Aspen arrives like a postcard: razor-bright air, quivering aspen trunks gilded in sunlight, and the distant clatter of gondolas against a sky that tastes of pine.
Whether you visit in deep powder or golden shoulder season, the town’s mix of cow-country grit and high-mountain luxury is woven into tangible things — the wool of a sweater, a jar of valley honey, a print of Maroon Bells at dusk.
If you’re hunting for souvenirs from Aspen, look for items that smell of wood smoke, feel like hand-thrown pottery, or glint with turquoise like a Colorado sky. Here’s what to buy in Aspen to bring a piece of the mountain spirit home with you.
I’ve got a list of my 5 favorite gift shops in Aspen….take a look!
1. Aspen-logo outerwear (hoodies, beanies, parkas)
Why pick this up: Nothing says “I was here” like a cozy logo hoodie you’ll actually keep wearing. Aspen-branded beanies and jackets are practical reminders of crisp mornings on the gondola and après-ski coffee on Hyman Avenue.
What to look for: Durable fabrics (wool blends, Polartec, Gore-Tex for shells), discreet embroidered logos, and responsibly sourced down or synthetic insulation. Limited-edition resort runs often feature local artists’ designs.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$450.
Where to find it: Resort shops around Snowmass and the Silver Queen Gondola base, downtown Aspen boutiques (Hyman Ave and Galena St.), and the Aspen Mountain ticketing shops.
2. Hand-knit wool and alpaca sweaters
Why pick this up: Mountain evenings demand a sweater that’s both warm and story-filled; many local knitters use Colorado-sourced wool or alpaca from Western Slope ranches.
What to look for: Tight, even stitches, natural dyes (earthy greens, rusts), and classic motifs—fair isle or simple cable-knit—that wear well and travel home without losing shape.
Price bracket (2025): $80–$400.
Where to find it: Aspen’s craft fairs, the Aspen Saturday Market (summer), and galleries in downtown Aspen and nearby Carbondale.
3. Silver and turquoise jewelry
Why pick this up: Aspen sits at a crossroads of Rocky Mountain and Southwestern craft; silver-and-turquoise pieces are wearable keepsakes that echo the region’s geology and Indigenous influences.
What to look for: Genuine sterling silver, natural turquoise (look for matrix patterns), and makers’ marks from local jewelers rather than mass-produced pieces.
Price bracket (2025): $50–$800+.
Where to find it: Jewelry galleries on Main Street, artisan booths at local markets, and custom jewelers in the Aspen Historic District.
4. Elk-antler homewares and decorative pieces
Why pick this up: Elk are as emblematic of the Roaring Fork Valley as the peaks; artisans turn shed antlers into bottle openers, knife handles, and rustic cabinet pulls that bring mountain character into your home.
What to look for: Smooth finishes, ethically sourced—shed antlers rather than hunted—and solid brass or stainless fittings. Small imperfections add authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): $20–$250.
Where to find it: Mountain outfitters, alpine gift shops, and craft stalls at the Aspen Farmers Market.
5. Colorado craft spirits and small-batch whiskey
Why pick this up: Colorado distillers have blossomed in recent years; a bottle of Rocky Mountain whiskey or gin tastes of high-elevation grains and local foraged botanicals and makes a grown-up souvenir.
What to look for: Single-distillery labels, age statements for whiskey, tasting notes that mention local ingredients, and bottles sealed for travel.
Price bracket (2025): $30–$120.
Where to find it: Tasting rooms and specialty liquor shops in Aspen, or pick up Colorado distillery bottles at downtown merchants. (If flying, check TSA rules for liquids.)
6. Maroon Bells prints and landscape photography
Why pick this up: A framed photograph or limited-run print of Maroon Bells at sunrise or the aspen-gold mirror of Maroon Lake is a window back to Aspen’s most iconic vista.
What to look for: Locally printed editions, signed or numbered prints, archival paper, and compositions that capture changing light (autumn and winter images are particularly striking).
Price bracket (2025): $20–$600.
Where to find it: Aspen galleries on Galena Street, cooperative art spaces, and photographers’ booths at festivals.
7. Mountain chocolates and confections
Why pick this up: After a day on the slopes, nothing beats a rich local truffle—Aspen’s chocolatiers often incorporate Colorado flavors like espresso roasts, alpine sea salt, or Rocky Mountain juniper.
What to look for: Handcrafted truffles, small-batch bars, and specialty gift boxes. Ask about refrigeration needs for travel if you’re flying.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$45.
Where to find it: Downtown confectioners, ski-lodge boutiques, and the Saturday Market in season.
8. Roasting house coffee beans
Why pick this up: A bag of beans from an Aspen roaster brings mornings at a valley cabin back to your kitchen; many roasters highlight high-altitude roasting profiles for bright, clean cups.
What to look for: Roast date on the bag, single-origin options, and locally roasted blends labeled for drip or espresso. Whole bean is best for freshness.
Price bracket (2025): $12–$25.
Where to find it: Aspen coffee houses, independent roaster shops, and food markets in downtown Aspen.
9. Local honey and preserves (Roaring Fork Valley)
Why pick this up: Jars of wildflower honey or peach preserves (the Western Slope’s Palisade peaches are nearby) capture seasonal sweetness and are easy to pack.
What to look for: Raw or minimally processed honey, single-varietal labels, and small-batch orchard preserves with fruit first on the ingredient list.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$22.
Where to find it: Aspen Farmers Market, specialty food shops, and farm stands along the Roaring Fork Valley.
10. Hand-thrown pottery and ceramics
Why pick this up: Mugs, bowls, and plates made in local studios carry the fingerprints of Carbondale and Aspen potters—each glaze streak evokes river stones and mountain skies.
What to look for: Sturdy glazes, kiln-fired durability, and makers’ signatures on the base. Lightweight travel-safe pieces work best for packing.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$250.
Where to find it: Pottery studios in Carbondale and Basalt, Aspen art walks, and gallery shops.
11. Vintage mining maps and local history books
Why pick this up: Aspen’s silver-mining past is part of its soul; a historic map, a book on Aspen’s boom-and-bust, or a photograph collection makes a thoughtful, place-rich souvenir.
What to look for: Original lithographs or reputable reprints, annotated editions, and books from local historians or press runs.
Price bracket (2025): $10–$150.
Where to find it: Independent bookstores in Aspen, antique shops, and the Wheeler Opera House gift shops.
12. Ornaments and holiday decorations inspired by the mountains
Why pick this up: Small, seasonally themed ornaments—handblown glass, wooden aspen-leaf cutouts, or miniature skis—are easy to tuck into luggage and bring the Aspen feeling to your tree.
What to look for: Locally made pieces, durable packing, and designs that reference local flora (aspens), fauna (elk), or landmarks (Maroon Bells).
Price bracket (2025): $8–$60.
Where to find it: Gift shops along Main Street, lodge boutiques, and artisan stalls at seasonal markets.
Tip: If you’re flying home, pack fragile pottery and glass in clothing, declare any food items at customs if traveling internationally, and pick up souvenirs at the Aspen Saturday Market for the best mix of local makers and stories — they’re the heart of souvenirs from Aspen. ✨
Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!
About the Author
Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!



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