Made in Colorado.

• Author: Peterson, Eric
• Position: SMALL BIZ

1. COLORADO CRAFTED BOXES

   Sarah Welle and Dulcie Wilcox shared a love of good food and cocktails, leading them to launch a company that didn't offer run-of-the-mill gift baskets, but instead local flair to spare. The result is Colorado Crafted, which they started in early 2013 and now features about 15 local producers ranging from Helliemae's Caramels to Merfs Hand Grenade Sriracha Sauce. For the holidays, gift-givers need look no further than the Denver Box--chock-full of goodies from Mile High makers--or boxes with bath products or whiskey accouterments from Colorado purveyors. "There's a really cool scene," says Welle, "with a lot of artisans making delicious products." The duo also offers custom corporate gifts for any occasion. $35 to $250 retail.

   Made by Colorado Crafted

   Longmont

   (970) 633-0207

   coloradocraftedbox.com

2. DOWNWARD FACING DOG COLLARS

   Juliet Stillman is a yoga teacher, dog lover, sewer and knitter. With Downward Facing Dog, her combined interests make for some of the prettiest dog collars on either side of the Continental Divide, and the perfect gift for the discriminating Colorado canine. She makes short runs of her silk collars, featuring colorful floral embroidery, as well as a variety of handmade yoga accessories. "I wanted to make something ornate but that also has a positive thought to it," says Stillman. "They all say 'Love' on the inside." About $35 retail.

   Made by Downward Facing Dog

   Crested Butte

   (970) 209-7096

   downwardfacingdog.com

3. LITTLE COLORADO TOYS AND FURNITURE

   Cheryl and Dick Shaw launched Little Colorado in 1987 and have seen things come full circle for the 25-employee company in the past few years. "Our year-to-date sales are up 36 percent," says Cheryl, citing environmental safety as a catalyst. "This is what young, educated parents are looking for." But there's another key: a surge in demand for local goods. "American-made and local are huge right now," especially considering the "quality gap" between Little Colorado's handcrafted products and the imported competition, Cheryl says. Top holiday sellers include the toy kitchen center and refrigerator as well as a play...