Several years ago, we put out a gift guide featuring some of our favorite vendors, somewhat in jest of the slew of gift guides that get tossed around this time of the year. And it was a hit! Since then we have tried to come up with creative gift ideas that have a tie to Vista Verde. This year we are focusing on locally owned Steamboat companies whose products we use and love. These are our friends and community members, and we love supporting them and helping to spread the word about their businesses. Check them out if you are looking for a unique gift for someone on your list!
Ohana
Like many great businesses, Ohana started as a hobby in a garage and has now grown into a local’s favorite shop downtown. Their main product is custom screen-printed shirts, but they also represent a slew of Steamboat makers. Check out this fun video about shop owners Luke and Emily Dudley.
Bar-U-Eat
Perfect for stocking stuffers or gift baskets, these unique snack bars are good for both you and the planet. Bar-u-eat is a Routt County-based company that curates delicious bars to power you through all your adventures. Bar-u-eat products are packaged in resealable and compostable pouches to reduce waste. This company also donates 1% of proceeds to environmental non-profits!
Bee Grateful Candy
We fell in love with Bee Grateful Farm’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) weekly veggies for our families this past summer, but they also have a product that is a year-round treat. Bee Grateful Candy makes delectable caramels that are sweetened with 100% local honey and completely natural! Our favorite flavors are lavender honey and ginger honey caramels. This company gives 10% of profits back to the bees through a program that supports the creation of pollinator sanctuaries and assists in the research and education of pollinator species.
The Goats Goods
The Goats Goods creates truly local and unique gifts, such as natural goat’s milk lotion, soap, and other products sourced from their goats right here in Steamboat Springs! Goat’s milk is packed with vitamins and minerals, protects the skin, helps soothe acne and has probiotics. Our favorite is the lotion, but they have a wide assortment of bath and body products.
Smeeny Beanie Knits
A true one-woman show that makes handmade goods with high-end, ethically sourced yarn. Smeeny Beanie Knits has the most adorable hats you have ever seen, and many of us have them on our wish list for the holidays! Each beanie is carefully knitted by owner Chereen. These hats are a one-of-a-kind gift, and each sale supports the National Park Foundation.
Steamboat Salt Co
Feeling a little “salty” that you are not in Steamboat for the holidays? Steamboat Salt Company can help with that! Snag some delicious, hand-crafted, specialty salts from this local, family-owned company and spice up your gift giving! Just a few of their many delicious flavors include Merlot Wine Salt, Sriracha Salt, and Citrus Ginger Salt.
Of course, there are a few favorites that we have included before, but never get old.
Ranch Organics
If you loved the bath products during your stay at the ranch, then head on over to Debbie’s website and pick up some gift packs for everyone on your list. Maybe even one for yourself? The collection we use for VVR is Sweet Grass.
Tender Belly Bacon
Ok, we know the only reason you all come to the ranch is for the bacon. So why not sign someone up for the Bacon of the Month club and give the gift of a VVR breakfast all year? Of course, the only problem is it does not come with one of our chefs to cook it to perfection. Alternatively, you can just gift your favorite person a vacation at the ranch, and we will provide the bacon for you!!
Drifters Hearts of Hope
For those who like a more altruistic gift, how about a donation to an organization that helps rescue horses? We have become partners with them through the Annie Project, a program that helps dude ranches find safe homes for their retired horses. A donation in the name of a favorite VVR horse would be a perfect stocking stuffer!
Duh! How could we miss a shameless plug for giving the gift of a trip to Vista Verde! If you are not ready to travel quite yet, maybe a gift certificate for a trip in the coming year would do the trick. We can put together a little pack of VVR items to wrap up for that special gift.
Happy Holidays and happy gifting!