Local Denver Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

The holidays are the perfect time to give back to your community, and one of the best ways to do that is by shopping local Denver businesses. From family-friendly boutiques and artisanal gift shops to cozy cafés and creative markets, these unique stores make our city vibrant, imaginative, and full of character. Whether you’re hunting for thoughtful gifts, holiday décor, festive treats, or fun experiences for the whole family, these local favorites are worth checking out this season.

1. Local Gift Shops & Boutiques

• 5 Green Boxes (Washington Park & Cherry Creek)

A Denver staple known for colorful, quirky, and handmade gifts. Perfect for stocking stuffers and unique holiday décor.

• I Heart Denver Store (Downtown)

Sells products exclusively created by Colorado artists and designers from apparel to art prints. Ideal for Colorado-themed gifts.

• White Peacock (Cherry Creek)

Located in the heart of Cherry Creek, White Peacock is known for its elegant, elevated selection of home décor, gifts, and accessories. Perfect for stylish and memorable finds.

• Wish Gifts (Hampden & Wash Park)

A longtime local favorite offering fun, eclectic items for every personality. From heartfelt cards to clever little treasures, you’ll always find something special here.

• The Shop Outpost (Colfax)

To offer unique, handpicked western style pieces that tell stories and make your space feel like home, all while treading lightly on our precious planet.

• The Wildflower Co. (Edgewater)

A cozy boutique featuring handmade Colorado goods, candles, home décor, and artisan accessories.

2. Local Coffee Shops & Artisan Bakeries

• Little Owl Coffee (Downtown & LoHi)

Known for top-tier coffee and seasonal drinks. Great for gift cards, holiday treats, or a warm drink while shopping.

• Denver Biscuit Company (Stapleton, Highlands, South Broadway)

A local favorite offering hearty breakfast comfort food  perfect for holiday mornings.

• Moon Raccoon Baking Co. (RiNo Market Pop-Ups)

Vegan bakery with incredible pastries, cakes, and seasonal sweets.

3. Family-Owned Restaurants

• Work & Class (RiNo)

Family-run and beloved for its Latin- and Southern-inspired plates. Cozy, flavorful, and perfect for winter dinners.

• Bruno’s Italian (Broadway)

Cozy Italian restaurant serving hearty pasta, pizza, and classic comfort dishes. Perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening with family or friends.

• Bastien’s Steakhouse (Colfax)

A Denver institution with retro charm, known for thick, caramelized steaks and old-school vibes. Ideal for a nostalgic, hearty dinner.

• Tommy’s Thai (Colfax)

Authentic Thai flavors in a relaxed, friendly setting. From flavorful curries to savory noodles, every dish feels made with care.

• Odie B’s (Sunnyside & RiNo)

Casual neighborhood spot for breakfast, brunch, and sandwiches. Known for comfort food with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

4. Denver-Based Outdoor Shops

• Topo Designs (RiNo & Cherry Creek)

Denver-born outdoor brand known for stylish backpacks, outerwear, and accessories. Perfect for gifting adventurers and travelers.

• FERAL (Berkeley)

An outdoor-lifestyle boutique offering Colorado-inspired apparel, gear, and local-brand accessories.

5. Local Artists & Galleries

• Denver Flea Holiday Market (Pop-Up Events)

Showcases dozens of local makers from leatherwork to jewelry to artisan snacks.

• RiNo Art District Studios & Galleries (RiNo)

Many artists offer holiday open studios where you can purchase original artwork directly.

• Artists on Santa Fe (Art District)

We house 25 artists in our studios and 15 juried artists in our gallery.

6. Local Plant & Home Goods Shops

• Urban Sanctuary Plants (Uptown)

A relaxing local plant shop offering holiday arrangements, indoor plants, and beautifully curated pots.

• Sacred Thistle (Denver Baker District)

A modern floral and home shop with stunning bouquets, dried arrangements, and handmade ceramics.

• City Floral Garden Center (Park Hill)

Denver’s oldest garden center and a longtime local favorite. During the holidays, the shop transforms with festive décor, giftable arrangements, and plenty of inspiration for plant lovers.

• Datura Home (Central Park)

A warm, beautifully styled boutique specializing in elevated home goods, artisanal décor, candles, textiles, and small-batch lifestyle products. Datura is perfect for unique, design-forward gifts that bring comfort, personality, and craftsmanship into the home.

• Perfect Petal (Highlands / West Highland)

A charming boutique filled with curated gifts, seasonal décor, and unique floral-inspired finds. Ideal for thoughtful winter presents or a little treat for yourself.

• Devils Ivy Plant Shop (Denver)

A trendy plant shop featuring easy-care houseplants, rare varieties, and colorful planters. Devils Ivy is known for its fun, youthful vibe and stylish pots, plant accessories, and curated home goods.

7. Kid-Friendly Denver Shops

• Second Star to the Right (Berkeley & Platte Street)

A beloved children’s bookstore offering story times, learning toys, gifts, and books by Colorado authors.

• Little Bird (Park Hill & Cory Merrill)

A charming children’s boutique offering stylish kids’ clothing, unique toys, and creative gifts. Little Bird delights families with a playful selection, cozy atmosphere, and thoughtful items perfect for sparking imagination in little ones.

• Broomtail Kids (Gaylord St. & E 12th Ave.)

A whimsical kids’ store brimming with curated toys, books, and clothing. Broomtail Kids makes shopping for little adventurers fun, inspiring creativity and joy for children and giving parents a handpicked selection of playful, high-quality treasures.

• Beyond the Blackboard (Highlands)

A cheerful neighborhood toy store stocked with educational games, art kits, and imaginative toys perfect for kids (and parents) looking for playful, learning-centered treats.

Why Supporting Local Matters

When you support Denver’s local businesses, you:

• Keep your dollars within the community

• Help small businesses thrive during the holidays 

• Support local families, artists, and makers

• Celebrate Denver’s vibrant and unique culture                                                                                                                                

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Denver, and the holidays are the perfect time to show them some love.

Denver Living Is All About Community

Denver living is all about connection, and at the heart of living in Denver is a strong and supportive Denver community. During the holiday season, choosing to shop at local Denver stores is a meaningful way to support local Denver businesses, strengthen the local economy, and celebrate the unique character of Denver neighborhoods. From charming boutiques to creative markets and specialty shops, local businesses reflect the vibrant Denver lifestyle that attracts people to call the city home. Supporting locals not only makes the holidays more special for family and friends, but also plays an important role in the strength and long-term value of Denver real estate. By shopping local and exploring neighborhood favorites, residents help Denver thrive while enjoying everything that makes this city such a special place to live.

Contact me today with any questions:

Jen Miller , REALTOR

303.521.0816

jenmiller@compass.com

Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a home is one of the most stressful times in your life! It’s a lot of money to spend and you want to be sure you’re being smart about it. With current housing conditions, most homes under $600k are moving very quickly so there isn’t room to sit around and debate your decision for a few days or it will be gone. Bidding wars are a common occurrence and houses are selling at and over asking price. If you can avoid making these mistakes, the process will be a lot smoother and less stressful, and you’ll have a better chance of getting that dream for you and your family!

Before Making an Offer

• Get pre-qualified to know how much you can afford

• Check your credit score and fix any errors that might be on there

• Take the time to raise your credit score if it’s not higher than 650

• Choose the RIGHT lender. Not all lenders are equal. Some will be a better fit for you and be able to help you more and close faster than others. Your agent usually will refer you to ones that they have worked with and are solid people to trust.

• Spending all of your money on your down payment and closing costs. Always have an emergency fund.

• Lacking vision. Doing upgrades can be less expensive than buying a house with the complete package.

• Indecision. A house you loved today and are thinking about buying might already have an offer being written from the person who loved it yesterday.

• Waiting longer than 24-48 hrs to see a home in Denver that just hit the market. In our highly competitive market, over 60% go under contract in seven days or less.

• Not choosing an agent. Get professional help. They are the experts in contracts, negotiations and knowing the market.

• Make sure to get a feel for the neighborhood. Walk the area, talk to neighbors, look at the upkeep of houses and yards nearby to get an idea of who would live around you.

After Making an Offer

• Turn in your Earnest Money on time. If you wait to long, the contract will be terminated.

• Don’t make any large purchases before closing that will change your credit.

• Make sure to go all in on inspections. This can make or break a deal and you’d hate to find issues after you close because you thought new construction couldn’t have issues.

• Do all the tests necessary on top on inspection: check the home for mold; get it meth tested if there were ever renters there; do a sewer scope, double check all systems are in working order!

• Sign all disclosures or the contract can be terminated.

• Make sure your lender orders appraisal on time to make the deadlines work.

• Have an agent who is on top of everything and communicative with you during the whole process.

Don’t let simple mistakes keep you from the home of your dreams! Contact me with any questions or concerns!