Online Boutique Recommendations: Holidays 2010

Marmot Skier from Alpen Schatz

Are you overwhelmed yet? You know, about all the holiday hoopla. I try to keep it as simple as possible and still, I sometimes feel myself stressing about the handful of items scratched onto my holiday to-do list. This year poses even more of a challenge—for me and other Americans—since many of us are more cost conscious and environmentally aware than ever before.

I’ve always been an advocate of buying quality, not quantity. Call it the French way, if you want. It’s also very European to be green and it’s great to see Americans implementing that approach into their lifestyle—especially their shopping habits—more and more. We all know about bringing our own bags with us when we shop, but what approach should we use for online shopping? And is online shopping even green?

I’m not sure how to answer that last question since I’m a huge proponent of shopping local. But let’s face it, you can’t buy everything locally, especially when you live in a remote mountain town like Telluride, Colorado. Plus it’s fun to source speciality items on the Internet from time to time. And what about Aunt Harriet, brother Mike and all the other assorted friends and family members on your gift-giving list—you know, the folks that live a bazillion miles away? I think it’s much easier to turn the packaging and mailing chore over to an online boutique.

And here’s how you can make your online shopping more green:  Speak up and ask for less plastic to be used in the packaging. Yeah, that’s right. It works every time for me. Plus people are using less plastic these days anyway.

But let me get right to my recommendations. Today is December 15th and time is of the essence. You’re still O.K. though. Most of the below purveyors can deliver by Christmas within the U.S.—by USPS, UPS or FedEx ground—if you get your order in this week. Devotees of my annual Online Boutique Recommendations will recognize that this year’s lineup includes my perennial favorites along with a few newcomers. Most of these choice purveyors are small, artisanal businesses, passionate about the products they sell and the clients that find their way to their boutique. Best of all:  I’ve negotiated a special discount for BonjourColorado.com readers with some of them, so be sure to mention Bonjour Colorado or just Bonjour where indicated below.

Telluride Vodka

I’m first going to take you to main street Telluride. Can you picture it? Do you remember the Budweiser commercial with the Clydesdale horses strutting down a picture-perfect old-fashioned mountain town, back-dropped by majestic, snowy peaks? Well, that’s our little downtown. Two of my all-time favorite shops, Alpen Schatz and Telluride Truffle also boast a fantastic online business. Here you’ll find superior quality gift ideas galore at a wide range of prices. Alpen Schatz imports alpine treasures from Europe including Swiss dog collars and belts, Italian silk scarves and scarf ornaments and an avalanche of other finely-made goods fresh out of a Christkindlmarkt. Their marmots, jolly little stuffed animals from Austria, are a must. They sing, they dance, they play the accordion—they make you smile. If you really want to create a beguiling effect, order a dozen that you can line up on your coffee table or mantle to spread some giggly holiday cheer. Telluride Truffle serves up a more homegrown version of mountain love. What would Christmas be without chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate sauce? You name it. ‘Tis the season for rich and yummy chocolate. Type in Bonjour upon check out for both to receive a 10% discount (on online orders only).

Just over a year ago Telluride Vodka came on the scene as one of the hottest holiday must-haves. Now this stunning bottle filled with superlative Vodka, made from the pristine waters of Telluride, graces fine bars and restaurants on both sides of the Divide. And there’s good news for you:  The price of Telluride Vodka has come down considerably since its original launch and you can receive an additional 10% discount by mentioning Bonjour Colorado when ordering by e-mail.

Ruth’s Toffee

Just outside of Telluride, there’s a little lady that makes the most out-of-this-world toffee. Her name is Ruth and her business is called Ruth’s Toffee, tout simplement. Ruth is also extending a 10% discount to Bonjour Colorado shoppers. Don’t miss out on this wondrous holiday treat!

Holiday Ribbon’s from Hammond’s Candies

Christmas and candy go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. Hammond’s Candies, a Denver institution since 1920, allows you to focus on the fluff instead of the warm, milky drink. Their over-sized marshmallows, dipped in chocolate and caramel and referred to as all natural Mitchell Sweets, are yummy enough to enjoy alone. But if you really want to create a stir, plop them into a strong cup of cocoa and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Here, too, you’ll find handmade ribbon candy along with gorgeous candy canes in our favorite holiday flavors including wintergreen, peppermint, clove and cinnamon–all almost too beautiful to eat!

Too many sweets might leave you craving salt. In that case, order up a bunch of Ricky’s Lucky Nuts. This Durango, Colorado purveyor offers an exciting snack alternative for nut lovers, whether you like them sweet or savory, or even a little of both. They take all natural peanuts, dry roast and then coat them in a glaze of spice blends such as Bombay Curry Coconut and Spicy Chile Chipolte. They’re so tasty, you’ll want to order all five flavors.

Alpenglow Lanterns from Evergreen Candleworks

Now for the ambiance. It’s important to set the right mood, especially during the darkest time of the year. How about green organic soy candles from Evergreen Candleworks in Evergreen, Colorado? Yes, that’s right. Linda is the environmentally-aware force behind this family-owned business nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. And her products are lovely, all as pure and clean smelling as our mountain air. For the special lady on your list, order the Silky Soy Pampering Package which includes a silky soy candle and its hot oil treatment with a warmer.

Tapenades Gift Box from Quel Objet

My shopping recommendations would not be complete without me highlighting a delightful boutique whereyou can find a suitcase full of French gift itemsspecially imported by Susan Sears, a woman of impeccable taste. Quel Objet has been a favorite of mine for many years and it’s the first online boutique I think of (and often recommend!) for a quintessential French Shopping experience. From food items to home and table accessories, books and bibelots, there’s something for every budget at this colorful online boutique.

Midnight Honey Bath & Beauty Oil from Farmaesthethics

If you want to spread the word about living a greener, less plastic life, order the “Bag It” DVD for your friends and family. Produced in Telluride, this award-winning film has earned accolades throughout the world. It has changed my life since I first saw it at our Mountain Film Festival in May. You can read about its impact on me at Brand New Me.

In “Bag It” you learn that beauty products in plastic containers are not such a good idea. Thank goodness for brands such as Farmaesthetics, a natural skincare company that packages their fine herbal potions, lotions and creams in glass. Farmaesthetics truly understands the importance of fine quality products that offer a spa experience in a jar. Hmmmmm. I just love their scents. They offer many great gift ideas for the holidays as well including Quiet Canyon, a five-piece chamomile collection, and Holiday Travel Set.

O.K., that wraps it up for me this year. At least for now. I’ll be posting my best wine recommendation of the season here shortly—you may be surprised.

I wish you a happy, healthy and fun-filled holiday season!