Choose Colorado this Holiday Season

DENVER, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Are you still sending the same fruitcake to your in-laws, co-workers and friends every holiday? This year, give them a gift they'll really enjoy. Colorado Proud, a program created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to encourage consumers to support Colorado food and agricultural businesses, has you covered with unique holiday gifts that will make a far better impression than the traveling fruitcake.

With more than 1,800 members, including farmers, orchards, breweries, retail and more, Colorado Proud declares there is no better time than the present to tap into our state's bounty. Whether you're looking to give a traditional gift like Colorado-grown poinsettias or something unique like beetle kill art crafted from lodge pole pines, there is a local business to support.

"When people think about Colorado Proud, they tend to think about produce throughout the summer and fall," said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "The fact is, there are tons of businesses with novel, delicious and affordable gifts, all produced within the state."

There are benefits to buying from smaller, lesser-known Colorado businesses. Locally grown, harvested and processed goods tend to be fresher, are delivered directly to the retailers, and have less distance to travel. And buying Colorado-grown products helps maintain jobs and has a positive impact on Colorado's economy.

Here are a few Colorado Proud gift ideas. For a complete list of gift ideas and more information, visit www.ColoradoProud.org.

Mom: Women's Bean Project – Gourmet sweets, coffee and teas, soups, spices and more. The Women's Bean Project is a nonprofit organization that teaches life skills and job-readiness for entry-level jobs through employment in our gourmet food production and handmade jewelry manufacturing plant. http://www.womensbeanproject.com/

My Mom's Pie – Save Mom some time this holiday by sending her fresh-baked pies. http://www.mmpies.com/

Dad: Denver Meat Company – Have fresh meats shipped to the men in your life so they can enjoy a real man feast. Denver Meat Company ships gourmet prime rib, roast beef, smoked brisket, boneless pork shoulder and lamb. http://www.denvermeatcompany.com/products/

Mountain Woodworks – One-of-a-kind tables and wine racks are sure to surprise and delight dad. These custom pieces are hand-crafted from wood from Colorado's pine beetle epidemic and have character, charm and functionality. http://www.pinebeetlefurnishings.com/

Coworkers: Gift Baskets Untamed – Cozy Cabin Breakfast Basket – send coworkers and their families breakfast in a basket with waffle mix, syrup, sopaipilla mix, homemade chokecherry syrup, Rocky Mountain Blend Coffee. (303) 838-5547

Couples: Peach Street Distillers – Instead of bringing wine, send a bottle of Grappa. Peach Street grows its own fruits and produces everything right on its property in Palisade, Colorado. If you want to send something stronger, Peach Street also distills brandy, bourbon and gin. http://www.peachstreetdistillers.com/

Water 2 Wine – Buy a couple in love a date night and let them make their own flavored wine together, or send them on an excursion to one of Colorado's beautiful wineries.  http://www.water2wine.us/ and http://www.coloradowine.com

Pets: Patty's Patties – Patty's Patties makes premium dog treats and pet food from Colorado-grown vegetables, meats and fruits. http://www.pattyspatties.com/

Big Bear Pet Company – Raw treats for dogs made from Colorado produce. http://www.bigbearpet.com/

About Colorado Proud
The Colorado Proud Program was created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 1999 to promote Colorado food and agricultural products. One of the goals of Colorado Proud is to make it easier for consumers to identify and purchase Colorado products by labeling them with the Colorado proud logo. In 1999 the program started with 65 companies, and now the Colorado Proud Program has more than 1,800 members including growers, processors, restaurants, retailers and associations statewide.

SOURCE Colorado Proud