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Denver’s sports teams are on a bit of a tear right now. The Broncos are on a nine-game winning streak, the Avalanche are favored to win the Stanley Cup, the Nuggets (if they can get their defense in order) are the Thunder’s biggest threat, and the Rockies… well, you can’t have everything.
In short: You can wear your Mile High City merch with pride this year. But if the Avs fan on your list has worn a hole in her favorite shirt and your dad is still awkwardly sporting a Wilson Broncos jersey, do them a favor and wrap up one of these nine gifts for the holidays.
Orange Creamsicle Vodka Seltzers from Breckenridge Distillery
Since you can’t gift your Broncos-loving brother a Super Bowl berth quite yet, give him something to toast the team’s resurgence. The Breckenridge Distillery’s Orange Creamsicle vodka seltzer ($12.99 for a four pack) is a fun, fizzy way to celebrate the orange and blue’s winning ways. At 7 percent ABV, it’s also a not-so-subtle nod to the comeback king himself. This limited-release flavor blends snappy citrus with a touch of vanilla cream for a sip that feels like its own victory. Stock up for the playoffs; Broncos fans will want one chilled and ready for every late-game surge. Available online and at select Colorado retailers
Topo Designs x Denver Broncos Rugby Shirt
Your boyfriend refuses to part with his Elway jersey, so don’t even bother buying him a Nix one. Instead, gift him this retro-inspired rugby shirt ($119) made in collaboration with Denver-based Topo Designs. The orange and blue heavyweight cotton long sleeve will keep him warm during winter games and includes custom patches to show off his Broncos pride. But you’ll want to scoop up this swag soon; it’s a limited edition collection that’s practically guaranteed to sell out. Available online — Jessica Giles
Barefoot Bronco Pizza Peel
Back in the 1980s, Rich Karlis was a household name in Denver—and not just because he was the Broncos place-kicker. He was also the last of his kind, knocking in field goals and extra points barefoot. It wasn’t a gimmick: He made big-time kicks, including a game winner that sent the Broncos to the 1986 Super Bowl (don’t ask what happened next). These days, Karlis’ craft involves more hands than feet: He’s become an accomplished woodworker at his home outside Parker. If you know a Broncos fan who needs a new pizza peel (to celebrate this reinvigorated era of Denver football), we recommend Karlis’ model, made from walnut, cherry, and purpleheart ($125). Available online
Buffs Fan Gear from the New CU Book Store at the Limelight Boulder
You can’t take away a Buffs fan’s pain after this 3-9 season—good for 15th in the Big 12—but you can support their loyalty. Located on the first floor of the brand-new Limelight Boulder, the newest branch of the official CU Book Store overflows with black-and-gold trinkets, from jerseys and hats to barbecue tools ($70, pictured above) and tumblers. If you’re feeling uninspired, go for a gift card. Better yet: Toss in a couple of basketball tickets and remind your brokenhearted Buff that March is just around the corner—and, in December, both the men’s and women’s squads are undefeated in conference play. Shop in store at 1402 Broadway, Retail 150, Boulder —Maren Horjus
Latitude Sports Puck Signed by Avalanche Stars
Metro Denver is lucky to have a few shops devoted to sports memorabilia, including Latitude Sports Memorabilia, which since 2005 has coordinated signings and appearances with some of the biggest names in Colorado sports. That list includes current Avalanche stars, such as Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon—and all-timers, like Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic. If you know a hockey fan who would appreciate a piece of history, consider picking up an official game-used puck signed by 2022 Stanley Cup hero Cale Makar ($180) or a Hall-of-Fame inscribed one from Sakic ($130)—or just stop in and browse the impressive collection. Latitude Sports Memorabilia, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Unit 312, Centennial
Irv Brown Endowed Scholarship Donation at MSU
It’s rare that a gift actually gives back, but a donation to Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Irv Brown Endowed Scholarship, named for the school’s first baseball coach (and a legend in the Colorado sports scene), certainly does. Money from the fund goes to deserving full-time MSU students who pursue a degree in either sports management or journalism and media production and who also have a demonstrated financial need. There’s no minimum (or maximum) gift, and the donation is tax-deductible, so it’s also a gift for yourself. (Shhhh…we won’t tell.) Available online
Bill’s Sports Collectibles Baseball Cards
Located on South Broadway just south of Evans Avenue, Bill’s Sports Collectibles is another Denver throwback. For more than 40 years, it’s been the city’s leader in old-stock items, like Broncos and Nuggets jerseys, game-used Rockies bats and Avalanche sticks, plus authentic hats and game-used jerseys from long-ago teams, such as the Denver Bears and Denver Zephyrs. Every serious, longtime Denver sports fan already has something cool from Bill’s—so it’s a no-brainer to stuff their stockings with another gift from this legendary store. Bill’s Sports Memorabilia, 2335 S. Broadway
Merch Signings at Mike’s Stadium Sportscards
Since 1992, Mike’s Stadium Sportscards has been both a reliable trading card shop and the host of countless public autograph signings. One of the best things about Mike’s (besides Mike Fruitman, the store’s eponymous owner) is that you can pre-purchase signings and there’s always signable gear there, if you don’t bring your own. Check the store’s Facebook page for a schedule of signings, which will include Stanley Cup champion Josh Manson in January. Mike’s Stadium Sportscards, 4032 South Parker Road, Aurora
Ball Arena Tour
Since changing its name from the Pepsi Center, Ball Arena has been a hotspot for championships. You know about the Nuggets and Avalanche, but Colorado is also home to a professional box lacrosse team, the Mammoth, which won the National Lacrosse League Cup in 2022. You knew that, right? Right. Well, if you want to learn more about the stadium—and get a peek inside visiting locker rooms and the press box—you can book a Ball Arena tour (prices vary), which makes a great gift for a group. Available online
