Hanukkah and Christmas are both right around the corner! Now is the time to get a head-start on all your end-of-the-year gift buying. Consider shopping at small businesses this year with our list of locally-owned stores and gift shops.
More than ever, small businesses in the Denver area need your support leading up to and during the Christmas season. Not only will you assist aspiring entrepreneurs and get unique gifts in return, but you’ll also keep money in the local community, increase the prosperity of your Denver neighbors and potentially create more opportunities and jobs for all.
Below you’ll find gift shops in Denver CO, where you’ll discover distinctive gifts for the important people in your lives, recommended by Usaj Realty Brokers and Staff. Your friends and family will appreciate the personalized and authentic touch and the vendors will be grateful for your taking the time to support their efforts.
Modern Nomad
This vibrant and exciting retail space houses the wares of at least 10 vendors who share the vision of providing unique products that are sure to make wonderful additions to your home or wardrobe. According to their website, “Modern Nomad is a Denver design collective featuring new and vintage furniture, textiles, lighting, rugs and accessories for the home. Everything has been carefully curated to bring you the latest in art and design, with an emphasis on supporting local businesses. The space is housed in a 5,500 SF warehouse in Denver’s booming RiNo district, and functions like a 3-dimensional living magazine with retailers displaying their product cohesively in an open-air market.” Tori Bradley of Usaj Realty adores this place and is excited to shop for holiday gifts here.
- Address: 2936 Larimer Street, Denver, CO, 80205
- Modern Nomad’s Website
Little Bird
A delightful store that provides adorable clothing for our little humans. You’ll find clothing accessories and more for newborns up to tweens. Located in Park Hill, this boutique has everything you’re looking for as the colder months approach. Find the perfect gift for new parents and toddlers’ birthdays. Irene Schiavo of Usaj Realty has found great clothing for her kids at Little Bird. And don’t forget to book your child’s hair appointment at the Hair Studio at Little Bird.
- 2200 Kearney St., Denver, CO 80207
Gabarini
Looking to make a statement at the upcoming holiday parties? Your search will stop once you enter Gabarini. Featuring all the chic brands, you’ll feel like you are on the runway with dramatic styles that will make you feel good about yourself. Gabarini will freshen up your winter wardrobe and don’t forget they have shoes, too! Usaj Realy managing broker Jenny Usaj is a frequent client of this Cherry Creek North store.
- 239 Detroit St, Denver, CO 80206Shop Gabarini Online
Jewelius
This trendy shop in the heart of the Highland neighborhood offers an array of casual-to-dressy women’s apparel, accessories & jewelry. The chic denim clothing at Jewelius remains one of their trademark and most popular items. Stylish sweaters, tops, bottoms, and everything in between will make it unlikely you’ll leave the store empty-handed. This is Usaj Realty’s Kristina Casinelli go-to shop for a new outfit or a gift for a friend.
- Inside of Modern Nomad, 2936 Larimer Street, Denver, CO, 80205
Wish Gifts and Wish Boutique
Wish Gifts has something for everyone! Kristin Boritzke, a Broker Associate at Usaj Realty, finds a treasure here every time she needs a client gift or present for a friend. They boast a wide array of various gifts and feature many locally made items. And their clothing store is great too! Located along one of Denver’s most revered shopping corridors, this adorable boutique displays some of the best women’s clothing and accessories in the metro area. Gaylord Street continues to be one of the go-to locations in Denver for unique shopping and dining, and Wish Boutique is a great fit for this trendy neighborhood. This is locally owned by Denver native Lisa Figlino, who aims for quality products and exceptional service. “We offer women’s clothing and accessories from some of the best-known designers,” she says. “We strive to carry distinct items you will not find anywhere in the Denver area. Our style experts are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and will help you find complete, coordinated outfits for you or as fantastic gifts for others.”
Photo of Wish Gifts | Courtesy of Wish Gifts and Photo credit to Sonora Photography
- Wish Boutique – 1099 S. Gaylord Street, Denver, 80209, and 5014 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, 80222
- Wish Gifts – 5014 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, 80222 and 750 S. University Blvd., Denver, 80209
- Wish Gifts Website
Meek Vintage
Unique vintage and handmade goods, including housewares, vintage clothing, art, jewelry, candles and personal care products await you at Meek Vintage. You’ll find an eclectic array of time-honored products and modern items sure to please the hard-to-buy-for person in your life. Looking for a little self-indulgence? Check out their distinctive hair, facial, body and fragrance offerings. They also offer captivating gift boxes, packed with lots of love and care, that are perfect for a variety of special occasions, too.
- 2901 Blake St #160 Denver CO 80205, and 1712 E 6th Ave. Denver CO 80218
Shop Meek Online
Park Hill Treasures
If you’re looking for all things vintage, unique pieces of art and gift galore, this store on Colfax should be your first stop. Founded by two long-time friends and residents of Park Hill, they work with a collection of talents artisans who create colorful, one-of-a-kind creations that are perfect for the upcoming holidays. They are proud to host the Denver Maker’s Market in November and December. Usaj Realty’s Irene Schiavo loves the variety and charm of this terrific gift shop.
- 6035 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80220
Ruby June
Part boutique, e-tailer, and personal shopper, Ruby June offers a refined selection of style for women who have places to be, things to do, and want to look great doing it. Think of Ruby Jube as your dream closet: everything you love in one easy-to-reach place. Usaj Realtor Irene Schiavo can’t get enough of the offerings in this shop.
Inspired by their grandmothers, June Blackburn and Ruby Scherffius, the boutique was named after these two classy and sassy ladies who taught us to be good people, work hard, and have fun. The June Ruby spirit is all about making customers smile; they are at their happiest when you are. Find clothing, accessories, bling, home gifts, beauty supplies and more all under one roof.
- Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N. Dallas St., 2nd Floor, Aurora, CO 80010
Truffle Cheese Shop
Truffle Cheese Shop is Denver’s longest-running cheese shop in the area, with almost 20 years in business. According to their website, they “specialize in small batch artisan cheese and charcuterie from around the world. Each cheese is carefully selected from a handful of purveyors to ensure the highest quality and variety possible.” Kira Fleischer of Usaj Realty recommends this place hands down.
- 2906 E 6th Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
- Order Online
Inspyre Boutique
Striving to keep both you and your wallet happy, Inspyre Boutique has a full slate of women’s clothing and accessories, the perfect gifts and wardrobe items for less than $100. Aspiring to keep you looking good and feeling great, Inspyre inspires to be an integral part of your fashion statement. With four convenient locations in the Denver metro area, don’t miss out on updating your wardrobe or augmenting that of your friends and family. Kristin Boritzke frequents Inspyre’s Tennyson location and always finds some gems.
- 4170 Tennyson Street, Denver, 80212
- 8441 S Yosemite, Lone Tree, 80124 (Park Meadows)
- 171 Detroit Street, Denver, 80206 (Cherry Creek)
- 8501 W Bowles Avenue #1060, Littleton, 80123 (Southwest Plaza)
- Shop Inspyre Online
Photo Courtesy of Inspyre
Planted
Who knew combining plants with woodworking could produce such works of art? Planted is the creation of Luke Huss who has woven his experience in landscape architecture and wholesale nurseries to produce a truly unique store. Featuring beautiful and distinctive plants and displaying them in wondrous ways, Huss creates living testaments to the importance of nature and how they can be beautifully incorporated into our homes. Part artwork, part greenery but all eye-catching, his creations carry the “must-have” element.
- 3824 W. 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Planted’s Website
Judith & Joe
The mantra at Judith & Joe is simple: Ethical fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. This sweet shop stresses comfort and style, without haughty prices. You’ll find pieces that are made in the USA or created using sustainable materials and responsible practices. Some items may even be handcrafted or attached to a philanthropic mission. These carefully selected, affordable, and well-made products with classic, modern styles will last for years and be easy on your budget.
- 3040 Blake St., #100, Denver, 80205
- Shop Judith and Joe Online
Photo Courtesy of Judith and Joe
Duffey Roll
From a humble push cart on the 16th Street Mall in the 1980s to present-day bustling locations in the Denver metro area, Duffey Roll has been a favorite of Denverites for nearly 40 years. Featuring several varieties of hand-rolled sweet and savory rolls, this Mile High institution is proud of its reputation for fresh homemade products. Over the years, Duffey Roll has expanded its offering to include 10 different types of Duffey rolls, breakfast sandwiches, scrumptious lunch fare and catering. Best of all, there are convenient locations near the DTC, South Pearl and Englewood. If you haven’t already tried a Duffey roll, don’t wait any longer. And make sure you buy at least a ½ dozen because they’ll be gone before you know it!
- 4994 E. Hampden Ave. (Happy Canyon Shopping Center)
- 1290 S. Pearl St. (near Washington Park)
- 5198 S. Broadway, Englewood (near the car dealerships — wander over while your vehicle is being serviced!)
- Order online or get rolls shipped!
Miller Lane Mercantile
Believing that simplicity can exude elegance, Miller Lane Mercantile is a Denver-based shop celebrating “simple goods for slow living.” Abiding by the mantra that your days will be more enjoyable when you make thoughtful choices about what surrounds you, Miller Lane Mercantile focuses on aesthetically pleasing products that are designed to uplift your spirits. Combining beauty with practicality, the product assortment at Miller Lane Mercantile includes kitchenware, ceramics, home decor, women’s accessories, stationery, and more. The collection of homewares promotes frequent gatherings, joyful living, and a deep appreciation for the little things in life.
- 4315 West 44th Ave.
- Shop Miller Lane Mercantile Online
Denver Gift Store
Another referral by Kira Fleischer, Denver Gift Store is donates 6 percent of its sales to non-profits in the community. They specialize in local and small independent makers and are family-owned and operated. They carry everything from gift bundles to cards to jewelry to books.
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Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas Street #170 Aurora CO 80010
Winter Session
Winter Session’s philosophy is pretty basic, “We make things for people who care about how things are made.” Founded in 2010 by the husband and wife team of Roy Katz and Tanya Fleisher, Winter Session designs and manufactures a full range of functional, high-quality, unisex canvas and leather carry goods. Their small team of artisans utilizes traditional craft techniques like hand stitching and beveling, and newer technologies like laser cutting and industrial machine sewing to produce the product range in their Denver-based workshop. Combining functionality, durability, and visual appeal, the bags, wallets, cases, and wearables have a refined utilitarian aesthetic. You’ll find these accessories work with you and for you, and look great while doing so. These goods are meant to last for years and years to come. Shop online for amazing products that are sure to make for a perfect gift.
Bloom Jewelry
Bloom makes fine jewelry for real life. They believe your jewelry should be timeless – in style and substance. That’s why every piece made is backed by a lifetime guarantee, so that your Bloom jewelry truly lasts forever. Bloom’s nationally acclaimed design team handcrafts each collection in their Denver studio, creating versatile, beautiful pieces that transition flawlessly to fit every moment of your life. Jenny Usaj of Usaj Realty can often be seen wearing some of their stunning pieces.
(Check out their numerous locations in the Denver metro area).
Stanley Marketplace
This urban marketplace has something for everyone. Retail businesses are open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. Check individual restaurants and coffee shops for their hours.
Stanley Marketplace is the perfect place to buy local and support small businesses. Featuring truly unique businesses, you’re sure to find that special gift for that special someone. From service providers to restaurants, boutiques to coffee shops, Stanley Marketplace has become the go-to spot for shoppers across the Denver metro area.
- 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
- Learn More at the Stanley Marketplace website
