VIP gift with a distinctive Colorado feel?

August 3, 2006 10:09 AM

I need to find a really nice and tasteful executive-type gift (in the $100-150 range) that distinctively symbolizes Colorado in some way, but I’m having a hard time finding something suitable.

The gift is for the head of a government delegation to a conference my non-profit is hosting in Denver. Past years’ gifts have included reproduction colonial-era china (for Virginia), limestone bookends with state seal (for Texas), and a western bronze sculpture (for Arizona). Any thoughts from native “Coloradoans” on what products might symbolize your state, or on specific items even, would be much appreciated. It has to be an online purchase, since I’m in D.C., but I have more than a month for shipping. Thanks!

posted by gemmy to shopping (10 comments total)

Aspen leaf jewellery.
posted by brujita at 10:19 AM on August 3, 2006

Colorado? Some kind bud, obviously!

The shipping may be tough...
posted by Bud Dickman at 11:07 AM on August 3, 2006

Around here, I see a lot of visiting executives getting rather unfortunate-looking things fashioned antlers or faux-weathered figurines by Michael Garman. Both are equally local, and equally useless. Personally, I'd steer clear of anything made of tooled leather or animal parts.

Why not go with something artistic -- like a framed print by a local artist, or some pottery from wonderful, historic Van Briggle Pottery?
posted by mochapickle at 12:07 PM on August 3, 2006

Something from the artists in Durango, CO? Silver and Turquoise? Navajo Pottery or Concha Belt? Doing a quick search, a lot of stores in Durango have a web presence.
posted by Eringatang at 12:16 PM on August 3, 2006

Maybe a framed photograph of some Colorado landscape?
Here's a Colorado place by a Colorado photographer
Here's another
I'm sure there are plenty more similar.
Here's a company that makes gift baskets with Colorado food products, if you want to go that route.
posted by Shoeburyness at 12:30 PM on August 3, 2006

Oops, that first link is the same as the last link. It should be
this instead.
posted by Shoeburyness at 12:32 PM on August 3, 2006

Engraved goldpan.
posted by kookywon at 1:11 PM on August 3, 2006

The state flower of Colorado, the columbine, is really pretty imo. Also popular are Aspens, buffalo, and the Denver Broncos.
Maybe the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory?
Or maybe some buffalo meat?
posted by mattbucher at 1:40 PM on August 3, 2006

This gift basket is really cool--with all Colorado produced high-end items. Also, Colorado has quite a burgeoning wine industry. Canyon Wind Cellars is the best in my opinion.
posted by maelanchai at 2:53 PM on August 3, 2006

Thanks, everyone! I marked mochapickle because this Columbine Vase is very close to what I kind of had in mind.

The food items sound good too, but we have settled on food (including buffalo jerky!) for smaller gifts for the other members of the delegation.

Any other suggestions still welcome, as I have some time before I have to decide. Of all the tasks of planning a conference, this one is my least favorite...
posted by gemmy at 4:03 PM on August 3, 2006