After everything’s she done to give you the life that you have (you know, giving birth to you and all), the most important woman in your life deserves to be spoiled for the holidays.
But finding the perfect gift for your Colorado Mom is a challenge, isn’t it?
That’s why we’ve put together this list of some of our favorite must-have gifts. Staying warm and cozy this winter is at the top of my list so I’ve included some of my favorite companies and products.
Outdoorsy Mama
Short Down Skirt from SKHOOP
My love affair with SKHOOP, “The original skirt company,” started several years ago when I was literally stopped in my tracks by their insulated skirts at their Outdoor Retailer Show. Women’s winter activewear has certainly come a long way but skirts in the winter? Unheard of! But if anyone knows cold, these skirts (of all lengths) will not only keep your legs and butt toasty, they are also stylin’. The Scandanavian company has expanded their down skirt collection to include synthetic and non-insulated skirts, sweaters, vest and more…but their Short Down Skirt still has my heart with its unique combination of flexibility and fashion. The shell is 100% polyester with 80/20 down/feather RDS Certified Down insulation, 500 fill power, and the environmentally-friendly DWR repels dirt and moisture. This is a customer favorite for a reason! $159. skhoop.us
Anxiety/Insomnia Mama
Corala Blanket
Have you ever tried a weighted blanket? If there’s anything mamas need, it’s a good night of sleep…and 45 percent of the population currently suffers from “poor or insufficient sleep.” Not all weighted blankets are created equally (and many are filled with dangerous chemicals) so when a trusted friend who suffers from insomnia due to her chronic pain recommended Corala, I knew I had to test it out. This special weighted blanket uses lead-free pure glass beads that somehow make you feel more secure, relaxed and calm. It comes with two duvet covers–one for summer and winter–and when it gets dirty, just throw the covers in the wash. If you’re a poor sleeper…or just enjoy the calming effects of snuggling up to a blanket by the fire after a long ski day…the Corala is a fantastic gift that comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-night trial with free return and delivery. Get our exclusive 15% off coupon code at checkout: MHM15. $199. coralablanket.com
Best (and Coziest) Footwear for Mamas on the Go
Teva’s Ember Moc
I’m not gonna lie. When I first saw Teva’s Ember Moc shoes, I thought they looked like a mini Moon Boot. But then I saw the light…and felt the toastiness. This shoe merges the warmth of a down sleeping bag with sneaker-like wearability and a collapsible heel (so there’s zero guilt when you’re too lazy to put them on correctly). The slip-on style has water repellent treatment and a unique combo of moisture-wicking nylon ripstop, cozy ribbed collars, cushy PU footbeds, convertible heel counters and durable rubber outsoles. I initially planned to wear them for apres ski in the lodge or snuggling up around the campfire but they’ve become my go-to everyday winter wear. My husband is a convert as well and loves the Ember Mid, an updated high-top version of Teva’s classic Ember Moc. Lest you feel tempted to insert your twinner jokes, we’ll just enjoy being warm, dry and cozy over here. Ember Moc $75; Ember Mid $90. teva.com
The Fit Mama
Fitbit Charge 3
I still remember once upon a time when I got my first Fitbit and became obsessed with getting my 10,000 steps…while all my friends in my online Fitbit community judged me when I did not. Well, the Fitbit is all grown up and the Fitbit Charge 3 was voted the 2018 Fitness Tracker of the Year by Wareable. Remember when you used to cheat and wave your arms around to get more steps? This smart device automatically recognizes exercises like runs, swims, elliptical, sports and more and records them in the Fitbit app. The Fitbit Charge 3 tracks 24/7 heartrate and tells you how many calories you’re burning all day and during workouts so you can stay on track toward your goal. It’s swimproof, tracks your sleep and the Fitbit app can even track periods, record symptoms and see a predicted ovulation calendar. The Fitbit Charge 3 automatically syncs to computers and 200+ Android, iOS and Windows devices and if you sometimes need a timeout from your kids? Find moments of calm throughout your day with personalized guided breathing sessions based on your heart rate. This, my friends, is a match made in Mile High Mama Heaven. $149.95. www.fitbit.com
The Cookin’ Mama
Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple
I first stumbled upon Half Baked Harvest on Instagram and was immediately hooked! Tieghan Gerard is a Colorado food photographer, stylist, recipe developer, and cookbook author who creates all her recipes from a gorgeous restored barn in snowy Summit County. Her newly-released cookbook features a hearty mix of savory, sweet, healthy, and indulgent recipes with 125 easy recipes, fewer ingredients, foolproof meal-prepping, effortless entertaining, and everything in between. Must-try recipes include the Snickerdoodles with Egg Nog Frosting, Browned Sage Butter Chicken Pot Pie, Carne Asada Tacos, Pumpkin and Sage Lasagna, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and Golden Butternut Squash Soup. $17.99. amazon.com
Homebody Mama
LL Bean’s Daybreak Scuffs
I first spotted LL Bean’s Daybreak Scuffs on a gift guide last year and tried to order them but they sold out. I didn’t make that mistake and bought early this year because there’s nothing like greeting the day in these cute slippers emblazoned with an image of one of your favorite animals or an outdoor motif. These scuff slippers pair durable construction with fun colors and adorable styling and slip-on with the convenience of open-backed mule slippers while the wool clog style upper features high-pile fleece sock liner to balance warmth and comfort. $64 llbean.com/llb/shop/70223
LL Bean’s Wicked Plush Robe
While I was journeying down the LL Bean rabbit hole, I stumbled upon what they claim is “the coziest robe we’ve ever worn” on their website. I whole-heartedly second that motion! With its Sherpa-trimmed hood and cuffs, this 100% polyester plush robe is brushed on both sides for an extra-plush feel. It has generous front patch pockets and a removable tie belt and inside tie. Pair it with their Wicked Plush Throw and you won’t want to leave home this winter. $99 llbean.com/llb/shop/123523
Always Cold Mama
Smartwool’s Best Sock Finder and New Intraknit Base Layers
Are you always cold when you’re outside? Well, your underwear just got smarter with Smartwool’s new Intraknit™ Merino wool base layers. With less seams (and more comfort), they offer body-mapped ventilation in gender-specific zones to help keep you dry (because it’s about time someone figured out men and women sweat differently). When Smartwool started making socks 25 years ago, their founders simply wanted to be able to enjoy the outdoors longer without getting cold toes…and now, they’ve figured out how to keep your whole body warm and dry without adding bulk. P.S. Be sure to check-out their “Best Sock Finder” which is like a dating site to find your perfect sock for adults and kids with a lot less heartache. 250 Zip Top $150; 250 Bottoms $130; Socks: vary in cost. smartwool.com
Skida Headwear and Accessories
I first became hooked on Skida when I saw their Bento Box Alpine Neckwarmer (sushi, anyone?)…and I fell in love with this company even more when I learned the backstory. Skida (Swedish for ‘ski’) was started by high school ski racer Corinne Prevot who sewed the fashionable hats at her mom’s kitchen table. Today the company makes fleece-lined hats, headbands, neck gaiters, and the most darling scrunchies, selling to about 300 stores around the United States. Their Nordic ski unlined hats’ poly-blend fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, perfect for winter walks to the park, snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. And if you can’t narrow down their many choices of bright, fun fabrics? Your friends and family will delight in one of each. Cost varies. skida.com
The Cool (and Sustainable) Mama
Costa Sunglasses Untangled Collection
When I think ‘sustainability,’ sunglasses don’t exactly come to mind but that is exactly what Costa Sunglasses have somehow managed to accomplish. The raw material for their “Untangled Collection” frames is made with recycled fishing nets and the styles use other lower-impact materials such as recycled nose and temple pads and recycled aluminum logo detail. 
The key to Costa’s success is their polarized lens technology that cuts down on excessive glare. All of their lenses have its patented color-enhancing 580® lens technology which provide 100 percent UV protection and polarization, and selectively filter out harsh yellow light for superior contrast and definition while absorbing high-energy blue light to cut haze and enhance sharpness. What does all that mean? These glasses perform superbly when you’re enjoying the great outdoors with your family…and you can look and feel good about wearing them. Starting at $199. costadelmar.com
The Fun Mama
The Micro Kickboard
Who says kids get to have all the fun? That’s why I’m putting Micro Kickboard’s Swiss-designed scooters with sizes for the entire family on my wish list this year. We’ve all been there. You’re trying to teach your kid to ride a bike and can’t keep up. 
Or a casual stroll around the neighborhood isn’t so casual when your kids are on their scooters and you’re trying to speedwalk next to them. Designed for adults, the Flex Series boasts a tall T-Bar handle with a maximum height of 37″ above the deck (41″ from the ground) that accommodates most adults. At just 10 lbs, the Flex is lightweight enough to simply fold, pick up and carry. The high-quality hand grips are comfortable, even after a long ride. These features put it at the top of our list for any adults looking to shave some time off their commute, or just for kickin’ around the neighborhood with their kiddos. $199. microkickboard.com.
The Colorado-lovin’ Mama
YoColorado
Evidence that digital marketing actually works: YoColorado appeared in both my Instagram and Facebook feeds within a 24-hour period which I took to be a sign to further investigate. YoColorado’s visionary clothing and accessories are inspired by outdoor lifestyles, thoughtful design, and quality manufacturing. Their Colorado apparel store offers a wide variety of designs for men, women, and children. They have everything from Colorado t-shirts, hoodies, fleeces, and socks to hats, bags, patches, and stickers. The diverse culture, stunningly beautiful scenery, and ever-evolving landscape of the Rocky Mountains energizes their brand’s creative style (follow their killer Instagram account for Colorado travel inspiration as well). My product de choix is their Sunset Fader Trucker Hat. I’ll take one in each color, please. $32. yocolorado.com
The Accident-Prone Mama
Phoozy Xp3 Series Thermal Case
My smartphone has had many adventures, including being dropped in the lake and face-planting on a jagged rock during a selfie. What I’ve long needed is the Phoozy Xp3 Series Thermal Case, a thermal capsule that offers the ultimate smartphone protection from the elements including cold, heat, water and even drop protection (to military standards which means they’re also kid-proof). There are four different series (Apollo, Apollo II, Ipad/Laptop and XP3). The XP3 has the most bang for your buck and can be used to protect radios, extra battery packs, drone batteries, insulin and epi-pens. The company just became the exclusive phone case and technology protector with the PSIA-AASI (Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors) so you know it’s gotta be good. $49.99 phoozy.com/pages/snow
The Crafting Mama
Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials
I kinda fail in the crafting department but Kim McLeod’s new book Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials is a no-brainer. With more than 2 million followers on Facebook, 400K on Pinterest and 117K on Instagram, Kim is a proven popular resource for both parents and kids for fun, easy and exciting crafts projects. The book features 60 cool projects (along with 12 tear-out templates) that re-imagine paper rolls, egg cartons, jars, cardboard and more, with ways to transform them into colorful decorations, amazing wearable masks, hats and jewelry or even sturdy desk organizers, puzzles, kaleidoscopes, indoor mini-gardens, dinosaur terrariums and paint palettes. Kim provides a varied selection of budget-friendly, eco-conscious projects that are great for imaginary play, bedroom decorations, gift-giving and more. $17.99. amazon.com
The Splurging Mama
SKEA
Night Out Mama
The Denver Passbook
If you need an excuse to get out more, let this be it. The Denver Passbook is a culinary tour of the Mile High City featuring two-for-one entrées and other offers at more than 125 restaurants. A sampling of the great restaurants you’ll find include the Chophouse, 10 Barrel Brewing Co, Bad Daddy’s Blue Bonnet, Comida at The Stanley Marketplace, Corner Office, CRUSH Pizza + Tap and more. This is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. $45 (currently on sale). $45. diningoutpassbook.com
Happy Holidays!
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
