Lots of local options for gift giving

Wracking your brain to come up with just the right gift for those on your list? Here are some gift possibilities you may not have thought about. From the frivolous to the practical, perhaps you’ll find the right fit by checking out the suggestions below.

Ramona Lake Cabins, at the edge of Red Feather Lakes Village, promises a spot “far above the noise and stress of everyday life,” such an appealing thought as the hustle-bustle of the holidays approaches. Owners Rob Allman and Barb Blough are offering a 10% discount through the end of April for people who register on line and include the word “winter” in their request. Each of the six cabins, some with fireplaces, sleep from two to eight people and have complete kitchen facilities. For groceries, Red Feather Trading Post is just two blocks away. Here is the ideal location for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or sitting by the fire with a good book. If you go on a Friday night, you’ll need to book two nights. Check Ramona Lake Cabins on line, call 970-881-2964 or use [email protected].

Seek out The Purple Bee Fine Art Gallery, a very special small art gallery that opened in Fort Collins last June at 140 W. Oak. St.. The Bee features a number of nationally-known names in the art world plus one carefully chosen local artist. The gallery also has some unique modestly-priced items suitable for holiday giving. Consider a fragrant lavendar bag, thirsty-stone coasters, Disney prints and wraps, and for the political crowd, playing cards that feature either Republican or Democratic presidents. If you can’t decide, go with a Purple Bee gift card. The gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays. Check their website for store hours or call 970-999-8678.

Help Is On the Way, and it’s likely that anyone fortunate enough to receive a new computer for Christmas will welcome this service. Owner Walt Lamia will come to your business or home and set up your computer for you. In December and January he’s offering $5 off in Wellington (Chamber of Commerce) bucks for his services. Reach him at 970-217-7165.

Wellington Flowers and More can fill all your holiday floral needs and at the same time tempt you with a funky selection of antique dishes, trinkets and knick-knacks. Between 1 and 4 p.m., December 13 visit the shop at 3743 Cleveland in Wellington for an open house featuring a store-wide sale, refreshments and prizes. For more information see Wellingtonflowersandmore.com or like them on Facebook. Phone: 970-213-9529.

Here’s an unusual opportunity: One hundred paintings for sale at $100 each! Gina Blickenstaff, a Boulder artist for nearly 40 years, recently moved to Northern Colorado and will share her local landscapes and farm animal oil paintings with the community at her home studio, 2908 Doubletree Drive, Fort Collins December 6-7 between 12 and 4 p.m. each day. She is a member of Northern Colorado Artists Association and took best of show in 2012 for her still life, “Olive.” Following the show, any remaining paintings will be available on-line at locallandscapes.info. Reach her at ginablickenstaff.com or at 970-658-8262.

Make the season as festive as can be by taking a trip to Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St. in Fort Collins. Handmade wreaths, garlands, Christmas trees, poinsettias, ornaments, candles, candlesticks and little furry critters, Fort Collins Nursery has it all. It’s also a good place to find an elegant centerpiece for your holiday table. Purchase a gift certificate for the gardener on your list. It can be used for a series of winter workshops that cover topics like fairy gardening, raised beds, and dealing with soils. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sunday when hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their website: fortcollinsnursery.com or call 970-482-1984.

Poudre Valley Coop, 225 NW Frontage Rd., in Fort Collins might not be the first place you’d think to go to Christmas shop, but wait—they have winter coats, hats, gloves and boots, all kinds of livestock equipment, and hardware items such as weed eaters and drills. This is the place for the practical person on your list. Gift certificates available. Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday. Closed Sundays. Call 221-5300 or see their website for more information.