Gifts to pick up quick in Eagle County

The countdown has begun. No, not the one for the end of world, the countdown to Christmas. There are four days left in the annual holiday spectacle known as “retail shopping.” While some purchased their presents on Black Friday, others have only just starting thinking about what to get family and friends. There’s also the unexpected gift from someone not on your own list, requiring you to buy something on the fly in order to avoid any social faux pas. It is possible to support local businesses while doing your last minute shopping. These eleventh hour gifts will cover everyone from your dearest friends to distant relatives, with the added bonus of being locally or at least Colorado-made. And don’t feel too bad, Santa probably procrastinates when it comes to finding a gift for his own wife, Mrs. Claus. 1. Photograph print by Matt IndenLocal photographer Matt Inden hikes to remote places to capture his images of landscapes. This results in photographs that illustrate the Valley’s beauty and remind us why we choose to live here year after year. The Matt Inden Gallery is holding an Image Release Party Friday night from 4 to 7 p.m. in Lionshead, where one can pick up a print to give to your favorite mountain or art-lover. Prints range from $40 to $4,000. For more information visit http://www.mattinden.com.2. Vail’s 50th PosterThere’s no better way to celebrate both the holidays and Vail’s birthday than with the 50th anniversary poster. Give this poster to the person you hope to spend 50 more years with. Posters are $39.99 and for sale at the Vail Daily, Mount N’ Frame in Vail, Christopher & Co. in Beaver Creek and the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum in Vail. 3. Hand knit hats and scarves by Donna BaskinsLake Creek teacher Donna Baskins knits these colorful hats, scarves, and headbands. Made from mohair, alpaca, or merino wool. Prices range from $38 to $148. Sold at Pinecones in Avon.4. Enolia jewelry Valleygirl Boutique sells jewelry made by storeowner Sandy Helt and her sister. Manager Margorie Turpin said their Enolia line expresses “natural beauty.””The pieces are very versatile,” Turpin said. “You can wear them for a black tie event or with jeans and a T-shirt.” Prices range from $20 to $150. Sold at both Valleygirl locations in Avon and Edwards.5. Spinster Sisters bath products Spinster Sisters bath products are all natural and handcrafted in Golden, Colo. Their solid lotion is designed for traveling because it won’t explode if you open it after flying. Sold at Betty Ford Alpine Garden’s gift shop Alpine Treasures in Vail. Prices range from $4.50 to $36.6. Woodcarvings from Plainfolk CarvingsMoose’s Caboose sells a variety of Colorado-made products, including these cute critters from Plainfolk carvings in Haxton, Colo. Owner Candi Knox said if you walk into the gift shop and don’t find a present for someone, you’re not looking hard enough.”If you can’t find it here, then they must not make it,” Knox said.Moose’s Caboose is located in Vail Village along Bridge Street.7. Crazy Mountain Brewery six packWhen it comes to gift giving, you can’t go wrong with alcohol. Stop at Crazy Mountain Brewery in Edwards to purchase a six-pack before heading to your next holiday party. Crazy Mountain’s winter seasonal is Snowcat Coffee Stout, which is a blend of local coffee and roasted malts. Six-packs at Crazy Mountain are $11. 8. Wavelength hats and t-shirts Avon resident Ryne Wilson designs cool t-shirts and hats sold at Transitions Sports. Supervisor Nate Hoellerich said the Wavelength brand is a popular seller at the store.”People buy them almost every day,” Hoellerich said.T-shirts are $18 and hats are $25. Transitions Sports is located in Avon. 9. Alpine Avocado VinaigretteAlpine Avocado Vinaigrette is made with 100 percent extra virgin olive oil and is gluten, cholesterol, and dairy-free. Made in Eagle, Josh Tukman calls his homemade dressing a “real taste of the Vail Valley,” Sold at the General Store in Lionshead, Avon Bakery, Health Nuts Vitamins & Natural Foods and Nest Furnishings, both in Avon, and the Kitchen Collage and Village Market in Edwards. $8.99.10. The latest Colorado product on the marketThere’s one Colorado-made product many would like to receive this Christmas, especially since it’s recently become legal. We’re not going to name this herbaceous enhancing substance, but we will say you can get it in its natural form or use it when baking holiday cookies, as long as you make sure kids or grandparents don’t take a nibble. Poinsettias are nice, but this leafy green continues to give as it grows. You’re on your own when it comes to finding this last-minute gift, but we do advertise for it here in the Vail Daily, so consider that your helpful hint.