Colorado Springs has long been a community that values shopping locally. This year, with small businesses facing economic uncertainty, supporting them is important. The Colorado Springs Holiday Small Shopping Guide has been created to support holiday shopping efforts in our area.
A recent Michigan Local First research study found that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 will be circulated back into the local economy. Comparatively, when consumers spend their money at big box or non-local stores, only $43 contributes to the local economy.
The dollars spent on local businesses substantially and positively impact those relying on the income generated. Our Colorado Springs Holiday Small Shopping Guide can help you with any last-minute shopping needs while allowing you to make a difference for your Colorado Springs community.
Amazing Gifts
Another compelling reason to shop local is the variety of gifts you can find. Enough with holiday candles and cutesy coffee mugs, shopping local will make you the most thoughtful gift giver in your family.
The local creative folks in our town have some exciting and thought-provoking crafts and ideas. And what better way to spread the cheer than to cheer them on with your dollars? Giving a gift made by a craftsperson, artisan or artist shows the recipient that you care and you know what they really appreciate.
Are You a Procrastinator?
Let's face it, it is so easy to procrastinate this time of year. Buying locally affords you one of the most important things you may need right now...time. When you shop locally, you have your gift ready to wrap. No waiting for UPS, no delayed shipments, no concern of someone swiping it off your doorstep. Your present goes from being purchased to right under your tree. Use your new-found time saved to work on something more productive, like your holiday menu planning, plan some time with the family and go out and look at some of Colorado Springs's best holiday lights.
Orly's Art Gallery and Framing - Orlys, a family-owned business, has been operating for over 29 years and making waves in the Art Gallery and Framing industry. After beginning in Old Colorado City on the westside, Orly's now resides in South Downtown Colorado Springs. With an impressive selection of original paintings and vintage furnishings, Orly's is renowned as Colorado Springs' top Art Gallery.
The Living Room - One of our favorite places to buy plants. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the selection is mind-boggling!
In addition to the shops specializing in gifts, clothing and home decor, another way to contribute to our Colorado Springs economy is to support our local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries.
Some of the best local gifts and swag in town come from our local eateries and watering holes. That cute Colorado t-shirt....from a brewery, that cool beanie...yup, a distillery. So pop on into your local watering hole and pick up some local gifts and gear.
Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery Gifts & Gear
Shame and Regret - Located in Downtown Colorado Springs, this back alley treasure is a renowned scotch and whiskey bar that has become a favorite among locals.
Goat Patch Brewing - Who doesn't like that cute little goat? And their beer? To die for...
Pikes Peak Brewery - Beer drinkers make better lovers.....at least that's what one of their t-shirts claim.
3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument Moonshine at it's best. Check out their new retail corner!
Metric Brewing - The Knob Hill Neighborhood is now home to a small batch craft beers and limited-release styles brewery. With a rotating selection, patrons can expect everything from clean lagers and funky sours to warm barrel-aged beers, with new offerings released each week.
Lee Spirits - This is a popular watering hole in Monument. Also, check them out downtown at Brooklyn's on Boulder
Bramble & Brie - Over-the-top charcuterie goodness! They are so popular right now you might need to wait....but it looks like it is worth the wait
Brooklyn's on Boulder - OK this speakeasy looks like a haberdashery, but it's actually a bar. Very small space, with great drinks, and a lot of fun.
Mash Mechanix Brewing Co. - This new brewing company offers a dizzying selection of draft beers and seltzers. They also have an impressive line-up of food trucks if you're hungry.
Other Great Places to Find Local Gifts in Colorado Springs
For that hard-to-buy person on your list, you might need to venture outside traditional gift shops and restaurants and get a little more creative. Here are some local businesses that may be the perfect fit for Aunt Betty.
Plated Picnics - cool covid-friendly charcuterie for delivery
Bella Art & Frame - Framing and art gifts can be found at this Monument shop
Wine Seller - Don't know what to buy? Ask Dirk in Monument, he can come up with something special.
At Springs Homes, we support local because we are local. We have been around as your Colorado Springs Realtors since 1997, and we plan to be here for many years to come. Check out some of the other Local Lineup Guides we publish to help support our local neighbors.
Are you a local business owner we missed in our Colorado Springs Holiday Small Shopping Guide? Have no fear, we appreciate you, too, and would love to include you in our next shout-out. Drop us a line and remind us to include you when we promote local businesses.