A gift guide can help

“Hanging crystals cast a rainbow into a room.” That’s how Ruth Wallick, owner of Northern Colorado Stained Glass Supply at 3000 N. Overland Trail in LaPorte, feels about one of the special items in her shop. Hers is the go-to place in Northern Colorado for a wide variety of stained and textured glass, tools, supplies and classes. For a reasonably-priced introduction into the world of creating art with stained glass, she offers a one-time introductory lesson, materials included, for $25 in the form of a gift certificate. The recipient can choose to make a suncatcher or ornament. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition to gift certificates, check out the sun catchers and small glass panels, dichroic glass jewelry, stone and glass beads for making your own necklaces and some ready-made pieces. You might even run into a surprise gift to fill the bill for someone special. Now and then Wallick sells some extraordinary antiques from her collection.

Fort Collins Nursery may not be the first place that comes to mind when you set out to shop for Christmas gifts, but it just might be one of the best. Marketing manager Dan Booth has the following suggestions to consider. River Root garden sculptures and planters can provide an unusual accent in the garden or create some fun indoors for plant stands and fairy gardens. You’ll also find a selection of coastal ornaments and décor to take an ocean-loving transplant under the sea, for the holidays and year round. Fort Collins Nursery carries a big selection of items and plants for mini and micro gardens, a welcome gift at any season. Or you might consider a terrarium starter kit which includes instructions and everything you need to create the perfect environment for these charming little beauty spots. The nursery also has a selection of whimsical ceramic planters and bud vases for succulents and air plants. Head on over to 2121 E. Mulberry St. in Fort Collins, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Questions? Give them a call at 970-482-1984.

Looking for a gift that’s an experience rather than merchandise? Give that special person in your life a gift certificate to Drohman’s Salon and Spa, a full-service salon at 3922 Cleveland Ave. in Wellington. Located in one of the oldest homes in town, built in 1905 from a Sears Roebuck kit, a newel post tells lists the home’s former owners and describes the history of the charming place. Owner Illa Drohman is joined by three beauticians to offer haircuts and styles, hair treatment, perms, hair coloring, nails and gel nails, rebase, manicures, esthetics and massages. The salon is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Mondays are reserved for appointments only. Call 970-568-7812 or stop by for a visit.

During the holidays, don’t forget the pets that enhance your life. Make them happy with a gift from Poudre Pet and Feed Supply. There are several convenient locations and lots of clever pet-friendly gifts to choose from. Stores are located at 622 N. College Ave., 6204 S. College Ave., 2601 S. Lemay Ave., No. 18 in Scotch Pines Village, and at 2100 Drake Road No. 6 in Drake Crossing Shopping Center, all in Fort Collins. Also find them at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave. in Loveland and at 516 Main St. in Windsor.