Every year around this time, the Manufacturer’s Edge team pulls together a small collection of our favorite Colorado-made products. Not only is it a fun way to highlight the amazing work being done by our valued clients, but it is also an excellent excuse to discover new products and celebrate and connect with new manufacturers. So, if you are a last-minute-shopper, this list is for you and we hope it inspires your 11th-hour creativity. If you are already done shopping, but happen to be a manufacturing enthusiast and connoisseur of all things Colorado-made, this list is also for you and we hope we can add a few new items to your repertoire. Either way, thank you to the Colorado manufacturers who make this annual list such a joy to compile. We celebrate you this holiday season and look forward to working with you to accomplish great things in 2019 and beyond!
Liberty Puzzles | The Twelve Days of Christmas puzzle ($105)
If you haven’t heard of Liberty Puzzles, you’re missing out on a beautiful gem of handmade, artisan awesomeness. Based in Boulder, Liberty Puzzles has more than 650 different original beautiful, intricate puzzle designs. The puzzle pictured here is called “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and was designed by artist Jane Tattersfield. In addition to their extensive line of signature puzzles, they also offer a customization option so that you can bring your own vision to life — one piece at a time!
Meier Skis | Quickdraw ($735)
There are so many amazing things about Meier Skis, we don’t even know where to begin. First, Meier specializes in beautiful, handcrafted skis and snowboards that are made from 100% natural Colorado wood products and adorned with colorful, dynamic artwork sure to make you the envy of every other person on the slopes. Second, their commitment to responsible environmental practices is second-to-none. Third, they are so confident in the quality of their craftsmanship that they are one of the only ski manufacturers to use a clear top sheet–because they literally have nothing to hide. And last, but certainly not least, you can watch them make or tune your skis in real time while you enjoy a frosty cold craft beer at the world’s first Craft Skiery! It does not get any cooler than that.
OtterBox | Venture 25 Cooler $229.99
25 bonus points if you already know that OtterBox is a Colorado company based out of Fort Collins. 100 bonus points if you are aware of the fact that they make much, much more than phone covers! It’s true. Most of us depend on them to reliably protect our precious phones from practically any threat: children, dogs, massive falls, Sharknados (maybe?)… You may not know that they have diversified their product line and now make a wide variety of equally solid and dependable outdoor gear must-haves. This cooler, for example, has a 25-quart capacity, a mounting system, and tough latches to keep critters out. As if that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a lifetime warranty, is certified bear-resistant, and keeps ice frozen for up to 10 days! Admit it. You want one… or twelve.
Mountain Marsupial | 4-in-1 jacket $239
A last-minute entry in the 2018 gift guide, we have no idea how this miracle jacket escaped our attention until now! Made in Englewood, Mountain Marsupial is a high-quality 4-in-1 jacket designed to keep women stylish and warm through a variety of life phases and climates. The Marsupial is windproof, waterproof, and can be worn in multiple ways. First, it can be worn as a normal jacket, but it also comes with an extra panel of material that can be added to the front to accomodate a pregnant belly or a baby in a carrier. The panel can, alternatively, be used on the back of the jacket to keep mom and child warm while using a backpack carrier. Where was this jacket when I was having babies?!? This is exactly the sort of thing that almost makes me wonder if I should have more kids… almost.
Basis | Variety 12 pack $29.99
Solar Roast Coffee | Breckenridge Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee 8 oz. $19.95
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel | check local stores for pricing
When the Manufacturer’s Edge team started submitting suggestions for the gift guide, we noticed an abundance of new and exciting products in the world of beverage options. We have narrowed them down to one item from the three most important beverage categories: hydration, caffeination, and libation.
In the hydration category, Basis is an up-and-coming superstar. Launched in 2016, Basis has three times more electrolytes than most popular sports drinks and a mere fraction of the sugar. And, as of just last month, you can now find Basis at your local Whole Foods.
As the name implies, our choice in the caffeinated category is a unique coffee roasted by harnessing the power of the sun. What started as an experiment in Oregon with an old satellite dish, 100 plastic mirrors, and a broccoli strainer has now become an enormously successful company with an admirable commitment to support their adopted community of Pueblo and to become the “the nation’s leading environmentally sustainable coffee company”.
For that truly special and discerning individual who appreciates the finer things in life, nothing says thoughtful gift-giving like a limited edition, hand bottled, signed and stamped single barrel bourbon whiskey from Breckenridge Distillery. We hear it has notes of toffee and caramel and “strong spicy undertones with a balanced oak profile”. We haven’t yet had a chance to sample it ourselves, so if you’re looking for a gift for your favorite Manufacturer’s Edge team member…
