Out Front Colorado’s Gift Guide for him and her

GIFTS FOR THE GALS

This holiday season make sure to let the women in your life know what they mean to you. While gifts are great because they make us feel special, remember there isn’t a high pricetag on the season’s hottest gifts. Here are a few of OFC’s picks for great gift ideas for the ladies.

These boots were made for walkin’
It’s all about having the right boots as winter approaches. When searching for the perfect pair remember the two most important qualities: comfort and style. Steve Madden offers both of these options with prices you can be comfortable with like the Ambush Camel Suede women’s boots ($59.98) that have the perfect mix of style and function. On the Web at http://stevemadden.com

The affordable tablet for the gal on the go
For the ladies who are eager to get their hands on the new iPad but can’t quite justify the chunk of change Apple products are notorious for, there’s another option. The Kindle Fire. This handy and compact (7” screen) includes touch-screen
capabilities, Web browsing, email capabilities as well as its library of thousands of book titles, albums, magazines and even movies. Reasonably priced at $199 you won’t break the bank over the holiday season. On the Web at http://amazon.com/kindle

Get your gear!
You can’t go wrong with an REI giftcard. Allow your loved ones to choose what they really want, plus when you shop at REI you’re a lifer because all REI products are guaranteed for life. If you wear out a pair of hiking boots or change your mind on the purple Patagonia vest months or even years after you’ve bought and worn them, REI will give you a full refund or in-store credit. Plus, beyond outdoor gear, REI has a great selection of stylish outerwear to keep you warm this winter. On the Web at http://rei.com

Handler humor
Give the gift of humor this holiday season with stand-up comedian Chelsea Handler’s book Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea and become entertained with this hysterical collection. Women can’t seem to get enough of this sassy entertainer and in this book Handler comments about the oddities and absurdities that make us, well, female. This is a great book to lift your mood on those dreary winter nights. We recommend you read it with Chelsea’s favorite drink: anything made with vodka. (As cheap as $3.55 at http://amazon.com)

GIFTS FOR THE GUYS

Whether the gay man in your life has everything or nothing at all, there’s always something to give each holiday season. Here’s a look at what we’re asking for this year.

For the book worm:
From New York photographer Scott Pasfield comes a groundbreaking, and unprecedented 224-page book of intimate photos and deeply personal stories from 140 gay American men, Gay in America. Pasfield traveled all 50 states over a three-year span gathering these stories and documenting the lives of gay men from all walks of life. This treasure has surprises at the turn of every page. Retailing at $45, this book simply inspires.  Where to buy: http://gayinamerica.us

For your favorite DJ:
It can never hurt to update your MP3 player if it’s a couple of years old. Now in black and white, the iPod touch is a great alternative to either the iPad and iPhone. Not only can this gadget from Apple hold thousands of songs, you can also download any number of apps to keep you connected and organized. Where to buy: http://apple.com

For the lush who has everything:
According to its own website, Medea vodka tastes like this: “Straight upon swallowing it leaves a tingling sensation in the back of the throat, but again so mild that you wouldn’t really call it peppery or spicy, just tingly.” That’s nice. But we’re most excited about is the fact you can program personal messages on the bottles internal ticker. The Twitter of booze, starting at $39.95, this bottle tells a story in 250 characters. The only thing that can make this gift better is if it comes with spell check. Where to buy: http://medeaspirits.com/

For your token friend who hates the snow:
For every Coloradan who loves the snow, there’s usually one who bitches about it constantly. They hate that it’s wet, cold and that they have to get up an extra 30 minutes early just to scrape their car windows. Or do they? The Deluxe Windshield Snow Cover from Brookstone may not be a trip to Palm Springs, but at the very least it will save you time in the morning. For $34.99, the snow doesn’t seem so bad after all. Where to buy: Online at http://brokestone.com

For the retail queen:
Next year’s main event isn’t PrideFest. It’s the Denver Art Museum’s Yves Saint Laurent exhibit. Set to open in March, the museum will be the only U.S. venue to host the YSL: The Retrospective. This high-fashion exhibition features 200 haute couture outfits that display the late YSL’s full career. And here’s the deal: the museum has created a special gift package with VIP tickets valid for any date and time, and the exhibition catalogue that chronicles Saint Laurent’s 40 year career wrapped up in a glamorous black box with an extravagant pink bow. Each purchase also gives you the chance to win a pair of tickets to the exclusive YSL opening gala.  This gift retails at $130 and is worth every penny. Added bonus: Tickets to the YSL exhibit don’t go on sale to the general public until January 20, 2012. This gift package is the first opportunity to buy tickets! Where to buy: http://denver artmuseum.org/YSLgift, or call 720-913-0130.

For the high-strung gay:
Treat your man to a day at the spa. The fashionable Antoine du Chez Cherry Creek is currently offering an absurd package.
The Mad Men Spa Package includes a steam shower, aromatic foot soak, a 60-minute full-body massage and a designer haircut for $125. If you’re lucky, the recipient of this gift could even get his hair cut by Denver’s most stylish mad man, Charlie Price. To buy call: 303-320-6012

Fun Fact:
What does Charlie Price want for Christmas? “Like all gays, I need an endless supply of designer cologne to bathe in.”