The Curio Cabinet Holiday Gift Guide, 2023
We are no strangers to the perils of getting gifts for the various people in your life. Whether it’s an acquaintance, your best friend, your work wife, your significant other or a parent, the pressure of finding the perfect gift often takes the cheer out of the holiday season. We’ve compiled a list of our must-haves this season in hopes of making your shopping list easy and better than ever.
For The Girls
Are you shopping for the friend that has everything this holiday season? Look no further as we compiled a list of gifts for the gal who buys whatever she wants for herself when she wants it, the best friend in your life who deserves the world and the lady who likes something unique.
A sassy candle, mug or accessory from Wordshop
Photo Courtesy of Wordshop
The Lowdown: Since 2008, Wordshop has been reviving the written word and leaving laughs and love to the Highlands neighborhood through stationary, jewelry, gifts and more. The woman-owned and operated shop is home to sassy and silly cards, mugs, journals, accessories and so much more that will put a smile on your bestie’s face. If you find yourself at a loss for words when gifting this holiday season, we can guarantee that Wordshop has the exact card or message to show your girls you love them.
Be prepared to spend… between $5-75, you can leave Wordshop with a bag full of handmade, one-of-a-kind unique goodies that won’t break the bank.
A handmade leather bag from Jessie Rose and Co.
Photo Courtesy of Jessie Rose and Co.
The Lowdown: Don’t feel intimidated when shopping for the cowgirl in your life. Look to local Jessie Rose and Co. for handmade leather bags that will elevate any wild western woman’s wardrobe. The lovely shades of reds, blues, browns and creams make for a modern and sophisticated leather look unlike any handbag that we have seen before. Designer Jessie Rose aims to tell a story through her craft, and as a gift for your friend this holiday season you will be drafting a story of your own. Shop the collection at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club Holiday Bazaar on December 2 from 1-6 pm.
Be prepared to spend… $14-450 depending on whether you purchase a pin or a handbag.
Treat your gals (or yourself) at M. Bolden Boutique
Photo Courtesy of M. Bolden on Instagram
The Lowdown: Denver-based designer Rachel Marie Hurst recently unveiled her new boutique, M. Bolden. Focused on building an inclusive space for all women looking for the next outfit that will make them feel fabulous, the boutique empowers women to love who they are through what they wear. From denim to dresses to accessories and more, your bestie will look her best in a gift from M. Bolden Boutique.
Be prepared to spend… Between $40-250 on clothing and accessories.
On Point Beauty products for the girls with curls
Photo Courtesy of On Point Beauty
The Lowdown: The best gift you can give a curly girl is a product that will cut her routine in half and leave her curls shiny, bouncy and voluminous. This is where Denver-based haircare brand On Point Beauty comes in. All products are free of silicones, parabens, phthalates, SLS/SLES, dyes and artificial fragrances.
Be prepared to spend… $12.50-34.99 for a single product and between $44-114.99 for a set.
Flowers from Black + Blossomed to brighten up her room
Photo Courtesy of Black + Blossomed on Instagram
The Lowdown: Who said holiday gifts have to be extravagant? A bouquet from Denver-based floral shop Black + Blossomed is a heartfelt way to show your love. Aside from crafting stunning arrangements, Black + Blossomed strives to build community and encourages customers to use flowers as the foundation of a movement, whether that be in their own lives or amongst their community. Located in Greenspaces, head to Black + Blossomed to start building the perfect bouquet.
Be prepared to spend… $55 for a hand-tied bouquet and $65 for an arrangement.
The perfect print from DorothyDear Creations
Photo Courtesy of DorothyDear Creations
The Lowdown: Whether your best friend is moving or your work wife needs a print to spruce up her living room, DorothyDear Creations offers prints for stylish women who want their space to embody the things they love in life. Featuring flowers, cowboy boots, disco balls, mushrooms and more, these adorable graphic prints will serve as the focal point in any room. Add a tote bag, greeting card or sticker to your cart for yourself, while you’re at it!
Be prepared to spend… $16-20 for art prints that come sealed in a clear protective sleeve with sturdy backing.
For the Self-Care Gurus
No matter who you are gifting for, we anyone could use some form of self-care. From local brands to small-batch companies, there is no shortage of options to take care of your loved ones this season by giving them something to help ease anxiety and burnout or to merely encourage a relaxing evening.
The Leaf People skincare kit
Photo Courtesy of Leaf People on Instagram
The Lowdown: Based in Carbondale, Colorado, this skincare kit includes Swiss apple stem cells, peptides and hyaluronic acid. If you need something for your mama this holiday season, these products are meant to ease wrinkles and age spots, promoting a smooth, vibrant complexion and are recommended for the 35+ and over clientele. Encourage her to kick back, relax and embrace the nourishing qualities of this kit.
Be prepared to spend… $150.
The Herbal Zen shower steamer
Photo Courtesy of The Herbal Zen on Instagram
The Lowdown: While many may not find the time to truly relax, everyone is taking a shower. Give the gift of incorporating relaxation into your loved one’s already-established routine with shower steamers from The Herbal Zen. Made in the USA and with the purest essential oils, this is an affordable and easy way to give the gift of winding down.
Be prepared to spend… $24.99-59.99.
A cute and decorative puzzle
Photo Courtesy of Galison
The Lowdown: Puzzles aren’t just for kids. Give the gift of brain stimulation, and new decor, by finding the puzzle perfect for your person. Even better? You can complete the puzzle together! We love Galison’s Pajama Mamas 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by artist Anne Bentley, but the opportunities are truly endless.
Be prepared to spend… $11.89.
Stop by Greenspaces and grab an Eternal Balance Candle
Photo Courtesy of Eternal Balance Candle on Instagram
The Lowdown: Lighting a candle is an intention, and so is taking time for ourselves. The best gift to give a loved one is the ability to set intentions and find space and energy to reset. Handmade in Denver, Eternal Balance Candles are not only biodegradable and will burn for more than 50 hours, but they are also constructed with phthalate, paraben and preservative-free fragrance oils. Order online or head to Greenspaces in RiNo to snag the perfect gift this season.
Be prepared to spend… $45.
Load up on CBD products from Sacred Ace Skincare
Photo Courtesy of Sacred Ace Skincare on Instagram
The Lowdown: CBD is currently all the rage for skincare, but for good reason. CBD can be applied topically and offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and calming properties. Sacred Ace is dedicated to creating clean, small-batch products with a high concentration of cannabidiol. What does that mean? These products actually work. From muscle relief to intimacy oil and more, Sacred Ace products will leave you feeling like an accomplished gift giver this season, and you may even want to snag something for yourself.
Be prepared to spend… between $8-70 depending on the product.
Light one up with Velvet Roots
Photo Courtesy of Velvet Roots on Instagram
The Lowdown: Maybe your person likes to lather in CBD or maybe they like to smoke it. If it’s the latter, look no further than Velvet Roots. The small batch apothecary based in Denver is known for wild botanical and CBD products serving those focused on medicinal self-care and ritual healing. The company focuses on mental health and uses botanicals to start conversations and provide methods to reduce stress and anxiety.
Be prepared to spend… $9-20, or $30 for a pack of CBD herbal pre-rolls.
Bathe in beer at the Oakwell Beer Spa
Photo Courtesy of Oakwell Beer Spa on Instagram
The Lowdown: Denverites love their beer, so much so that in 2019, husband and wife Jessica French & Damien Zouaoui decided that there was no better place to open a beer spa. Guests can expect a relaxing space with beer baths, infrared saunas, zero-gravity massage chairs and a craft beer taproom. You had us at wellness and booze!
Be prepared to spend… packages range from $189 (standard beer therapy room), $249 (date night package) to $450 (groups and garage parties).
Stocking Stuffers
Need something easy to throw in a stocking, weather it’s for a kiddo, a family member, a roommate or you’re hosting the Christmas party this year? Here are some must-haves that will fit in a stocking or perfect for one of the eight days of Hanukkah.
Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
The Lowdown: For photographers, content creators or the aesthetic friends in our lives, the Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Camera captures two moments in one frame. The concept challenges the person behind the camera to capture a moment in two different ways, resulting in a beautiful interpretation of art. It allowed me to bring a small camera everywhere and rather than taking my phone out, I made a moment magic by yelling “smile!” and pulling out the camera. Make sure to use the flash!
Be prepared to spend… $50, if you want to include a roll of film you’ll spend about an additional $20.
Silk Pillowcase
Photo Courtesy of DamnGina
The Lowdown: Every person in your life could benefit from a pillowcase to improve their hair and skin. While there are plenty of options on the market, we can’t get enough of the variety of DamnGina silk pillowcase sizes and colors. Throw one of these in a stocking and you’ll be deemed the best gift giver, with little thought necessary. Looking for a budget option? These will do the trick and come in a two-pack, or upgrade with these Mulberry silk cases.
Be prepared to spend… $10-90 depending on the brand and size.
Plant Straws
Photo Courtesy of Plantstraws on Instagram
The Lowdown: Handmade in Sweden, small and independent brand Plantstraws offers an easy and aesthetic way for plant parents to maintain their green thumb. Made for indoor and outdoor potted plants, a wick runs through a tube where water streams from a reservoir to the soil. With a variety of different vases and materials, Plantstraw elevates any space and is the perfect gift for the plant people in your life.
Be prepared to spend… $26-52 on the straw, and $15-19 on a vase.
Owala Water Bottles
Photo Courtesy of Owala on Instagram
The Lowdown: There are several brands on the market meant to keep beverages hot or cold. However, Owala keeps design in mind with leak-proof thermoses that have built-in straws and aesthetic appeal. With both neutral and vibrant color options, give the gift of drinking water in style.
Be prepared to spend… $27.99+
Dagne Dover Phone Sling
Photo Courtesy of Dagne Dover on Instagram
The Lowdown: Fanny packs are all the rage, and Dagne Dover Phone Slings are made to elevate the casual yet stylish look we’re all trying to accomplish. This hands-free alternative to a handbag comes in colors like camel, dark moss and dune to serve as the perfect basic for any wardrobe. The neoprene material is spill-proof and the easy way to keep track of essentials on the go, while looking just as good along the way.
Be prepared to spend… $75.
give back
While the holidays can be about finding the perfect gift for the people in our lives, we can’t forget about those who are less fortunate than us. The Curio Cabinet compiled a list of several Colorado-based charities and organizations to support this season and beyond to give the gift of a roof over someone’s head, food for children on the streets, resources for struggling women and more.
Abby Schirmacher
Co-founder/Editor