It`s difficult to avoid the holiday hype with carols, gifts, greeting cards, Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremonies and the other hullabaloo that fills our calendars. Black Friday arrives, kicking off your shopping spree for friends and family. But what about the less fortunate? Who’s lifting their spirits during the holidays?

As the New Year approaches, we want to rid ourselves of last year’s burdens. What better way to refresh than by giving the gift of relaxation? Whether you’re giving a manicure-pedicure gift certificate, day retreat to Gold Lake or a New Age gift like Thai Yoga Massage or Anjali Restorative Yoga, your gift will be well-appreciated.

With winter comes a host of new things to do outdoors, which often lead to the best presents of all: lasting memories. Sure, you could buy someone a sweet striped sweater — but that gift won’t really last. Why not take them on a snowmobile trip, a sleigh ride, to an Avalanche game — or reserve something to look forward to, like a springtime balloon ride?

Ornaments and tinsel aren’t exclusive to holiday celebrations. Adorn yourself or your loved one with a little glitz this holiday season by buying from a locally owned jewelry store. Each store stands out because of the unique selection that it offers, whether that be heirloom or custom-made pieces. And they offer a wide price bracket, accommodating to those whose holiday budget is feeling constrained because of the economy.

Art is sometimes overlooked as a popular holiday gift, but a variety of locally produced creations are available in Boulder County shops, exhibits and galleries — and not just paintings that cost thousands of dollars.

Forget the fruitcake. Try giving gift baskets instead. Like fruitcakes, they’re a universal holiday gift. But unlike fruitcakes, people are actually happy to receive them.Boulder County is home to a wealth of locally owned businesses that offer unique products ideal for making creative gift baskets. With a little planning, you can give a gift that demonstrates not only thoughtfulness, but also a commitment to our local economy.

It has begun. Not the holiday season — that’s still officially one week away — but rather Boulder Weekly’s Buy Local Month, part of our year-round I Love Local campaign. Starting this week, Boulder Weekly urges you to shop conscientiously for holiday food and gifts by choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars at locally owned businesses.