Holiday gifts don’t have to be expensive to be special. Many of us, in fact, gravitate toward the bite-sized and handheld, whether that’s a gift certificate, bottle of liquid cheer or cozy alpaca-fiber socks.

That’s why we’ve rounded up a half-dozen ideas for $25-$35 Colorado-made gifts for the holiday season (plus one that’s not local but a good idea), following our list of gift suggestions for the Colorado hikers in your life (including backpacks, poles and books; bit.ly/4ggUUdi). See lots more holiday ideas, markets, shows and Best Bets at denverpost.com/things-to-do.

Award-winning vodka, whisky and gin

Colorado is a leader when it comes to not only its hundreds of craft breweries, but also its 40 or so distilleries (and, some would say, a healthy and underappreciated wine scene). Support those intrepid, award-winning chemists by picking up a bottle of vodka from Aspen Vodka ($30, theaspenvodka.com) or Carbondale’s Marble Distilling ($35, marbledistilling.com), or gin from Denver’s Leopold Bros. ($35, leopoldbros.com).

If you’re willing to go a few bucks over $35, you’ll get an incredible blended straight bourbon from Fort Collins’ Old Elk ($41.54, shop.oldelk.com). These bottles might take up the whole stocking — and stress your mantle hooks — but hey, they’re worth it. — John Wenzel

Local designers, artisans

Supporting small and local purchases is important, but not all of us follow through on our professed support. Change that this season with a handcrafted item, or gift card for such, from a Colorado designer or artisan. There are at least a dozen worthy local-maker markets — see denverpost.com/things-to-do for details — but also area-specific, online gift guides, such as the one from the River North Art District (rinoartdistrict.org/visit/gift-guide). It features a walking map of retailers offering handmade candles, prints, beauty services, and gift certificates for live music, food, beer and fashion.

We like the Graffiti Tour Gift Certificate from RiNo, which gives you two hours of fresh-air art education in an area known for its densely populated public murals. Gift cards are available in any amount at denvergraffititour.com, with tours typically costing $15-$30. — John Wenzel

Maker-markets galore

Also check out the denver.org/milehighholidays/holiday-shopping guide, which includes details on the biggest holiday markets, links to local nonprofit arts institutions (memberships are another great idea!), as well as neighborhood-specific retail roundups for Washington Park, Larimer Square, Highlands, the Art District on Santa Fe, and East Colfax Avenue.

The biggest is arguably the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, which runs through Dec. 21 with about 50 local artisans per day (cherrycreeknorth.com). Despite the neighborhood’s tony reputation, there are dozens of excellent items there under $35, from Bjorn’s Colorado Honey ($19-$24 per jar, bjornscoloradohoney.com) to luxurious socks from WUAMAN Fair Trade Alpaca ($24-$25, wuaman.com). — John Wenzel

Tasty dog treats, gear

Colorado is a mecca for organic and upscale dog products, so it’s really not fair to exclusively recommend Colorado Naturals Bacon Jerky Strip treats ($9-$12, coloradopettreats.com), for example, over the also-great Colorado Dog Company’s hemp oil-based calming and pain-relief chews ($26, coloradodog.net).

But if you’re looking for some compact pet fashion to gift to your favorite human, consider the Colorado-made collars, leashes and bandanas at Kady’s Kollars, which feature designs worthy of silk shirts and blown-up art prints. We like the Aztec-style red and purple collars, as well as the beautifully printed Winter Wonder scenes ($24-$28, kadyskollars.com). — John Wenzel

Hot restaurants, ready for reservations

One of Denver’s biggest success stories over the last decade has been its food scene, from its national representation on shows like “Top Chef” to our multi-award-winning restaurants that have garnered praise from the Michelin Guide, the James Beard Awards, and magazines such as Bon Appétit.

If you haven’t yet tasted what all the fuss is about, get a gift certificate (of any amount) for some of our favorite ascendant restaurants, including non-traditional Vietnamese delight S?p S?a (sapsua.com), the Michelin-starred Mexican luminary Alma Fonda Fina (almalohidenver.com), and the Mediterranean titan Safta (eatwithsafta.com). Most also offer affordable ($25-$35) shirts and other merch in case you want to rep your favorite spots. See dozens more restaurant ideas at denverpost.com/things-to-do/restaurants-food-drink. — John Wenzel

Hair care, anywhere

Ask a woman how many times she switches hair care products and I think you’ll be surprised.

I’m a firm believer in the (disputed) theory that sticking with one brand of shampoo or conditioner for too long creates a buildup, leaving your hair limp and stringy, or dry and brittle. And even if I’m wrong, what’s the harm in trying new stuff? It’s fun to change things up.

This isn’t a pitch for one line. I’ll use Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture products because they’re a good price at Costco; the ISO conditioner recommended by my stylist; OGX Argan Oil, which my niece uses; and even Suave clarifying shampoo once in a while (see above about buildup).

My newest find: Joico HydraSplash Hydrating conditioner, which I currently love for my dry, aging locks. Better still, it is reasonably priced at $11 for an 8.5-ounce tube at T.J. Maxx, compared to $24-$35 per tube from high-end hair product purveyors. And the 33.8-ounce bottle is just $20. (OK, so it’s not a local product, but it is American-made, at least.)

Guess what the girls in my life are getting as stocking stuffers this holiday? — Barbara Ellis