Holiday Gift Guide 2023 - Aspen Real Life

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023

With Chanukah beginning on Friday, December 8th, and Christmas around the corner, we have created our annual curated list for you to embark on your holiday shopping. Nestled amidst the breathtaking mountains Aspen was once known for its charming boutiques and renowned art galleries. Although the landscape has changed quite a bit from how we once knew it, there are still incredible gifts to be found throughout the valley in locally owned boutiques.

Below is our annual curated guide to the must-visit shops, each embodying our valley’s distinctive character.

Stop by our Aspen Business Connect Holiday Shopping Spree with Duchess & The Dude and KOR Aspen This Friday, December 8th, 4:30-6:00 p.m. RSVP.

Ajax Fitness

Get your loved one a gift certificate to work out in Aspen’s new state-of-the-art gym, connect with a personal trainer, or join a group fitness class. We have a wide range of personal trainers each with their areas of expertise to make sure you find the perfect partnership to achieve your goals. You and your trainer will create a plan that is personalized to your goals. Together you will achieve your fitness goals. Our passionate trainers will use the latest training techniques and state-of-the-art equipment during each session.

BOOK CONSULTATION NOW

Base State Longevity

At Base State we believe anyone can unlock energy and improve their longevity. Bridging new-age technology with primal, natural practices and tried and true healing, we’re empowering our community to connect with their bodies on a deeper level and make informed decisions to extend their longevity. We achieve this all through a private, welcoming space offering state-of-the-art health and longevity treatments – created in partnership with leading researcher William Sealy Hambright. Founded by Aspen locals who have themselves experienced the regenerative power of these practices, we’re passionate about sharing their benefits with you and helping you live better. Discover a better state of body and mind. WEBSITE.

Artistic Expressions

Explore the vibrant art scene in Aspen with pieces from renowned artists

Art Deco Diva, Tamara de Lempicka: Tamara de Lempicka was a Polish painter who spent her working life in France and the United States. She is best known for her polished Art Deco portraits of aristocrats and the wealthy, and her highly stylized paintings of nudes. Limited edition Serigraphs, Silk Accessories, and books all make for great gifts for the art fanatic in your life. Start Shopping.

Harvey Preston Gallery:

Harvey Preston Gallery specializes in contemporary ceramic art, works on paper, and sculpture. Working with nationally and internationally recognized talent; the gallery’s main focus is to forefront the work of artists willing to push the boundaries of their ideas and materials.

“One of the things we do best at the gallery is bring innovative contemporary ceramic art to the Aspen art scene. During the past 10 years ceramics has also become a hot topic in the larger contemporary art world. Our goal is to have works that make you think and that ask the viewer to participate in a dialogue with the artist.” — Sam Harvey


Sam Harvey is a ceramic artist with extensive knowledge and passion for the ceramic arts. He received his MFA from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University (2001) and BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute (1984). He has been an artist in residence at Sun Valley Center and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. He has taught nationally and internationally, including at Anderson Ranch and in Nepal, Taiwan, and Japan. He has shown nationally at such venues as Lill Street Arts Center, Chicago; Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe; Trax Gallery, Berkeley, CA. WEBSITE.

Folwell Studios:

Gail Folwell’s work is about the human experience, body language, spirit, mind, and interaction. She sculpts abstractly figurative concept-driven works. She seeks to convey a cause for ‘WE’ where ‘’US and THEM’ is the overwhelming norm.  As with sports, music and performance,  Art is a power that unifies. Her work is known to inspire, teach, and heal.

Aspen Custom Vans

Is your gift recipient the adventurous type? How about providing them with an opportunity for a unique and memorable adventure in a beautiful customized van.

Want to learn more about renting a van or converting one? Kimbo would love to talk to you. Give them a call at 970-948-4556 or send an email to [email protected]. WEBSITE.

Carbondale Arts

Deck the Walls handcrafted items from local artisans: Fire Weed Studio, Osmia Skincare, Blue Dye, Neighbor Hoods, Hafner Knit Co., Roaring Fork Spice, Jeweled Musings, Chase Carter, Petra Gregory, Downvalley Trash, Liz Busch, Lisa Dancing Light, Lindsay Jones, Vermont Sticky, Katy Van Awesome, Small Mighty Handmade, Sarah Uhl, Rainy Day Illustrations, Nika Meyers Art, Matt Johnson, A Ruby Moon, Pollinator Chocolate, Carol Craven, Anderson Custom, Adam Ting, The Broken Arrow, Green Boat Gardens, Emma Jane Studios, Table Top Creations by Annie. WEBSITE.

Duchess & The Dude

For those seeking affordable fashion meet Kimberly Wilson Jarrell who personifies Aspen Cool. With Kimberly fashion is her passion, which she excudes not only in her buying but also in everything she wears. If you don’t think you have what it takes, Kimberly will prove you wrong and find something from her store to snaz up your game. Kimberly also features the coolest local designers: Pamè Designs, The Pointed Arrow, Kathryn Penn Fine Jewelry, and Deefindz, amongst others. Located upstairs next to Salon Tullio and near Betula. 525 E Cooper Ave #209, Aspen, CO 81611.

Evoke Women

Experience the craftsmanship and passion behind Evoke women’s handbags, made locally with exquisite Italian leathers. Designs feature beautiful agate slices, tribal amulets, etched laser designs, and knotted details. Discover the soft, lightweight styles perfect for modern, active lifestyles. Our versatile and multifunctional designs, like the cross-body bag worn as a belt bag, shoulder bag, or clutch, offer convenience without sacrificing style. WEBSITE.

Gonzo Art from Fat City Gallery

For the rabid book junkies among you, here’s a little holiday delicacy – free shipping on all book purchases throughout December. Whether you’re stuffing stockings or expanding your collection, we’ve removed the shackles of shipping costs. Check out our online Gift Shop, and may your shelves be as chaotic as your minds.

KOR Aspen

Kor is a women’s boutique in the heart of Aspen that carries a thoughtful collection of fine jewelry, unique apparel, art, luxury accessories, and home items, all responsibly sourced with an editorial eye and a warm sense of humor. Lauren Mester is thrilled to continue the legacy the amazing Drita Rosin built at Kor and can’t wait to share all of the new arrivals and fresh designers. Come visit us upstairs across from Betula, have a drink, and you are sure to find a gift for someone on your list or even better, yourself!

Maison

New kid on the block! Maison – “home” in French, is a retail shop targeting bespoke, hand-picked items from around the world for the home – owned by local Interior Designer, Zoe Calahan. Whether you’re a home decor enthusiast, a real estate agent needing a client gift, or an interior designer needing to cover your last-minute pre-install accessories – we’ve got you covered!

Join us for Maison’s Grand Opening event on Saturday, December 9th at 5:30 PM. Sip and shop and welcome Maison to Basalt – gift with purchase. WEBSITE

Located behind Heather’s – take the alley between Craft Coffee and Two Rivers Cafe.

Winter store hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10-6, and Sundays 11-4. 

New West Knifeworks

New West KnifeWorks handcrafts knives in the USA and inspire excellence in food preparation. Over the last 26 years, their knives have been sold around the world and praised by Forbes, Bon Appetit,  The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, and more. All materials are sourced in the United States and hand-forged or hand-finished by a team of artisans in their factory in Victor, ID. Visit a retail shop in Aspen, Denver, Jackson Hole, Park City, St. Helena, and Victor. Website

Osprey Design Studio

For those with an eye for sustainable living, explore customized furniture from Hudson McNamee. Enhance your space with pieces that reflect craftsmanship and a commitment to environmental consciousness. The table shown above is a Japanese-inspired coffee table that utilizes shou sugi ban (the burnt legs) and is all made from reclaimed barnwood from Meeker, CO. Website.

Pitkin County Dry Goods

Pitkin County Dry Goods, an iconic Aspen specialty store for men and women since 1969. A go-to shop for holiday gifts featuring an amazing collection of cashmere sweaters, jeans, jewelry, and accessories.

Scout and Cellar Gift Box Set by Paula Eaton

Indulge in clean-crafted wines and coffee to elevate your dining experience with wines that are not only delightful to the palate but also embody a commitment to wellness. ORDER HERE.

Snowlight Arts by Valery Moore Kelly, Founder & Creative Director

Snowlight Arts is a new, online, fine art gallery. We’re a canvas for creativity and Aspen’s beauty, uniting art lovers and local artists Michael Kinsley, Nicholas DeVore III, Charles Andrade, and Valery Moore Kelly in a shared passion for genuine expression. We celebrate creativity, nature and our area’s rich cultural heritage. We illuminate and reflect the transformative power of art with unparalleled personalization, from archival printing materials such as paper and metal, to various matting and framing options. Our fine art prints and selection of gifts are crafted to your preference and shipped straight from our printer to your home. With our augmented reality feature, you can preview how the art looks in your space before making your purchase. Click here to start your SnowlightArts collection today!

Woody Creek Distillers:

When we founded Woody Creek Distillers, our mission was simple: To pour everything we are into everything we make. We set out to make nothing but the finest craft spirits, each with a unique taste and character that was true to the origins of that spirit. It’s a standard we hold ourselves to every day. We never use neutral grain spirits or blend with base spirits from other distillers. We grow and harvest many of our own ingredients, like the Rio Grande potatoes for our premium vodka. We only source our grains from trusted Colorado farms, like the rye in our 100% rye mash whiskey. For the finishing touch, we distill every spirit we make in our own custom CARL stills – a shining copper example of engineering and art that turns the Earth’s freshest ingredients into the world’s most treasured spirits. This is without a doubt the perfect place to raise a drink.

We also have our William H. Macey 10 year rye in stock. Supply is very limited.

Aspen’s shopping scene is a mosaic of distinctive experiences, offering something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re seeking luxury fashion, unique art, or wellness-focused gifts, Aspen’s boutiques and galleries promise an unparalleled journey of discovery. Embrace the spirit of Aspen through these curated selections and make your shopping experience truly memorable.

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