The 10 Best Gifts for the Home, Handpicked by Local Shop Owners

Denver has no shortage of home-goods shops, and behind each storefront is a small business owner with discerning taste. If finding presents for the most stylish recipients on your list has you stumped this year, fear not.

We asked the proprietors of 10 of Denver’s finest home-goods boutiques to dish on their bestselling items that will make perfect gifts. The best part? You get to do a little IRL shopping and support small businesses.

Ceramic Flower Mug

For that special someone who appreciates the little things in life, the hand-sculpted florals on this ceramic flower mug ($65) feel super special. It combines beauty with practicality, which, in our book, always makes for a winning gift. Each of these mugs is handmade by Erica Moore in her Los Angeles pottery studio, meaning each piece carries a unique touch. —Calli Swofford, owner of Miller Lane Mercantile; 4234 Tennyson St.

Dinner Party Essentials

’Tis the season for toasts. Raise these rainbow champagne flutes ($25) with your family and friends, store your bubbly in this antique brass wine chiller ($115) for a touch of timeless elegance, and set the table with these neutral linen cocktail napkins ($25 for a set of four) to complete the sophisticated setting. (We’d recommend switching to red solo cups when you pop the third bottle of bubbly.) —Becky Miller, owner of Modern Nomad Home; 1211 Delaware St.

Spiced Honey and Sandalwood Candle

Our bestselling spiced honey and sandalwood candle ($48) brings together two talented Colorado makers. Brett Owens of Light Provisions handpours the cozy spice blend candle and the ceramic tumbler is thrown by local potter Liam Grinton. Each ceramic cup sports different blends of olive, cream, and amber earth tones because of the made-in-house glaze Grinton uses, and the gift isn’t gone once the candle burns out. You can wash and reuse the cup as a coffee mug or bring it back to the shop, and we’ll refill it with spiced honey. —Caitlyn Schwarz, owner of Conifer; 3377 Blake St. #102

Dodinsky Quote Wall Tarp

If your mom has had the same “Live, Laugh, Love” poster hanging on the wall since you were six, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. This vintage-washed Dodinsky quote wall tarp ($98) serves as a reminder to live a life filled with hope, kindness, and courage. The large format and soft, durable fabric can be washed and dried on low for a more vintage aesthetic and makes for an inspiring holiday gift. —Kerri Cole, owner of Confía Collective; 1549 S. Pearl St.

Foxy Art Print

Only true Denverites will recognize this landmark. Local photographer Kimberly Wolff’s neon signs collection features some of the most iconic buildings along Colfax Avenue, including this stunning print (starting at $89) of the Aurora Fox Arts Center (prior to its new paint job earlier this year). If you want to make things interesting, demand that your gift recipient guess the structure before they’re allowed to hang this piece of history in their home. —Amy Rogala, owner of Rogala Design; 2880 S. Broadway, Englewood

Cutting Board & Cheese Knife

These cutting boards (starting at $50) and cheese knives (starting at $38) make the perfect pair for hosting and gifting. Heirlooms that will be loved for years to come, both are handmade in the eastern United States by family-owned companies, and you can see and feel the care that went into each piece. Spencer Peterman’s handcrafted cutting and serving boards breathe new life into local discarded logs, and Millstream Home’s spreaders are each uniquely hand forged with stainless steel. —Angela Pilloud, owner of New Americana Home; 1939 E. Kentucky Ave.

Lyngby Porcelæn Candle Holders

The organic lines and timeless design of Danish porcelain make it a favorite gift in our store. These candle holders by Lyngby Porcelæn (starting at $55) are simple yet sophisticated. The white candle holders are stunning on their own, but with lit candles, they bring warmth to any room. —Sheri Knox, owner of ILLSE Home; 3437 S. Broadway, Englewood

Garnier-Thiebaut Table Linens

Elevate your holiday entertaining with our intricately woven French table linens from Garnier-Thiebaut ($30-$350). Handwoven in France since 1833, these traditional French table runners, tablecloths, napkins, and oh-so-giftable tea towels (starting at $30) make everyday dining exceptional. —Mike and Lindy DiPaulo, owners of Homefest; 5912 S. Holly St., Englewood

Legendär Brass Pen and Pencil

At Emerson Bailey we think about gifting the same way we think about sourcing for our galleries: We are on the hunt for what we feel is the best of the best, timeless, and classic in design. Our go-to gift is the beautiful brass pen ($97) or pencil ($123) from Legendär. With quality craftsmanship and materials, Legendär products each have a story and special uniqueness to them. Made from a single piece of solid brass, the pen/pencil is substantial in weight and makes a statement. The leather case ($118), made from full-grain cowhide, perfectly pairs with the pen or pencil and is a beautiful and convenient everyday companion. —Susan Weiss, owner of Emerson Bailey; 1787 S. Broadway

Stoneware Platter

Too often when we gift our hosts and hostesses fancy dinnerware, we inadvertently give them more work to do. So, instead of wrapping up another “hand-wash only” dish, consider this food- and dishwasher-safe stoneware platter ($125) instead. It features a masterfully handpainted floral design and a speckled glaze that they won’t have to spend time scrubbing. —Kyndra Georgeson, owner of Kyndred; 4611 E. 23rd Ave.