We get it: Conquering a holiday to-do list while still in your pajamas makes online shopping an enticing option. Convenience, though, doesn’t get you the warm glow of supporting local businesses, whose owners often eschew mass-produced items for gifts with thoughtful details that just seem, well, special. So celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 24 at some beloved Denver-area stalwarts and their corresponding newcomers—and prepare to bask in that “I nailed it” feeling.

If they like…
Abstract

5280 November 2018
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Photo by Milo Lee, courtesy of Abstract Retail

Originally opened as a screen-printing company in 2002, this Lincoln Park shop carries its own designs alongside Champion backpacks and Rebel 8 T-shirts. Snag a nylon anorak with Abstract’s trademark Mile High City patches to give your favorite fashionista more street cred.
Then also try…
Culture Street
Sneakerheads, rejoice: Stapleton’s Culture Street wants to feed your obsession with its plentiful Yeezys, Off-Whites, and Jordans. (A hip sweatshirt from Supreme or Dro pairs nicely with them all—and makes a chic present for trendy teens.) Or bring in your own kicks for a custom paint job by the in-house designers.

If they like…
Skirt Sports
Nicole DeBoom launched her Boulder-based athleisure brand in 2004, days after winning an Ironman while wearing a lightweight sports skirt she’d designed. DeBoom opened a storefront in 2016, and this season she’s introducing reversible beanies to keep you chic and warm during frigid winter runs with your workout buddy (who’d probably like one, too).
Then also try…
Kait Sweat

Photo by Brandon Jones, courtesy of Varley

Former Denver Broncos cheerleader Kaitlyn Martin opened Kait Sweat earlier this year. The Cherry Creek store sells trendy, midriff-baring tops, sports bras with cutouts, and leggings for dancers that incorporate subtle pads to protect knees.

If they like…
Moda Man
Larimer Square’s Moda Man has been swathing
Mile High City gents in upscale garments such as Ibiza sports coats and custom Baroni Couture suits for eight years. Splurge on an Italian-made wool Mantoni suit for yourself, or gift a dress shirt, silk tie, or belt to a GQ-obsessed loved one.
Then also try…
Bespoke Edge

Photo by From the Hip Photo

With a gift certificate tucked away in his wallet, your favorite shopper can focus less on the price at this Highland shop and more on the experience, like feeling swatches of fabric while being measured for a custom suit and choosing details like a monogrammed label.

A Good Fit

Take the whole “season of giving” thing a step further at this Denver nonprofit.

In March, Impact Locally, which provides resources like guidance counseling and free haircuts to those experiencing poverty, launched a clothing store with an unusual conceit: Everything is free. The Five Points shop, called Humanity, serves customers facing homelessness who visit Tuesday through Thursday or Sunday to try on and take coats, sweaters, or business outfits. The enterprise survives on donations, so drop off clothes—everything from casual wear to suit-and-tie ensembles—plus gear like sleeping bags and backpacks, for a different spin on supporting small business.