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Listen, life is stressful, and sometimes shopping for gifts falls to the bottom of your to-do list. We get it. But that doesn’t mean you have to show up to a celebration empty-handed—and earn the scorn of your father-in-law.
We scoured the city for gifts from Colorado companies that you can grab at the last minute, either by popping into a store or quickly printing out a ticket. You can thank us later.
The Family Jones Distillery Automatic Jones Espresso Martini
Cutting corners for your cocktails has never tasted so good thanks to Denver-born distillery the Family Jones. The Automatic Jones Espresso Martini ($42) features the brand’s beloved Annika Jones Vodka and espresso liqueur (made with the Mile High City’s own Huckleberry Roasters coffee) for an insta-cocktail sure to get even the most short-tempered among us into the holiday spirit. If you stalled in your purchase pursuit, simply pick up a bottle from the distillery’s LoHi tasting room. Family Jones Spirit House (3245 Osage Street, Denver) and at various retailers
Eagle Creek Explore Sling Pack
If your giftee isn’t quite ready to join the fanny pack brigade (or if they already have a closet full of them), then the 11-liter Sling Pack ($99) from Eagle Creek’s Explore collection is just the thing. This carrier from the Steamboat Springs–based brand is big enough to haul a 13-inch laptop, tablet, and a spare layer or two, plus features two hidden pockets perfect for stashing away a passport or wallet, but it isn’t as cumbersome as a full-size backpack. We also love the way the fully recycled, waxed ripstop polyester develops a patina look over time as a subtle homage to adventures past. Available at Jax locations in Fort Collins (1200 N. College Ave.), Broomfield (5005 W. 120th Ave.), and beyond as well as at other local retailers
Women’s Bean Project Rice and Beans Cups Variety Pack
You know your cubicle-mate has a thing for instant ramen. You also know the roughly 1,200 milligrams of sodium they’re ingesting every day for lunch probably isn’t doing anything fantastic for their blood pressure. So when you pull their name for the office secret Santa, wrap up the variety pack of rice-and-beans cups ($13) from Women’s Bean Project, located in Denver. This trio of tasty, just-add-water meals includes flavors like lemon dill with navy beans, cilantro lime with black beans, and Spanish rice with pinto beans. Each has about half as much sodium (or less) than a typical instant noodle bowl. Bonus: Your purchase supports a social enterprise nonprofit that provides employment and wraparound services for women facing chronic barriers to entering the workforce. Available at the Women’s Bean Project storefront (1300 W. Alameda Ave., Denver) and other local retailers
Lems Footwear
These boots are made for more than walking. The Chelseas (starting at $165), Outlanders ($195), and Boulder Summits ($210) from Lems are trail-ready and travel-worthy. Almost every pair of boots—and sneakers, sandals, and clogs, for that matter—from the Boulder footwear experts feature the brand’s signature zero-drop silhouette and a wider-than-average toe box, elements designed to support proper alignment and balance. The result: “Stronger feet, better posture, and less strain on your joints,” says Lems marketing director Audrey Niebes. Pick up a pair last-minute from one of the many stores along the Front Range (and beyond) that carry them. Available at Pedestrian Shops in Denver (2368 15th St.) and Boulder (1425 Pearl St.) and at other local retailers
Shine Pet Food Co. Treats
Your pup will love you even if you’re a bit late with their holiday prezzy, but we all know your cat will hold it against you (and will pee in your favorite Monstera) from now till next New Year’s. Don’t risk the wrath. Instead, swing into certified B Corporation Shine Pet Food Co., which specializes in organic, non-GMO ingredients free from toxins, drugs, and additives and has one of its two storefronts in North Boulder. There, look for dog- and cat-friendly treats like Marty’s Minnows ($16) and freeze-dried beef liver treats ($11) sure to please the furry family members that love (or just tolerate) you unconditionally. Available at Shine Pet Food Co. (2795 Iris Ave., Willow Springs Shopping Center, Boulder)
A Plant From the Marigold
It’s actually smart to wait until the last minute to purchase this gift—otherwise you risk killing it before the big day. We also won’t deny the perk that is the full-service bar inside this plant shop, in case you need a cocktail to take the edge off your last-minute shopping stress. Scour the shelves at the Marigold in Five Points for the perfect pothos, philodendrons, and cacti for your green-thumbed guy or gal. To sweeten the deal, Marigold will take off an extra 10 percent if you mention this article. All you’ll need to do is add a bow. 2721 Welton St., Denver
YoColorado Apparel
With headquarters and a retail shop in historic Golden, YoColorado has the inside scoop on Colorado style. We’re partial to the vintage vibes on the Coors Epic Faded Puffer Vest ($165) and the cozy, color-blocked Fourteener Fleece Snap Jacket ($68), but for YOLO inspo, wrap up the sunshiny YoColorado x Coors Ski Powder Suit ($385). If your giftee has four paws and needs a “new leash on life,” then opt for the Best Buddy Upcycled Dog Leash ($28), made from a repurposed climbing rope. Shop in-store at YoColorado (805 12th St., Golden)
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Secret World of Elephants Exhibit Ticket
If you have a friend whose love language is quality time, consider gifting an experience this year, like tickets to the new Secret World of Elephants exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (general admission starts at $26 for adults; members get in free). The immersive exhibit allows visitors to meet elephantine ancestors (including a life-size wooly mammoth model), learn how the largest living land animals communicate (hint: low-frequency rumbling is involved), and understand why the heck they adapted to have trunks instead of a standard schnoz. It’s open now through January 25, 2026—and you can print the tickets at home before you run out the door. 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Colorado-Made Goods from the Foothills Art Center Holiday Art Market
When you need a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift that shows how much you love and cherish someone—and you need it now—hit up the annual Holiday Art Market at Foothills Art Center in Golden where you’ll find more than 3,000 artisan-made items like handmade pottery and bespoke ornaments. Shopping past the 11th hour? No problem. This seasonal bazaar, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is open through December 29. 1133 Arapahoe St., Golden
Read More: The Best Holiday Markets and Christmas Stores in Denver and Beyond
