By Basha Cohen
With a Ho-Ho-Ho and a Hee-Hee-Hee, it’s time to go out on that shopping spree! No need to hit the malls. Consider being old-school and get off your computer to truly enjoy the spirit of the gift-giving season right in the heart of Northwest Denver.
The smell of cinnamon and sage, the touch of something fuzzy or furry, the flicker of a feather or sequin, the scent of a candle, the perfect cozy hat, cocktails to-go, or the delight of a cheap and cheerful find. The hunt for treasures at every price point shows that the merchant scene is alive, well, and ready to serve your friends and family some delectable treats.
Shopping local for the holidays is a map of discovery and a key to the people who have been grounded in our community, often for decades. Supporting what’s iconic and treasured like Lois Harvey’s West Side Books, Cindy Berry Ollig’s Perfect Petal, and Wendy Sjogren’s Clotheshorse, or saying “goodbye” to Nicole Sullivan’s community Bookbar, or wishing Kat Furr, an original in the Tennyson gift scene with XO Gifts, good luck as she moves to Gold’s Market on 26th Avenue and Kipling after this holiday season ends.
Aside from the old, discover what’s new, like menswear master Eli Cox of Berkeley Supply Company’s new and expanded digs on Tennyson. A new women’s shop, Boutique La Voga, owned by Deb Scherer has entered the contemporary accessory and apparel scene on 32nd Ave with some seriously cool denim and boots.
The Dew Drop Shop at Nurture on 29th Avenue and Federal Boulevard features a rotating apothecary of beauty and wellness products curated by Cindy Koder that give back to worthy causes. West Colfax newbies Omar Sandoval and Skylah Marroquin have just opened Chaos, a vintage thrift shop featuring 25 vendors and local artisans. Maurice Anderson and KC Christian launched a fun and funky new boutique, It’s a Bodega, that mashes up high-end trainers, leather jackets, kooky toys, and bodega eats at the Edgewater Public Market.
Wordshop, located at 3180 Meade St., encapsulates the sentiment of local merchants that depend on us: “For every dollar you spend, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Thank you for supporting small businesses. We love you.”
We could devote an entire newspaper to all of the great finds out there, but here are some of our inflation-buster top picks mostly under $100 and five new shops that will get you some lovin’ this holiday season. Shop till you drop and have a joyous season ahead.
All photos by Basha Cohen unless otherwise noted.
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