Shop Small in Denver: Thoughtful Local Gifts (Just in Time for Gifting Season)
Denver’s small business scene is bursting with creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit. Whether you’re picking up something for a holiday exchange, a housewarming, or just because, these locally made finds make gifting feel more personal (and more fun).
From hand-poured candles and pepper jam with a kick to art-inspired wrapping paper and traditional cookies with a four-generation story, here are a few of our favorite independent places to shop now and year-round.
Romero Cookies
Perfect for: Someone who loves nostalgic flavors, thoughtful cultural gifting, and treats with a story behind them.
Romero Cookies is a woman-owned Denver bakery run by Liddy, a fourth-generation Mexican-American baker who revived her family’s cherished Pan de Polvo recipe after missing her father’s legendary version. Each cookie is made by hand, baked in small batches, and crafted with no more than eight simple ingredients - the same way her family has done it for over 40 years.
These cookies aren’t just dessert; they’re a meaningful gift rooted in heritage and memory. With three different cookie styles and a $5 off each tin for pickup and corporate gifting, they make thoughtful presents for loved ones, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates something truly local and unique.
Featured products:
Traditional Mexican Pan de Polvo cookies
Three signature cookie styles, all handmade
Corporate gifting tins with long shelf-life (90 days!)
seven | Sixteen
Perfect for: The creative friend who loves art, learning new skills, and beautifully made design pieces.
seven|sixteen blends art and creativity into everyday life, offering gifts that feel meaningful and hands-on. Their Intro to Weaving E-Course & Kit is an experience-first present: a cozy, at-home project that invites slow crafting and creative play. Their Nebulous Wrapping Paper turns gift-giving into an art form, while prints from the Nebulous Collection offer approachable artwork that feels gallery-worthy without the gallery price tag.
concrete Poppy Design
Perfect for: Someone who loves cozy scents, sustainable home goods, and gifts that feel warm and personal.
What began as Elaina Keegan refilling old candle jars for friends has grown into Concrete Poppy Design - a Denver-based, female-founded candle studio focused on sustainability and thoughtful fragrance.
Each candle is hand-poured using non-toxic ingredients, and many vessels are repurposed or sourced with intention. Their Gift Sets feel soothing, minimal, and deeply personal.
Featured products:
Hand-poured, non-toxic candle blends
Sustainably crafted vessels and home aromas
m2 Confections
Perfect for: The foodie who appreciates handcrafted sweets, bold flavors, and small-batch local treats.
Family-run and Denver-loved, m2 Confections creates hand-painted bon bons, small-batch ice cream, and seasonal truffles that look as stunning as they taste.
Their12-Piece Seasonal Truffle Box is nut-, gluten-, and soy-free - making it an inclusive option for gifting. Their Hot Cocoa & Marshmallow Set is the cozy-night-in favorite everyone loves.
Perfect for: Someone who loves plants, home decor, and gifts with a touch of retro cool.
More than a bar with jungle-lounge vibes, Devil’s Ivy also offers plants, pots, candles, blankets, and home goods that bring their tropical, nostalgic aesthetic home. Everything here feels lush, playful, and full of personality - the perfect pick for someone who loves decor that makes a space feel alive.
Featured products:
Potted plants and statement planters
Candles and aromatic home accents
Blankets, throw pillows, and cozy décor
Yummy Lotus
Perfect for: Food lovers, home cooks, and anyone who loves bold, creative flavor.
Yummy Lotus makes small-batch, vegan and gluten-free gourmet pepper jams that strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and citrusy. Their Jam Sample Pack is a fun, try-it-all option that elevates appetizers, breakfasts, and even cocktails. These jars make great stocking stuffers - or additions to any food lover’s pantry.
Featured products:
Vegan, gluten-free pepper jam flavors
Small-batch, bold-flavor spreads
Confía Collective
Perfect for: Someone who loves self-care, intentional rituals, and gifts that bring good energy.
Confía Collective is a women-owned, Denver-based space rooted in authenticity and empowerment. While known for their effortlessly cool hair artistry, they also curate ritual tools like Shower Affirmation Cards, crystals, tarot decks, and zodiac-inspired items. Everything here is designed to spark confidence, clarity, and grounding: small gifts that make a big emotional impact.
Featured products:
Shower Affirmation Cards
Crystals and tarot decks
Zodiac and ritual tools
FTF Goods
Perfect for: The people in your life your appreciate unique home goods, barware, travel gear, outdoor essentials, and self care (especially the men!)
FTF Goods is a true Denver gift store that was born out of Founder, Jesse's, love of small brands and the old adage that it's hard to find gifts for men. In 2023, he left his corporate career to make it all happen and we’re so glad he did! Each item in the store is truly hand-picked so that you’re looking through a curated selection of high quality goods.
Featured products:
Sunglasses for kids
Plant water drippers
Headphone keychain
Ahlin Collective
Perfect for: Minimalists, homebodies, and anyone who loves calm, beautifully designed home goods.
Ahlin Collective is a Denver lifestyle brand making minimalist knitwear and soft home accessories that turn everyday spaces into serene spaces. Their knitted giftables are practical, cozy, and perfect for winter gifting, while their candles are clean, modern, and soothing.
Featured products:
Knitted giftables (scarves, accessories, home pieces)
Hand-poured minimalist candles
Sustainable, design-led home essentials
XO Gift Co.
Perfect for: Someone who loves curated surprises, Colorado-themed gifting, or ready-made gift bundles.
XO Gift Co, run by Denver local Cindy, specializes in custom and Colorado-themed gift baskets packed with locally sourced treats and thoughtful touches. Whether you choose a pre-designed bundle or customize your own, these baskets make gifting feel effortless while still being personal and local-forward. the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Featured products:
Fully custom gift baskets
Colorado-themed curated sets
Local artisan products and keepsakes
Artisan Center
Perfect for: Shoppers who love one-of-a-kind handmade goods and gifts with creative personality.
Artisan Center is a longtime Denver favorite that celebrates local and independent makers through jewelry, home goods, artwork, stationery, and more. It’s the spot you walk into for “just a card” and leave with a perfectly unexpected gift — handcrafted, personal, and full of charm.
Featured products:
Handmade jewelry
Artful home goods
Gifts and accessories from independent creatives
St. Nicks Christmas Store
Perfect for: Anyone who loves festive magic, ornament collectors, or holiday lovers who shop year-round.
Located in Littleton, St. Nicks is a year-round Christmas wonderland filled with themed ornaments, décor, collectibles, and holiday nostalgia. It’s a go-to for finding sentimental ornaments, finishing touches for holiday decorating, or gifts for the Christmas-obsessed friend in your life.
Featured products:
Ornaments in every theme imaginable
Holiday décor and collectibles
Year-round Christmas gifts and displays
Shopping small in Denver means giving gifts with your heart. Each of these spots brings something personal to the table, and that’s exactly what we love at Pao: finding the places that make a city feel like home.
Whether you’re gifting for the holidays or just looking to brighten someone’s day, Denver’s independent businesses have something meaningful waiting and Pao makes discovering them easy!
