their friends, families and loved ones to share this magical holiday experience.” This year’s festivities include a festival of lights, horsedrawn carriage rides, breakfast with Santa, a tour of historic cottages, two children’s concerts with beloved DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
and cocoa at the charming Chautauqua General Store, reconstructed from historical photographs and available for both public and private events. For the most tantalizingly immersive experience of all, guests can even enjoy a discounted overnight stay in one of Chautauqua’s private, pet-friendly cottages. Just enter the code WFEST at Chautauqua.com for stays between Dec. 1, 2021 through Jan. 15, 2022. Mark your calendars now for this year’s Winter Fest, and the epitome of meaningful, merry and bright!
IF YOU GO:
WinterFest 2021 Horse-drawn carriage ride. (Photo courtesy: The Colorado Chautauqua).
local artists Jeff and Paige, cookies and crafts for wee ones, a digital scavenger hunt, Santa’s Cottage and Chautauqua’s special WinterFest Holiday Market, featuring the perfect holiday gifts from local artists and vendors. Back by popular demand is a delightful installation of bear cub sculptures NEWSPAPER ADS WORK.
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decorated by Colorado artists. The cubs, many of which are supported by local sponsors, will be auctioned in the spring. Proceeds will benefit Chautauqua, the artists and participating nonprofits. Visitors can revel in Chautauqua’s rich history as they tour captivatingly deckedout cottages and warm up with coffee
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Where: The Colorado Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder When: Friday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 12 A full schedule is available online at chautauqua.com, or call the Chautauqua Box Office at 303.952.1644. For more information, contact Liza Purvis at 303.952.1638
ROCKS & RAILS December 10-12 10am – 5pm
Adults $8 ::: Children 12 & Under Free with paid Adult Seniors Over 60 $5 ::: Discount Multi-day Passes Available
Flatirons Mineral Club 2021 Annual
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Gem and mineral dealers, exhibits, grab bags, rocks, children’s activities and games, dig site, fossils, meteorites, tools, jewelry, fluorescent mineral display, and more! Bring your treasures for free mineral identification. Demonstrations include polishing rocks using lapidary equipment.
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Boulder Model Railroad Club 44th Annual
Model Railroad Exposition
Come one, come all, and enjoy the Boulder Model Railroad Club (BMRC) Exposition where you can see different Model Train Layouts for the young and old alike. The show will also have many displays of Model Train related items to both teach and entertain everyone. This includes many vendor tables where you can purchase railroad-related items just in time for the Holidays.
bouldermodelrailroadclub.org
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The pandemic is still with us, so plan holiday get-togethers carefully
Christmas makes a comeback — but with caution ERIK J. MARTIN CTW Features
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or many households, Santa took a snooze last year and Yuletide parties were put on hiatus due to worrisome COVID-19 concerns.
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But as we head into the 2021 holiday season, families and friends – many of whom are fully vaccinated – are eager to reconnect and celebrate. Not so fast, say the experts: It’s smart to think carefully about coronavirus precautions and plan carefully before
scheduling any large get-togethers this November or December. “It’s only natural that families and friends want to gather and make up for time lost during the pandemic. Travel is at all-time highs throughout the country right now, and not just for vacation getaways but also for visiting relatives and loved ones. The holidays bring families together, and it’s important for mental well-being that we should resume traditions of great meals and gatherings around the holidays,” says Dr. Teresa Bartlett, managing director/senior medical officer for Sedgwick in Memphis. However, it’s important to remain coronavirus-safe as we head toward the end of the year, “especially as COVID-19 continues to spread, variants develop, vaccines are being distributed, and cold and flu season quickly approaches,” notes Dr. Mary Rodgers, principal scientist at Chicago-based Abbott. Consider that it’s likely we’ll see a rise in coronavirus cases once people begin congregating more indoors as the weather turns colder – as we observed last year. That’s why it may be best to plan for a smaller party or family gathering and try to only invite people who have been fully vaccinated so that you can better safeguard the health and safety of all those present. “If all attendees are vaccinated, then in general you should be safe. But you have to consider that not everyone is going to be vaccinated, especially young children who may also be in school and interacting with others,” cautions Bartlett. “Also, if you have family members who are older or immunocompromised, it’s wise to have them wear a mask during your event, except when eating and drinking, and to prevent anyone attending who has symptoms like headache, sneezing, cough, runny nose and fever.” You’re safer if you live in a climate where you can celebrate outside or in a large, well-ventilated space. But if you DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
reside in a colder climate, you may want to limit the number of attendees or have several smaller gatherings to reduce the risk of anyone getting sick. “As the Delta and Theta variants of the virus develop in the weeks ahead, it will also be important to watch the geographic regions where you gather for any potential outbreaks and to continue following CDC guidelines,” Bartlett advises. For improved peace of mind, Rodgers recommends getting tested for COVID-19 before and after gathering with a large group of people. “Particularly for those who are unvaccinated or unable to receive the vaccine yet, rapid tests can be purchased over the counter at local retailers that give results in 15 minutes and which can be taken from home before and after gatherings,” she says. Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley, certified
safety and food safety professional in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, suggests taking the following precautions before hosting a holiday shindig: •
In your invitation, ask guests to wear a mask if they are unvaccinated or prefer to.
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Remind guests that if they are not feeling well days before the gathering to cancel their invite with no hard feelings.
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Use single-use disposable towels in your washroom during the party and ditch the communal hand towel.
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Use single-serve drinks out of cans or bottles instead of a punch bowl.
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Use individual snack packs for any snacks to prevent multiple hands from touching the food.
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When serving food, consider having a dedicated server who has washed their hands before serving instead of allowing guests to serve themselves.
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For desserts, offer small individualsized desserts or cupcakes instead of cake or pie to minimize hand-tohand contact.
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Sanitize any high touchpoints like door handles a few times during the evening to reduce contamination.
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Keep your gathering to a few predetermined hours.
“Putting these practices in place and following good infection control tips can reduce the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses like the flu this holiday season,” says Lyon-Bartley. “Remember that there is still a chance of getting sick from COVID even if you’ve been fully vaccinated, and the data on this is still coming out. It’s best to err on the side of caution until we know more.” The good news is that this holiday season is likely to be a lot safer than last year’s. “With the number of people vaccinated in the United States, even if the variants spread more easily, those who are protected will have a less intense disease if they get sick and require fewer hospitalizations,” Bartlett adds.
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Cooking up holiday happiness Here are 4 different meal menus to consider serving at your holiday gathering BY ERIK J. MARTIN CTW Features
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lanning on hosting a festive feast this Thanksgiving, Christmas or another end-of-the-year holiday? You’ll want to plan your cuisine carefully and consider an entrée, side dishes, beverage of choice and dessert that harmonize well together and satiate your attendees’ palates. But with so many food combinations and recipes to choose from, it can be easy for the cook to get overwhelmed. “There is a lot of preparation that goes into festive holiday meals. I like to think 12
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about what foods will be comforting to the people who are gathering,” says Linda Soper-Kolton, the director of culinary arts at Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York, and a champion of vegan living. “I like to use creativity to delight my guests either by adding a new item to the menu or owning a different spin on something familiar.” It’s smart to think about your menu weeks ahead of your get-together date. “Having things well-prepared means you can relax and enjoy your time with your guests. It takes away surprises and heightens your chances of success,” Berlin-based chef Shannon Campbell of
NZ Venison explains. Here are four different holiday meal menus to ponder (for full details on ingredients needed and step-by-step cooking instructions for each item, visit tinyurl.com/holidayrecipes2021): OPTION 1 Brown sugar pineapple ham, green beans almondine, apple-raisin stuffing and pecan lace cookies “For traditional holiday meals we tend to serve turkey or ham, but I always want to have a mix of traditional favorites and some new options to try. After all, you never discover new family favorites if DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
the lightness of late summer with the comfort of cozy winter,” says Campbell, who curated this meal combination. “We start with a light and flavorful dish – a classic and traditional rack of venison that never fails to please. The celeriac purée is lighter than one made of potato, yet its velvety earthy tones harmonize well with the gremolata. The classic jus provides the punchiness and umami we seek, while the strudel, with its undertones of apple, gives us form and style on the plate. And to round off the evening, we turn to New Zealand’s favorite dessert, pavlova, which is light, airy and fruity.” A cranberry fizz or pinot noir would pair perfectly with this meal, he adds.
you don’t add and try new things,” says Stacey Krawczyk, a registered dietitian for the Grain Foods Foundation. “This combination of ham, vegetable, stuffing side dishes and a unique dessert not only makes for a beautiful plate but also provides a delicious and nutritious mix of tastes and textures (and aromas!) designed to delight the senses. Plus, your family will love having plenty of ham leftover to make everything from omelets to sandwiches to pizza.” Krawczyk adds that she always makes sure to accompany every holiday meal with hot and crusty white and whole wheat rolls, and recommends serving ice water with frozen cranberries to help wash down this tasty plate.
temperature, so no oven-juggling is required. As for flavors, the spicy pork plays with the ultra-savory potatoes and sharp pesto, making for a wonderfully combined bite. Finishing with a bright dessert such as lemon zeppole is an indulgent but easy finish.” Mumford recommends serving a fullbodied red wine with the main course and a nice prosecco for dessert.
OPTION 4 (Vegan) Harvest butternut roll, blistered balsamic green beans with leeks and shiitake bacon crisps, Caesar salad with polenta croutons, and sweet potato cranberry crisp dessert “To me, this menu covers all the bases because it’s got a main dish with a creative wow factor, ingredients that are familiar, seasonal, and comforting, a balance of textures and flavors, and good nutrition and compassion in every bite,” notes Soper-Kolton, originator of this menu. As a complimentary beverage, consider hot mulled cider.
OPTION 3 Roasted rack of venison, savory mushroom, and apple strudel with dark jus, celeriac purée with gremolata and pavlova dessert “I love this menu because it combines
OPTION 2 Adobo pork tenderloin, papas bravas potatoes, red pesto and lemon zeppole dessert “These dishes work together wonderfully for many reasons,” explains Jim Mumford, cookbook author and Kalamazoo, Michigan-based creator of JimCooksFoodGood.com. “First, the pork and potatoes cook at the same DECEMBER 2021
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Checklist for a hit holiday party ERIK J. MARTIN CTW Features
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he holidays are a time for getting together and celebrating the festivities of the season. Put more simply, it’s the perfect excuse to hold a party. And few events are more rewarding – or more stressful – than hosting a holiday shindig in November or December to which family and friends are invited. Fortunately, you can ensure a successful (and COVID-safe) get-together and pull off your merrymaking without a hitch by following the best practices recommended by the pros. “Planning a party can seem simple, but planning an experience that your guests will remember, and one that focuses on pandemic safety, requires well-curated and thought-out details,” suggests Alesia Riley, event director for blk haus branding + events in Washington, DC. Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert in San Francisco, subscribes to that theory. “The devil is in the details, especially when it comes to holiday parties. Planning a party is about time management, and as the adage says, the early bird always gets the worm,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you keep your cool and prepare well ahead of time.” For best results, follow this checklist of recommended steps, in order: Get started early. “Secure a date, time and location as soon as possible, and consider a special holiday theme that can drive your decor choices,” Riley suggests. Mail or email invites weeks ahead of time – at least two to three weeks before a less formal party. “Make sure your invite is clear and that your guests know to RSVP so that you can plan ahead,” 14
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advises Grotts. Establish a budget and stick to it. Determine how much you can spend, then set a limit on edibles, refreshments, entertainment, and other party essentials. Keep the menu from becoming overcomplicated. It’s ideal to hire a caterer, but if this is a DIY effort, ponder your entrée, side dishes, desserts and beverages carefully. To simplify the party, consider setting up a food station or taco bar. “You can make one or two items yourself, or purchase the rest, or you can ask others to make and bring those dishes. A host should never be drudging in the kitchen when guests arrive, so try to plan for dishes that can be easily heated up or delivered,” Grotts says. “Three courses are plenty.” Book any live entertainment you want well in advance. “Give thought to the fact that Santa Claus performers and musicians are often booked months in advance,” cautions Heather Roonan, a spokesperson for GigSalad, a Springfield, Missouri-headquartered entertainment
booking online marketplace. “If you wait too long to plan this portion of your party, you risk not getting a higher-quality performer or getting one at all.” Enlist help. Delegate a few responsibilities to loved ones or close friends, such as assistance with invites and gathering RSVPs, house cleaning, decorating, cooking, setting the table, and cleaning up after the party. Order ahead. Say you’re aiming for a particular size tablecloth or shade of serving tray. If so, it’s best to scour the web then drive all over town looking for it, Grotts adds. Create a playlist. The right music sets the tone for your party, so give careful thought to the tunes and artists you want to play. Purchase a smart speaker that can link to your phone or online music account (like Spotify or Pandora) and be controlled via voice assistant. Serve a specialty cocktail. “You don’t want to be shaking martinis all night, so select one drink you can make in pitchers, like holiday sangria or a spiked punch, in addition to other libations,” says Grotts. Complete as many tasks as possible before the party date. You don’t want to leave all the fine details to the hours immediately before your festivities, so aim to check as many to-dos off your list in the days prior. Practice pandemic cautions. That means following the latest recommendations from the CDC when it comes to wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, avoiding as much contact as possible, and more. If you live in a moderate climate, consider posting your party outdoors. Or, give thought to keeping your gathering to a smaller group and encouraging your invitees to get fully vaccinated. DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
a toAst tO the hoLidayS
DARREN THORNBERRY for the Daily Camera
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heers to the Holiday Season with these yummy festive favorites. We spoke with Hazel's Beverage World to get recommendations on some seasonal beverages that will light up any gathering on a cold winter’s night. SIERRA NEVADA: CELEBRATION FRESH HOP IPA The best Cascade and Centennial hops brewed to capture citrus, pine, and floral notes at their absolute peak
– aromas and flavors for the perfect winter beer. Consider Celebration IPA your first present of the holidays.
PORT BREWING CO.: SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER This Imperial Stout starts with an emphasis on dark cocoa and roasted coffee aromatics. The finish lends hints of sweet crystal malt, warming tones of alcohol and a touch of hops. A perfect accompaniment to sugar cookies! GROVE STREET CRANBERRY LIQUEUR (COLORADO) Sweetened with organic sugar and lightly infused with tarragon, Grove Street's seasonal cranberry liqueur is a perfect choice for the holidays. "This cranberry liqueur really nails the delicate balance of tart and sweet, utterly perfect in any fruit forward cocktail that needs a little acidity to balance out,” says Hazel’s assistant liquor department manager Max Girardin. He suggests trying it in the Ginpocalypse Now recipe at grovestreetalchemy.com.
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GROVE STREET CHAI LIQUEUR (COLORADO) Chai spice flavored liqueur, predominantly cinnamon with cardamom, all spice, clove, ginger and black pepper. “This chai liqueur is the perfect holiday companion, not overly sweet and loaded with holiday spice,” says Girardin. “Plays incredibly well in a warmed apple cider or red wine, but you can also drop it in your coffee!”
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Guilt-free grab-bagging (without the guesswork) How to set up a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange ERIK J. MARTIN CTW Features
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t’s easy to blow your budget on holiday presents quickly, especially if you have a large family or band of friends with whom you exchange. After all, part of the joy of the season is getting gifts for those you care about. But that list of recipients can fast outpace your ability to afford wrapped goodies for all of them. Thankfully, there’s a time-tested method that groups can pursue that is not only designed to save money and ensure that every holiday party attendee goes home with a present, but one that will add fun and excitement to the festivities: create a gift exchange via either a white elephant game or secret Santa strategy. SECRET SANTA IS SIMPLE TO SET UP AND EXECUTE: • Determine well ahead of time (such as immediately after Thanksgiving dinner) who from your group or party wants to participate in buying and receiving a gift, which will be exchanged at a date you agree upon (such as Christmas 16
HOLIDAY GUIDE
evening) when all participants can be present. • Have each participant write his or her name, followed by a few ideas for gifts they would like to receive, on a piece of paper that they fold up and put in an open box. • Mix around the folded pieces of paper, and have each participant pick one piece from the box (if they pick themselves, re-fold the paper, put it back in the box and pick a different piece of paper). The name of the person you pick is the one you purchase a gift for. No one should reveal the name they pick. • Later, after buying and wrapping the gift, label it with the recipient’s name but not your name as the gift-giver. • When it’s time to exchange the gifts on your predetermined date, place the gifts together under the tree or in another area. • At a time you collectively decide, each recipient must retrieve his or her labeled present. DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
• Going in order around the room, each person must try to guess aloud who their secret Santa is. After two wrong guesses, their secret Santa must reveal his or her identity. That recipient opens the present, and the next person takes a turn. • “The tradition of secret Santa harkens back to the Scandinavian tradition of Juklapp, which involves knocking on someone’s door, throwing a present inside when it opens, and then running away. Its roots can also be traced back even further to German legends about the helpers of St. Nicholas, who divvied out presents to good boys and girls,” explains Meghan Langseder, support and community manager for Elfster, an Oakland, California-based publisher of apps and websites that can make gift exchanges like this easier. • She says it’s also easy to conduct an online secret Santa exchange if you have COVID concerns or it’s too difficult for everyone to gather in person. • “Invite all participants via email. Use a digital secret Santa generator available online to handle the name selections and wish lists. Arrange to have your recipient’s gift shipped to that person, but try to select the same delivery date so everyone is surprised on the same day,” Langseder suggests. “Then, host a holiday video party on Zoom and engage in the name guessing until all gifts are eventually opened.”
person #1 then gets to choose another gift from the table) or choose another goodie to unwrap. The game continues in the same way, with each participant having the opportunity to steal (meaning swap) a gift from someone who unwrapped before them or select a different wrapped gift. • Once all presents are revealed, person #1 can opt to keep the gift they have – in which case the game is over – or take someone else’s gift. If they choose the latter, the game persists until the person whose turn it is decides to keep their gift instead of stealing another. • Each gift is only allowed to be stolen up to three times during the game, and each participant can only be stolen from up to three times (after which time that person can no longer play the game but gets to keep their gift). • “Our company has a long-held tradition of holding gift exchanges and white elephants around the holidays,” says Mike James, HR/sales manager for Coffeeble in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “I led the charge in our COVID secret Santa party last year, which we held online, and it was a great success. If you thought white elephants were fun in person, hosting a digital scavenger hunt really added to the frivolity and excitement.”
• Alternatively, consider holding a white elephant gift exchange, which can make your holiday get-together even more lively and entertaining. That’s thanks to the element of uncertainty introduced into what becomes a gift-giving game of strategy and swapping. • “If you are throwing a big holiday bash, the option to steal someone else’s present adds a fun and exciting dimension to the gift exchange tradition. Everyone ends up with a gift, but without blowing your budget,” notes Clare Jones, outreach manager for Custom Neon in Kansas City. HERE ARE THE WHITE ELEPHANT RULES: • Learn who wants to participate from your group, set a spending limit (such as no more than $25 but no less than $20), and decide the date when the presents will be exchanged. • On that date, each participant must bring one wrapped and anonymous gift with them that will be placed on a large table, around which all participants will sit or stand. • Draw numbers to decide the unwrapping order, with the participant having the lowest number going first. • Person #1 picks a gift from the table, unwraps it, and holds it aloft for everyone to clearly see. • Person #2 chooses whether to steal that gift (in which case DECEMBER 2021
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Holiday gifts Cozy up with soft & elegant sweaters, scarves, gloves and ponchos in cashmere, and luxury blends. ~ PLUS ~ Our gift certificates are always a perfect fit! And available online. BOULDER • 303.443.2565 • 1505 PEARL STREET DENVER • 303.751.2618 • 1067 SOUTH GAYLORD
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SHOP LOCAL
The gift-giver’s guide to
shopping local Shopping local to make gifts more special while supporting the people and businesses in your town. JESSICA ROYER OCKEN CTW Features
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he Internet is always there, lurking. It couldn’t be easier to click a few buttons and have life’s essentials arrive at your door. These days, local businesses don’t just compete with big boxes and department stores, they compete with everything on the World Wide Web. But choosing gifts for people – selecting something perfectly matched to personality and preferences, that adequately conveys your love and appreciation for them – can be trickier than making sure another case of paper towels arrives before the last one runs out. 18
HOLIDAY GUIDE
“What are your goals for this purchase?” Heidi Butzine, founder of ShopLocal.us and author of “Shop Local: A Practical, Pain-Free Guide to Shopping With a Purpose”, suggests you ask yourself. “Do you just want something as cheap as you can get it?” If we’re not careful, holiday shopping becomes merely one more task to be completed at our desks – another workload piled on top of everything else we have to do at this busy time of year. So why not try something different? Step away from the screen and make shopping an experience this year, and a pleasant experience at that. “It feels good to get out of your office, away from the computer,” Butzine says. “Take a break and engage with people at a local store.” The benefits of this approach are not just for you. You’ll also be supporting your community, as well as delighting those on your gift list. When it comes to shopping locally, there’s plenty of reward to go around.
FOR YOUR COMMUNITY Shopping at local stores is “the gift that keeps on giving,” says Bill Brunelle, executive director of Independent We Stand, an organization dedicated to educating consumers and businesses about the economic benefits of buying local. When you purchase something at a locally owned business, more of your money stays in the community, he explains. It’s not going out of town to a big-box corporate office. Store owners based in the community are also more likely to hire local accountants and marketing firms, as well as source more of the products they sell locally. “It’s really a multiplier effect,” he says. “The money keeps recirculating.” Why is that important? Think about how local stores contribute to the fabric of your community, suggests Kathleen McHugh, president of The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). The toy store in town might be where parents bring their kids for a craft class, or where they know they can pick DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
up a last-minute gift that will be wrapped for them, or where they go when the baseball team needs a sponsor. Independent stores’ distinctive presence gives your city character and makes it a special place to live. “The guy across the counter may be a second-generation employee, and he’s been on the school board,” Brunelle says. “He’s got a true vested interest in the community.” FOR YOUR RECIPIENT America has become a bit of a “throwaway society,” Brunelle says. “Once something doesn’t work, it goes in the landfill, and you get what you pay for sometimes.” But the holidays are the perfect time to break out of this mode. “When you’re looking for a gift that will make someone feel good, buy something unique, something they don’t have in big boxes or national chains.” When you take the time to find something special, you’re giving the person some of yourself, Butzine notes. Perhaps the gift will represent where you live. Butzine lives on the ocean, so she sometimes chooses artwork or a photo of the beach for landlocked friends. “Your gift can remind them of you or provide an escape,” she says. “Gift giving is so individualized. You just need to stop and think.” If you’re shopping locally, you don’t have to think alone. “You can go into a local toy store and talk to someone who’s really well trained in child development,” McHugh says. Just give them the child’s age, and you can likely walk out with the perfect present. “That’s priceless – there’s no guessing!” Plus, you can select from more than just the latest mass-produced toys and games. You’ll get a range of creative, open-ended playthings. “It’s not about what the toy does, but what the child does with this toy,” McHugh says. “If a kid can find a million ways to play with the same toy, you’ve hit the jackpot.” In the same way, the bookseller in town may suggest local or regional authors you haven’t heard of, the local boutique may have clothing or jewelry by designers you might otherwise miss, and the music store down the street may have cutting-edge DECEMBER 2021
tunes by independent artists, plus a great selection of vintage vinyl, these experts say. FOR YOURSELF “The holidays get so stressful, but try to look at your shopping as a fun, meaningful opportunity,” Butzine says. It can make you feel good to find something you know a person on your list will love. Try to enjoy the process rather than making it a mad dash to buy stuff. Try the “Shop Local Loop,” she suggests. Work your way through the neighborhood stores in a 1- to 5-mile radius of where you live. You’ll likely be rewarded with unusual and offbeat gift options, as well as more knowledgeable employees and perhaps even the store owner in person. “I like to touch everything,” McHugh says. “When you shop in person you get it right the first time. There’s no being surprised and having to return things.” This heightened level of customer service can help when buying for someone you don’t know so well: grandparents who aren’t as in touch with what kids are doing at a certain age, people who don’t have kids but want to wow their nieces and nephews, you with that one enigmatic sister-in-law. “When you show up with the
best gift, you win the day,” McHugh says. Shopping locally can even help you conquer the most difficult holiday gift list challenge of all: the co-worker. Choose a gift card for an area restaurant, Butzine suggests. Then you’re giving something you know will be convenient, as well as supporting a local business, and you and the recipient could even go there together. And for the person who doesn’t need any more stuff, a donation to a local charity – in your area or theirs – may be just the thing. “That’s a nice way of getting around the idea that a gift must be something tangible,” Butzine says. Finally, once you’ve found that perfect item – the chocolates made by a local confectioner, the sweater from a family that’s been knitting for generations, a toy that will entertain for hours – be sure you share your experience with the recipient too. Rather than just slapping a tag on the package, add a card that tells the gift’s story: who made it, why you chose it, how you found it. “A personal note saying how much fun you had picking out their gift lets them know the thoughtfulness involved,” Butzine says. “It lets them know this is heartfelt.” After all, that is the goal of holiday gift giving. HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Gift
SHOP LOCAL
Local
Ideas
ADAM GOLDSTEIN for the Daily Camera
FROM BOULDER AREA MERCHANTS
FASHION & WEAR
‘T
is the season to restock the wardrobe. Boulder County offers a wealth of gift options for hip clothes, from luxury items to casual outfits.
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HAFLINGER WOOL CLOGS Give the gift of comfort and warmth this holiday season with a pair of Haflinger clogs. These cozy wool slip-ons are a classic – perfect to wear around the house or around the block. Choose from a variety of colors and styles in store and online. $134.95. Pedestrian Shops, 1425 Pearl St., Boulder, comfortableshoes.com
SLEEPWEAR Opening presents on Christmas morning is best done in comfortable PJs, and Christina’s Luxuries has the most elegant sleepwear around. From a GISELE long-sleeve PJ set at $139 to short-sleeve pocket tee-shirts at $88, Christina’s has the best way to stay comfy and classy in sleepwear. Prices vary, Christina’s Luxuries, 2425 Canyon Blvd. # 100, Boulder, 303.443.2421, christinasluxuries.com. 20
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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WINE TOTES Trust these Johnny Was gorgeous "one of a kind" wine totes for your favorite bottle from Barbara & Company. Made from plush fabric in a variety of patterns with pom pom pulls, it’s the perfect stylish, reusable gift. Choose from florals, geometric and bohemian patterns to complement your outfit! (Or a friend’s, if you can part with it). $30. Barbara & Company, 1505 Pearl Street, #102, Boulder, 303.443.2565, barbaraandcompany.net.
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FINE JEWELRY FROM ART & SOUL The holidays are a time to celebrate commitments and make new ones. For anyone looking to commemorate the next step in a relationship or celebrate a special wintertime anniversary, Art & Soul offers a wide range of rings and jewelry, from a commemorative Frida Kahlo signet ring for $320 to pieces from the world’s top designers. Prices vary, Art+Soul Gallery,1505 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5803, artandsoulboulder.com. THREE BIRDS ON A PEBBLE The three birds are hand cut from Sterling silver. Seven silver wires are soldered to the back of the birds and branches. Seven holes were drilled into the pebble so the wires and birds could be riveted on to the pebble. This is how they are attached into a bezel set. A parrot feather that is bezel set with a glass cabochon over it and is hanging from the bottom. $425. Heartfelt Jewelry, 4644 MacArthur Lane, Boulder, heartfeltjewelry.shop
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DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
for the HOME
T
he holiday season is a perfect chance to help your loved ones boost the kitsch, craft and charm of their homes. These selections from local merchants make ideal stocking stuffers, secret Santa gifts or casual presents to ring in the holiday and create some domestic flair.
Please Shop Local Thank You
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BRIGHT BEAMS GOODS – MISTAKEN LYRICS COASTERS Singing the wrong lyrics to a revered pop song can be liberating and hilarious. Bright Beam’s Mistaken Lyrics Coasters offers ready-made alternative words to cherished classics on cork board squares, and will brighten any coffee table. $25. Art + Soul Gallery, 1505 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5803, artandsoulboulder.com.
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ANIMAL TEA INFUSER AND STRAINER Ku Cha House of Tea carries some of the most elegant and fancy tea accessories in Colorado, but the store also offers customers whimsical items that are perfect stocking stuffers. The infusers/ strainers featuring likenesses of butterflies and other animals are the perfect casual present for the tea aficionado. $6.95 each. Ku Cha House of Tea, 1211 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.3612, kuchatea.com. JELLYCAT STUFFED ANIMALS The Jellycat line of stuffed creatures isn’t your average plush animal. These lovingly assembled stuffed creatures run the gamut from zoo animals to sushi creatures, and are sure to delight anyone with an appreciation for craft and cuteness. $20 to $40. Sweet Ruckus, 607 S. Broadway, Suite F, Boulder, 303.494.5131, sweetruckusgifts.com. DECEMBER 2021
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2425 Canyon • 303-443-2421 Mon-Sat 10-6 www.christinasluxuries.com HOLIDAY GUIDE
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The Holidays Await You! The Shops at Table Mesa
Visit The Shops at Table Mesa for all of your holiday needs this season. The Table Mesa shopping center has been the one-stop shop for the South Boulder neighborhood since 1961 providing residents and guests with dining, retail, services and more!
TINKER ART STUDIO Sweet Ruckus is South Boulder’s Award-Winning gift and paper goods boutique. Offering a thoughtfully curated selection of dazzling gifts, phenomenal greeting cards and holiday ephemera, Sweet Ruckus has the perfect gift for anyone on your list this holiday season!
Take an art class, make art at home, or find the perfect gift while shopping local! We're open for in person shopping, or shop online for curbside pickup or nationwide shipping. Reserve a table in our Make & Take Studio and come in to create, or register for a children's, teen, or adult class beginning in January. Visit tinkerartstudio.com for more information.
TABLE MESA HARDWARE
YOGA LOFT
SWEET RUCKUS
Photo: The W.W. Reynolds Companies.
BOULDER PACKAGING CENTER
It’s Boulder Packaging Center's 5th season of making holiday shipping easier for its South Boulder neighbors. This year the company suggests shipping early, as some services may be slower. If you’re planning on shipping international or have a large volume of packages, it is recommended to make an appointment by calling 303.499.7147. 22
HOLIDAY GUIDE
PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS
Outfitting athletes since 1990, Play It Again Sports sells quality new and used equipment for winter sports, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, golf, soccer, cycling, fitness and more! Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find the right gear at a great price.
Locally owned and independent, Table Mesa Hardware has been South Boulder’s DIY destination for more than 45 years. With thousands of items from household to hardware and specialty products between, it’s a good chance you’ll find what you are looking for! Don’t forget about Table Mesa’s Christmas trees! Stop by, call in or order online for holiday gifting ideas this season!
With 50+ weekly classes and a diverse range of yoga styles – a Yoga Loft Gift Card is the perfect way to extend peace and health to yourself, friends and loved ones this holiday season. And if you’re unsure which yoga style is right for you, try the 30-day pass and find the yoga practice that works for you! Visit yogaloftboulder.com or avitaonline.com. DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
Save on Holiday Essentials! Packaging Essentials & Expertise FedEx | UPS | USPS | DHL Table Mesa Shopping Center next to Snarf’s | 303-499-7147
Shorter Lines & Bigger Smiles (under our masks, of course)
THANK YOU for supporting our locally owned
independent businesses this holiday season!
303.499.7211 www.tablemesahardware.com
Your Winter Sports Headquarters
Save even more! Trade in your quality used gear for bigger discounts!
• Fresh Cut Christmas Trees • Holiday Lighting • Unique Gift Items • Fresh Wreaths
gifts * paper goods * curiosities
303.499.2011
Shops at Table Mesa
607 South Broadway * Suite F 303.494.5131 Next to Elevations Credit Union
https://www.playitagainsports.com/locations/boulder-co
The Shops at Table Mesa
Managed by:
601-693 S. BROADWAY, BOULDER
TABLEMESABOULDER.COM DECEMBER 2021
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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The Shops at Table Mesa 601-693 S. BROADWAY, BOULDER
TABLEMESABOULDER.COM
The gift of Yoga $#&(."* +, )&"!! %(-/ 1"0' • In-person or online classes • Select “Gift Options” at check out • $150 (regular price $165)
This and more at: yogaloftboulder.com/pricing
ART CLASSES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS ART SUPPLY, KIT, & GIFT SHOP MAKE & TAKE STUDIO SHOP & REGISTER AT TINKERARTSTUDIO.COM 303-503-1902 | 693B S Broadway
633 S Broadway N, Boulder, CO 80305 720.612.4321 | yogaloftboulder.com
Directory BANKING Elevations Credit Union JPMorgan/Chase Wells Fargo (ATM)
EDUCATION Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Tinker Art Studio
DINING Abo’s Pizza Caffe Sole Kim & Jakes Cakes Moe’s Bagels Murphy’s South Southern Sun Snarf’s at the Table Sweet Cow Tandoori Grill Tsing Tao Under the Sun Walnut Café
GROCERY & PHARMACY Pettyjohn’s Liquor Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Whole Foods
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
RETAIL Boulder Nordic Sport Drop Match Window Coverings & Wallpaper Flatirons Natural Pet
Giambrocco & Sons Neptune Mountaineering Play It Again Sports Runners Roost Sweet Ruckus Table Mesa Hardware Weaver's Dive & Travel Center HEALTH & BEAUTY Great Clips Hair Rage International Hennepin Barber Shop Highline Aesthetics Isolate Flotation Center MBL Tattooing Perfect Teeth Poshe Nail Studio
Total Fitness Kickboxing Yoga Loft SERVICES Art Cleaners Boulder's Natural Animal + Hospital Boulder Packaging Flatirons, Inc. H&R Block Orange Theory Peak Form Medical Clinic Roadmasters Auto & Tire Center Managed by:
DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
SHOP LOCAL
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
T
here’s no time like the holidays to tap into one’s inner muse, whether it’s learning an instrument, taking an art class or taking in some live music. Boulder County has plenty of options for those looking to find some artistic inspiration.
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HARMONICA, SHAKERS, GUITARS, MANDOLINS AND OTHER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS HB Woodsongs offers customers some of the finest acoustic guitars, mandolins and other stringed instruments in the state, but it also offers gateway instruments for musical beginners. A new harmonica, shaker or folk flute may be the perfect bridge to a regular music habit, and HB Woodsongs offers all these options. From $50. HB Woodsongs,3101 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.0516, hbwoodsongs.square.site.
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VIRTUAL ART CLASSES Tinker Art Studio brings the studio to your personal device through a series of online classes and workshops. The community art space specializes in a wealth of different styles, media and creative philosophies, and its online series is a perfect way for an aspiring artist of any age to get started. From $24, Tinker Art Studio, 693 S. Broadway, Unit B, Boulder, 303.503.1902, tinker-art-studio-llc.square.site.
SPORTS & RECREATION
W
hat better time than the winter to take up a new sport? The holidays offer the perfect chance to start moving your body and getting into a new physical routine, whether through yoga, softball or running.
DECEMBER 2021
GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR CHAUTAUQUA AUDITORIUM CONCERTS The Chautauqua Auditorium is Boulder’s Red Rocks – a stunning performance facility nestled in the picturesque setting of the Flatirons. The venue draws world-class performers throughout the year, and a gift certificate is a perfect way to connect a live concertgoer with an experience in one of Colorado’s most distinctive venues. Prices vary. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.440.7666, tickets.chautauqua.com.
SPORTS GEAR Play-It-Again Sports is a perfect headquarters for those looking to take up a new recreational hobby. Whether it’s a new tennis racquet, yoga block or basketball net, or finding a new set of clothes for the gym, Play-It-Again has you covered. Its dedication to connecting customers with lightly used equipment at an affordable price is a perfect option for those looking to kick off a new routine. Play It Again Sports, 653 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.2011, playitagainsports.com.
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HEALTH
Give yourself a wellness boost BARBRA COHN for Daily Camera
Y
ou bring your car in for a regular 20-point inspection. It might be time to do the same for your body – especially if you have joint or muscle pain, a sports injury or arthritis. Dr. Cliff Gronseth, founder and managing partner of Spine West, is a physiatrist – a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Physiatry looks at the whole person, mind and body, to determine the source of an individual’s limitations. Physiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, do physical manipulations, ascertain if your pain is due to an auto-immune disease or injury, and help you restore function and maximize performance. “If you have an achy back or frozen shoulder you have to constantly pay attention in order to maintain it,” Gronseth said. “You don’t want to keep driving on a bad tire that will eventually blow up. You want to take a long view of certain conditions and address them to prevent further injury.” “The pandemic has raised stress levels in all of our lives. I think everyone needs to find a de-stressing technique, whether it’s walking, breathwork, meditation or writing, and do it on a daily basis. It’s important because stress will manifest in the physical body,” he said. “Movement is crucial because the body decomposes if you’re not moving.
Dr. Cliff Gronseth, Spine West. (Photo courtesy: Spine West).
One day in bed requires three days in rehab to recondition the body and maintain strength. It’s critical to figure out your limitations and minimize the loss of your function and how to regain it by actively moving,” Gronseth said. Physiatry can help you get there by incorporating mechanics exercise, exercise as medication and prescribed medication, if necessary. He added, “People are coming out into the public after the pandemic shut-down. All the conditions that were building up have continued to grow and people are
needing help. But before someone starts a new exercise program they should be evaluated so they don’t hurt themselves.” This season, gift yourself with a 20-point inspection at the “detail shop” to see what’s working well and what’s not, so that you can continue to enjoy the gift of health. Spine West offers non-surgical care for acute and chronic injuries and pain. Call 303.494.7773 for information or to schedule an appointment. 5387 Manhattan Circle, Boulder, spinewest.com.
MARCH 4, 5 & 6 Island Grove Regional Park Event Center & Exhibition Hall in Greeley
NoCoHomeAndGardenShow.com Reserve Your Booth Today! Visit NoCoHomeAndGardenShow.com or call 303.473.1400 26
HOLIDAY GUIDE
SAVE THE DATE! DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
SHOP LOCAL
T
giFts fRom tHe hearT
he holidays are the perfect time to connect with loved ones in a special way. Whether it’s family, friends or that special someone, these gift ideas are sure to tug on the heartstrings in the most genuine way. LOLLIA BATH AND BODY PRODUCTS The Lollia Bath and Body products available at Sweet Ruckus are sure to spoil anyone on your gift list. From shea butter hand creams to silky bath concoctions to cosmopolitan fragrances, this line available at Sweet Ruckus will make anyone feel glamorous and pampered. Prices vary. Sweet Ruckus, 607 S. Broadway, Suite F, Boulder, 303-494-5131, sweetruckusgifts.com.
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3 BATH TEAS AND SOAPS The Ku Cha House of Tea isn’t just about brews that are meant to be sipped. Boulder’s premiere tea emporium offers a range of teas and soaps that are designed to soothe and support in other ways. Their zesty lemongrass soap makes bath time a special experience, as does their range of bath teas, including mixes designed to boost energy and relaxation. $7.95. Ku Cha House of Tea, 1211 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.3612, kuchatea.com.
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HOLIDAY TEA GIFT BOX Holiday teas to bring you holiday cheers! In this box you will find 2 oz. each of the six most popular whole-leaf holiday teas from Ku Cha – Chocolate Mint Black Tea, Holiday Apple Frost Green Tea, Hot Cinnamon Black Tea, Vanilla Rooibos, Organic Winter Chai, and their seasonal Winter Wonderland Fruit Tea. Cheers to love and happiness 2022! $49.95. Ku Cha House of Tea, 1211 Pearl Street, Boulder, kuchatea.com.
5 YOGA 10-CLASS GIFT PACK Give the gift of yoga with Yoga Loft's Holiday Yoga Gift Pack. The 10-class pack is valid for in-person or online yoga classes. $150. (regular price $165). Yoga Loft, 633 South Broadway, Unit N, Boulder, yogaloftboulder.com. DECEMBER 2021
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HAND-PAINTED POTTERY KITS Handmade gifts can carry the most emotional weight, and Tinker Art Studio offers options for would-be artists of all skill sets. With their wide range of hand-painted pottery kits, Tinker offers the option to give gifts that are functional and creative, with pieces that include bird feeders, dinner plates and ceramic animals. $12 to $24, 693 S. Broadway, Unit B, Boulder, 303.503.1902, tinker-artstudio-llc.square.site.
6 WINE, BREWS & SPIRITS Know that your special someone is a wine, beer or spirits lover, but unsure what to choose? A gift card from Hazel's Beverage World is the perfect gift. Hazel’s offers one of the best wine, beer and spirit selections available in Boulder. Prices vary. 1955 28th St., Boulder, 303.447.1955, hazelsboulder.com. HOLIDAY GUIDE
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SHOP LOCAL
Give the gift of glow from Art + Soul Gallery EMMA CASTLEBERRY for Daily Camera
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rt and Soul Gallery carries a wide selection of beautiful, wearable art for even the most discerning recipient on your gift list. Owner Debbie Klein says the store carries a variety of jewelry by talented artists, making it easy to find the perfect piece for anyone. Adel Chefridi works in both silver and gold set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, and his collection offers
a price point to fit every budget. Klein also recommends the ‘Candy Band’ by Alex Sepkus as another favorite gift item carried at Art and Soul Gallery. “It features Alex’s signature style in 18k gold set with diamonds and colored sapphires,” she says. “Give the gift of a rainbow!” For the wordsmith or poet in your life, check out the sterling silver signet rings by Digby and Iona, a new designer at the gallery. Inspired by history and literature, the rings are engraved with quotes like “Keep your eyes on the stars” and
“Keep your feet on the ground.” For your favorite outdoor enthusiast, consider jewelry by Belgian designer Celine Daoust, who finds her inspiration in nature. “One of her most striking pendants features a 14k gold crescent moon set with diamonds and surrounded by the sun,” says Klein. “A contemporary interpretation of classic imagery in a special necklace to wear everyday.” Art + Soul Gallery, 1505 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5803, artandsoulboulder.com.
Support Local. There are many ways to strengthen our community, and one easy way is by supporting local. Whether it’s a restaurant, boutique, home and garden store, apparel or shoes, auto dealer or other service provider, supporting local has many benefits, and building a stronger community is only one of them. Our local businesses give our community character, create vibrancy and bring us unique experiences.
WE INVITE YOU TO THINK, SUPPORT AND BUY LOCAL. START BY SUPPORTING THE LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPERS!
BOULDER DAILY CAMERA | BROOMFIELD ENTERPRISE | COLORADO HOMETOWN WEEKLY 28
HOLIDAY GUIDE
DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
SHOP LOCAL
Luxury is a state of mind at Christina’s
WINTER GEAR
FOR LESS!
DOWNHILL & XC SKIS, BOOTS & POLES, SNOWBOARDS, SNOWSHOES, HOCKEY GEAR, WINTER APPAREL, ICE SKATES & MORE!
TOP: Cashmere Sweater. BOTTOM RIGHT: Silk Robe by Natori (Photos: Christina's).
DON’T MISS!
EMMA CASTLEBERRY for Daily Camera
Trade in your gently USED Winter Gear for store credit!
I
t’s the moment you put on a new plush robe on a cold morning, or warm flannel pajamas right before crawling under the covers. It is the delicate lace of a sexy teddy or chemise skimming across your body as you pose in the mirror. It is the day you wear your favorite cashmere sweater that feels decadent with jeans that fit just right and cozy socks to top it all off. It is the scent of a new candle lit while you soak in a tub of warm body oils, followed by your favorite lotion and heavenly perfume. It is your entrance into a holiday party wearing a stunning dress that everyone compliments you on that flatters in all the right places. It is a new matching bra and panty set that feels like nothing and looks good under everything. It is giving the man DECEMBER 2021
SHOP LOCAL! Nov. 27
Come check out our great prices on NEW & USED Alpine and Nordic Skis and Boots in your life the best in men’s underwear because he deserves to feel luxury too. It is the joy of sharing time with those you love this holiday and into the new year. Experience luxury at Christina’s Luxuries. Christina’s Luxuries, 2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 100, Boulder, 303.443.2421, christinasluxuries.com.
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GIFT GIVING
The hottest and newest
holiday gifts for kids
priced low to high ERIK J. MARTIN CTW Features
W
orried that brick-andmortar toy stores are practically extinct? Concerned that US Postal Service problems and international shipping delays are going to get in the way of punctual gift-giving to a beloved tyke this year? Stressed out at the prospect of trying to find the right toy, game, doll, or other age-appropriate present? Fear not, faithful readers. We’ve scoured the retail landscape and come up with a list of worthy gift candidates to consider for children ages three through 13. Read on for ideas across three different price categories, each of which can be bought safely online with the peace of mind that your designated young one likely doesn’t already possess it. 30
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GIFTS UNDER $25 SoaPen Pan Soap Pen for Kids $15, Soapen.com This hand soap enables kids to draw before scrubbing up. They scribble fun designs all over their hands, then slightly wet their hands, rub to create a lather, and rinse off. The product’s stain-free and gentle formula is designed to teach kids to wash their hands for a recommended 20 to 40 seconds so they can appropriately get all that colorful soap drawing off their skin, while also allowing them to be creative. Mad Mattr Bakery Activity Set $18, RelevantPlay.com Create tasty-looking pretend doughnuts, cookies, and cupcakes and pile on as much fake frosting as you like. The activity set includes four 2 oz. packs of colored Mad Mattr building compound (purple, yellow,
orange, and pink) to mix, shape, mold, and play with as well as a cut-safe tool and seven molds. Deluxe Hopping Ball $20 and up, Xinosports.com Kids can burn off playtime energy and improve balance and coordination while also strengthening and toning their young bodies by sitting and hopping on this bouncy ball, available in orange, blue, or rainbow colors and 18-inch or 22-inch sizes. Puzzle Trucks $22, PresenceofPiermont.com This product, winner of the Teachers Choice award and available in six different designs, encourages younger kids to develop problem-solving and fine motor skills while having frustration-free fun with a 3D stacking puzzle, containing DAILY CAMERA / COLORADO DAILY
GIFT GIVING
parts that mix-and-match. Shashibo puzzle cube $24, Funinmotiontoys.com Imagine a Rubik’s cube, only better and more stimulating. This 2.4-inch shapeshifting box, powered by 36 rare earth magnets, can be transformed into more than 70 geometric shapes and combined with other Shashibo cubes to create bigger shapes and more interesting possibilities. GIFTS FROM $25-$50 Pro Spin Portable Table Tennis Set $45, Prospin.net Love ping-pong but lack a ping-pong table? No problem: This four-player allin-one portable table tennis set includes a retractable net, four high-performance table tennis paddles, three white balls, and three orange balls as well as a premium case for easy storage and travel.
Add some spring to your child’s mane without the fuss. GIFTS OVER $50 Einova Ultra Fast Power Bank $70, Einova.com If there’s one thing middle schoolers appreciate more than ever nowadays it’s portable power on the go. Recharge up to three devices simultaneously via three different ports: a 45-watt USB-C port, USB Quick Charge, and standard USB 2.1 port.
B-Kind Dolls $30, Bkinddolls.com Forget Bratz; check out this line of dolls that promotes positive messages of creativity and kindness – from ending bullying to saving the oceans to living green and sustainable. Each doll has its own DIY craft, such as making an upcycled outfit and creating a set of BFF bracelets. Made from eco-friendly recycled materials and reusable packaging by Jada Toys, this Walmart exclusive is bound to get lots of attention this holiday season. Goliath Doggie Doo game $25, Goliathgames.us Sooner or later, nearly every kid asks to get a dog. To teach them one of the most important responsibilities about owning a canine, get this game, in which you feed a small plastic dog a bone, watch as he – ahem – goes number two, and collect the end product. The player that scoops up the most doggy-doo wins the game. Laugh if you will, but poop talk is popular in families these days. Brushalot Tooth Fairy Kit $43, Brushalot.com Made by parents and for parents and caregivers faced with the battle of the brush, this kit encourages children to DECEMBER 2021
better care for their pearly whites and develop healthy oral hygiene habits. Included are a tooth-shaped night light, hardcover storybook, plush toy horse, and a saddle that keeps lost teeth safe. When a child loses a tooth, the night light glows blue, signaling the tooth fairy that a tooth is ready for pickup. RobeCurls $28, Robecurls.com Moms often dread curling their daughters’ hair. But this new headband product easily curls your hair without the need for uncomfortable rollers or a curling iron.
Ultimate Tyrannosaurus Rex Crate $99, Fossilcrates.com Foster a love of paleontology and dinosaurs by gifting this museum-quality kit packed with casts of everybody’s favorite dinosaur, including a 4” upper jaw tooth, 5”-plus upper jaw tooth, 8” lower jaw tooth, and 4” infamous hand claw as well as exclusive artwork suitable for framing and display and up-to-date fascinating facts on the king of the dinos. Gift of College gift card Varies, Giftofcollege.com/purchasegiftcard Instead of getting them clothes, stuffed animals, or action figures, why not contribute to a child’s college savings account? These gift cards, available in denominations of $25 up to $200, can be redeemed as a contribution to any 529 college savings account. They also serve as a great way to reinforce to a child the importance of salting away for the future. HOLIDAY GUIDE
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