Isn’t it just the warmest feeling to find a gift basket waiting for you when you visit someone? You walk in the room and — ooooh, how lovely that someone’s been thinking of you and wanting to be sure you’re comfy and welcome.
When I make these for guests, I try to think of items they might not have thought of to pack for our high altitude arid climate.
Because I clearly remember my first drive into the higher elevations of the Southwest when our mild mannered miniature dachshund picked up an empty cup from the car console and whacked me in the knee with it. Got a good grip with her teeth and thunk! Mr.D and I both said “Did you see that did she really just do that?”
The pup was parched and wanted water. (Who says dogs can’t communicate?) She was feeling the dryness and thinning air. Minutes later, so were we. We stopped for the night, got her a huge bowl of water. Put her poofy sparkle princess bed together. She was fine.
That was around the time I made a note to drink six to eight glasses of water per day to keep hydrated. Flip-top bottled waters that can be re-used (or hiking water bottles with belt clips) are the first items that go into the basket.
My parents live in the American Midwest at an elevation of 800 feet. With ‘I feel as though I’ve just stepped into a sauna’ humidity. Durango sits at an elevation of 6500 feet. With ‘mildew, is that a sourdough starter yeast?’ arid climate.
I try to think of all things hydrating and moisturizing for them — eye drops or gel, body and foot lotion, cough drops, and nasal mist for dry sinuses. During flu season, antibacterial lotion gel.
And a few goodies…..
This odor eliminating candle is a new find. I love it. Fresh clean spa scent, not overpowering. The Frieda matchbox was made by an artist who exhibits with Durango’s Studio &.
Dark chocolate with chiles and cherries. My favorite candy bar.
A bag of roasted nuts or protein bar for a boost.
Hmmmm…..now that I’m looking at the photos, it’s not really a gift basket. More a gift tub. With bath soaking salts for tired feet after a day of walking downtown or hiking. Everything fits nice and compact for the trip home.
Another essential item — a roll of quarters. For the food pellet dispensers at Durango’s fish hatchery. And the parking meters downtown. (With note mentioning that Saturday and Sunday meters are free.)
For guests who bring their pup, I include a doggie water bowl and a chew toy. But not a sparkle princess bed, because humans who belong to little queenies like that never leave home without them.
Follows is the ‘recipe’ for my Durango high altitude arid climate welcome gift. If you have any unique tips, regional items or that extra something gem that your guests use and enjoy, please share!
xoAmy
P.S. Reminder: This is not a sponsored article. No one pays me to feature their product or company.
[gmc_recipe 2676]
2 comments
Amy this is such a great idea! Let me know when you have an opening for your guest room. I want to come visit! I’m going to bookmark this so next time we have guests I can have a little basket of “Durango and the surrounding areas” waiting for them!
It’s so fun to put together, and I’m glad you liked it!