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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 11 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.
Tuscan Etched Tequila Glasses
This is your sign to donate the souvenir shot glass collection accumulating dust on your bar cart. Designed for sipping tequila or mezcal, these stemmed glasses ($36 for a set of two) feature etched detailing for an element of old-world charm. Pair them with your bottle of choice for the ultimate crowd pleaser. —Calli Swofford, owner of Miller Lane Mercantile; 4234 Tennyson St., Denver
Zagara Perfume Diffuser
The Zagara Perfume Diffuser from Italian brand Ortigia has a bright, elegant orange blossom aroma that’s a pleasant departure from the gingerbread and pine scents of the season. Housed in an amber glass bottle with bold black palm illustrations, it makes a sculptural statement in any room. —Becky Miller, owner of Modern Nomad Home; 1211 Delaware St., Denver
Trinket Dish
During the holidays, we welcome parents, in-laws, aunts, and uncles into our homes—don’t let them bring bad energy with them. Thankfully, this trinket dish ($39) is both decorative and protective. With its glossy emerald green finish and gold evil eye design—a spiritual symbol that wards off negativity and bad luck—it’ll banish bad spirits at the door. Gift it to your favorite witchy friend as a stylish way to store jewelry, crystals, or small keepsakes. —Kerri Cole, owner of Confía Collective; 1549 S. Pearl St., Denver
Holmegaard Tabletop Lantern
These modern lanterns (starting at $78) by Danish glass company Holmegaard fill any space with a soft, welcoming glow. Made from mouth-blown glass and finished with a leather handle, they’re easy to carry from room to room. Style them with seasonal greenery on your holiday dinner table or place them on the patio on warm summer evenings. —Sheri Knox, owner of ILLSE Home; 3437 S. Broadway, Englewood
Ceramic Teapot
We discovered Denver artist Emilia Ealom at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and have carried a selection of her ceramics since we opened in April. Ealom’s clay creations—ranging from vases to soap dispensers—bring beauty to daily tasks. Like all of Ealom’s works, this unique tea pot ($150) connects to nature through its earthy tones and wavelike stenciled pattern. —Gary Abeyta, co-owner of The Den; 575 Saint Paul St., Denver
Jan Barboglio Glass-Blown Angels
Mexican artist Jan Barboglio’s mini glass angels ($125 each) with iron wings and halo add charm and whimsy to a holiday mantel. Plus, purchasing an angel this season is a heavenly act: 10 percent of all sales will be donated to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which supports children and families in need. —Mike and Lindy DiPaulo, owners of Homefest; 5912 S. Holly St., Englewood
Brass Book Weight
Form meets function in this sand-cast recycled brass book weight ($120) that’s substantial enough to keep a cookbook open in the kitchen or anchor papers on a desk. Created by Australia design brand Studio Henry Wilson, this decorative object is available in polished brass and blackened finishes to suit different aesthetics. Plus, each piece is cast in small batches, resulting in slight surface variations that add to its character. —Susan Weiss, owner of Emerson Bailey; 1787 S. Broadway, Denver
Martini Glasses
These eight-ounce glasses ($24 each) are a chic addition to any at-home bar. Slate green and amber color-blocked glass adds a sophisticated edge to your drink of choice, whether it’s served extra dirty or with a shot of espresso. —Kyndra Georgeson, owner of Kyndred; 4611 E. 23rd Ave., Denver
Jiggy Keepsake Puzzle
If you wince at the thought of deconstructing a jigsaw puzzle that you just spent hours piecing together, Jiggy’s keepsake puzzles (starting at $44) allow you to easily display your masterpiece for years to come. Featuring artwork from emerging female artists, each puzzle comes with glue, tools, and instructions for framing. Plus, the glass-bottle packaging provides a “wow” factor when unwrapped, and the brand offers multiple sizes and a wide selection of designs so you can find the perfect fit for your style and space. —David Peterson, owner of Tigerlily Goods; 3795 Grove St., Denver
Stair Totes
For the design lover who appreciates organization that feels intentional, this basket is a stylish way to keep clutter at bay. Inspired by the rattan revival of the ’70s and ’90s, each tote ($420) is handwoven by artisans in Maine and New York using sustainably sourced rattan and organic, non-toxic dyes. Designed to nest perfectly on the stairs, it brings both charm and purpose to the home. —Taylor Heslop, owner of Taylor’d Home; 1570 S. Pearl St., Denver
Stash Jar
These handmade stoneware jars (starting at $96) are accented with large chunky knobs and finished with a matte glaze in cream or black. Available in five different sizes, they can be used to store cotton balls, coffee beans, or something a little more quintessentially Colorado (IYKYK). —Amy Rogala, owner of Rogala Design; 2880 S. Broadway, Englewood
