Why Support Small Businesses
Shopping local during the holiday season (and beyond) isn't about buying stuff to fill up space under the tree. It’s about finding unique, handcrafted, or locally sourced goods that you just won’t find when shopping online. And it's about investing in your neighborhood.
Local retailers are an important part of the community. They provide job opportunities and keep wealth circulating locally instead of going into the pockets of corporations and billionaires. Every purchase has a ripple effect as well, supporting local artisans, farmers, suppliers, and more.
Going into a store also allows you to get personalized help which can be helpful when it comes to buying gifts! No algorithm or chatbot can replace friendly, human service.
Our Favorite Local Businesses
PorchLight is an independent, locally owned and operated brokerage which is just one reason why we’re so big on helping fellow businesses here in the community. Below are just a few shops and businesses for you to check out when holiday shopping this season, favorites recommended by our own agents.
For Gifts Galore
- Datura Home, Denver
- Decade Gifts, Denver
- Gigi & Co. Pet Products, Lafayette
- Interior Delights, Parker
- Jacque Michelle, Boulder
- Silk Road, Denver
- Wish Gifts, Denver
“Jacque Michelle is a long-time local shop that started up on The Hill. The former owner thoughtfully curated a section of the store with fantastic books. The new owners keep it almost identical with fun jewelry, cards, unique clothes, books, puzzles, children’s toys, candles, seasonal gifts and much more.” —Niki Mattioli, Broker Associate
For the Book Lover
- Barbed Wire Books, Longmont
- The Bookworm, Boulder
- Mutiny Information Cafe, Denver
- The Read Queen, Lafayette
- Second Star to the Right, Denver
- Trident, Boulder
- West Side Books, Denver
“My son and I love the Second Star to the Right bookstore in the Platt Park neighborhood. This fun and colorful bookstore stocks the best selection of children’s books and toys and the staff provide excellent recommendations for books that your kids will love.” —Sara Lynn, Broker Associate
For the Green Thumb
- City Floral, Denver
- Harlequin’s Gardens, Boulder
- Nick’s Garden Center, Aurora
- Planted, Denver
- Tagawa Gardens, Centennial
“Tagawa is a full-service garden center located in the south Denver metro area. You’ll find an excellent selection of flowers, annuals, perennials, gifts, tools, seeds, vegetables, shrubs and trees that are specific for Colorado and the Rocky Mountains region.” —Denise Damian, Broker Associate
For the Epicurean
- Blackbelly, Boulder
- Cheese Importers, Longmont
- Le Frigo Deli + Provisions, Boulder
- Marczyk Fine Foods, Denver
- St. Killian’s Cheese Shop, Denver
“LeFrigo has beautifully curated charcuterie, cheeses, and imported French goods. Amazing customer service. They also make soup and sandwiches. The same owner also has B Town Wine and Spirits next door with a fabulous selection of wine.” —Carol Brand, Broker Associate
How to Choose the Perfect Holiday Gift
Choosing a gift can be a joyful yet daunting experience, especially when you walk into a local shop filled with treasures and possibilities. It can be tough not to just shop for yourself!
So, let’s take a look at some tips for figuring out what your recipients might love to receive this holiday season. Once you pick out a few options for each person, writing out your ideas will help you stay focused when browsing.
- Consider their hobbies, interests, and lifestyle. Are they adventurous and outdoorsy, bookish, an epic home chef, an avid gardener, or gadget enthusiast?
- Have you picked up any hints in recent conversations? Have they mentioned wish list items in passing? Check out their social media posts for ideas, too. You can even be sneaky and see what stores and brands they follow.
- What items might add value to their daily life? A practical gift can help make their days easier, so think about useful items that might make a big difference.
- For the type who has everything, consider gifting an experience like gourmet cooking classes or a spa day. You can also upgrade items they already have—going from a cotton beanie (or socks) to wool can be a whole new world on a particularly cold day.
- What gifts have they liked or disliked in the past? If you have a close relationship, they may even have confessed re-gifting items that didn’t quite hit the mark.
- Don’t overlook thrifted and DIY options, especially if your person is the frugal type. The perfect gift doesn’t have to be purchased new for it to be treasured and appreciated. Antique and local consignment stores are great spots to explore and find something unique.
Gift giving can be tough, so hopefully you now have a jumping-off point to not only find the perfect something special but support local businesses in the process. Happy holidays!