Area merchants offer unique gifts and services

Looking for something unique to give as a Christmas gift? Take a look in some of these unexpected places.

Ruth Wallick, owner of Northern Colorado Stained Glass Supply, 3000 North Overland Trail, encourages shoppers to come and take a look at a wide selection of unusual gifts from suncatchers and small window panels to quartz crystals, beads, dichroic-fused and wire-wrapped jewelry. Wallick said all items in her shop are made by local artisans.

Potter Daniel Slack of Cache La Pottery in Glacier View Meadows has been specializing in art pottery for a decade and loves to create exotic and unusual items. Drive into the hills west of town and take a look at his vase forms and spiral bowls. No one else will have one like it, guaranteed. Slack is in the process of introducing a new line of high-fired stoneware. He’s excited about this dinnerware and promises lots of small affordable pieces as well. A free cup comes with every purchase while supplies last. Find Cache La Pottery in the big green barn at gate 6, Glacier View Meadows on Red Feather Lakes Road. Info: 493-3835, clp@frii.com for appointments during the week. Visit the pottery’s website at cachelapottery.com.

There’s a whole shop full of all sorts of holiday decor and gifts at Fort Collins Nursery at 2121 East Mulberry St., according to marketing director Heather Chappell. Select a tree to cut from their on-site lot and also find boughs and garlands to enhance your home or business. The nursery creates their own handmade wreaths and is happy to customize them with different ribbon colors, sizes and themes such as a special wreath for the dog lover or rancher on your list. Fort Collins Nursery ships wreaths anywhere in the U.S. Customized centerpieces and sprays are also available.

Illa at Drohman’s Salon, 3922 Cleveland in Wellington, especially encourages men to consider a gift certificate good for any service at her salon. That way the recipient can select from a haircut and styling, massage, facial, manicure, pedicure or even spray-on tanning. No tough decision needed on the part of the giver. For a detailed description of what’s available at Drohmans go to drohmans.net.

Walt Lamia, owner of Help Is On The Way computer services, has a bright gift idea for someone who owns or has been given a new computer for Christmas. For $40 buy an hour of Walt’s time and experience which can be used for installation, user training and file migration. Give him a call at 970-217-7165.

Suzanne at Wellington Veterinary Hospital, 7837 Sixth St., has the following suggestions for animal lovers: In addition to chews and treats, consider purchasing a gift certificate that could be spent at the hospital’s boarding facility, for a check-up or for an annual membership in the dog park adjacent to the business. Membership is only $10 a year but dog owners must show proof of vaccination.

Wellington Artisans Market, tucked away in the east room of Ace Hardware in Wellington, is a well-kept secret. Owner Doug Andersen says he has converted some unused space into an area where local artisans display their work. Seems like the perfect browsing spot for women not as excited as their partners about a spree at the hardware store. There’s a wide variety of things to catch your interest from jewelry, clothing, alpaca weavings and locally-made wreaths to dog collars, horse halters, old tools, a special guitar and scented candles. “We haven’t promoted the area much, Andersen says. All the better for those who discover this fun spot to “shop local.”