The Centennial State is experiencing rapid population growth. Millenials are flocking to Denver and Boulder while families snap up housing in the booming real estate markets of Colorado Springs, Longmont and Fort Collins. Odds are you know a person, or 10, who’s moved or plans to move to Colorado in 2018. What’s a good gift for a Colorado transplant? You can’t go wrong with outdoor-themed presents, as Colorado is home to miles of trails and dozens of state parks. Hiking gear and bird feeders are popular gifts; so are cold-weather ideas like blankets and socks. Don’t have time to track down the perfect gift? No worries; here’s a list of 10 great gifts for someone moving to Colorado.
1. Colorado Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas
In the twisting mountain roads and endless prairies of rural Colorado, GPS units can’t always find a clear satellite signal. Don’t leave your loved one stranded on their first road trip. Make sure they know how to find their destination with a Colorado atlas. Benchmark’s book focuses on recreational areas, so state parks and trails are easy to find.
2. Fodor’s Colorado Travel Guide
Local guides have crisscrossed Colorado to dig up the best restaurants, hotels and attractions the state has to offer. This comprehensive guide is perfect for new arrivals eager to explore every nook and cranny of their new home. Readers will find details on hitting the slopes to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty and a great guide to the Denver and Boulder metro areas with a focus on up-and-coming restaurants.
3. Climbing and Skiing Colorado’s Mountains: 50 Select Ski Descents
Every weekend, the population of Denver dips dramatically as residents head to the mountains for a few days of skiing, snowboarding and hiking. With this guide to mountain recreation in Colorado, your loved one will get an inside scoop on the best trails for beginners and experts alike. This book focuses on options throughout the state, so new arrivals can find hidden gems the locals won’t tell them about.
4. A Cup of Colorado Tea Collection
Coloradans love locally sourced food. From the countless farmer’s markets to endless farm-to-table restaurants, there’s no better way to capture the spirit of the Centennial State than enjoying a local meal. This tea sampler packs four blends of locally inspired and harvested teas into one present, giving a much better introduction to Colorado flavors than an order of Rocky Mountain oysters.
5. Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Read any Colorado guidebook and you’ll see a piece of advice repeated over and over: Stay hydrated. Between Denver’s high altitude, Coloradoans’ love of outdoor adventure and the unchecked summer sun, it’s easy for people moving to Colorado to become parched. A high-quality water bottle can solve that problem. This one features a wide mouth, double insulation to keep cool drinks cool and a leak-proof design that’s perfect for tossing in a backpack on the way out the door.
6. Nature Walk Journal
The purple mountain majesty of Colorado has inspired many a soul to turn inwards. It’s easy to spend hours exploring the natural wonders of the state and the inner wonders of the mind. With this hardcover natural journal, your loved one has a beautiful way to capture nature-inspired thoughts. It’s small enough to carry by hand but large enough to give plenty of room for sketches, musings and leaf imprints.
7. Outdoor Exploration Kit for Young Kids
The best toys for Colorado kids are engaging enough to keep children interested and educational enough to get parental approval. This junior explorer’s kit comes with nine tools kids can use to investigate the great outdoors. With this in hand, children will ask parents for hiking time rather than screen time; with a move to Colorado, families will be perfectly positioned for an outdoor adventure.
8. Best Window Bird Feeder
Let natured come to your loved ones with this bird feeder. It’s easy to apply to any window, including apartment windows, which is perfect for Colorado’s tight housing market. The seed tray is easy to clean or stock, and the clear glass material means users can always tell when a refill or wipedown is needed. This item evens comes in gift wrapping, so you can have it shipped directly to the recipient or order it as the perfect last-minute present.
9. Zando Athletic Sports Womens Winter Socks
You can never have enough socks. This goes double when those socks are made in America from insulting wool in attractive retro patterns. Zando socks will keep your loved one’s feet toasty throughout the long, slushy Colorado winter, so you’ll always be on their mind. Because these socks are part-wool and part-polyster, they’re machine washable and have an elastic band to keep them in place. You’ll want to order a second set so you can keep some from yourself.
10. DOZZZ Chenille Couch Throw with Decorative Fringe
In winter, Colorado nights deep below freezing. In summer, they can go as low as 40 degrees. This means Colorado residents can never have enough blankets. This large (60 x 50 inches) chenille blanket will be warmly appreciated by your loved one. You can choose from seven different colors to find the perfect fit, but keep in mind it’s not machine-washable.
