Each winter, Littleton’s Main Street transforms into a snow globe–worthy strip illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and anchored by a 55-foot Christmas tree. An afternoon spent ducking among the festive shops is all but guaranteed to cure even the worst case of the Scrooges.

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5280 December 2013
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Detail-Oriented
Park the kids at the coloring book table at the front of the store and peruse Details Boutique’s trendy wares unencumbered. You’ll find options for anyone on your Christmas list: a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag for new-to-parenthood neighbors; a Maruca artisan handbag for your teenage cousin; and TableTopics’ Not Your Mom’s Dinner Party card game for your chatty gal pal. 2359 W. Main St., 303-703-3884, detailsboutique.com

bag

Better With Age
Shopping at Nona’s Attic feels like shopping in your (very cool) grandmother’s house—and not just because the space was converted from a ranch-style home into a boutique. Try making it out the door without at least seriously considering wrapping up an early-20th-century typewriter, a vintage watch, or a Depression glass butter dish for the one person not on your list: you. 2699 W. Main St., 303-798-4885, nonasattic.com

Tea Time
In-Tea presents the perfect spot to warm yourself on a winter day. Sip a unique hot toddy crafted from In-Teas’ expansive menu of ingredients. (Spiced Apple Pie with Cinnamon Schnapps or Cocoa Mate with Kahlúa, perhaps?) Plus, you can snag a bag of loose-leaf tea from more than 150 varieties and cross off “gift for foodie friend.” 2440 W. Main St., 720-981-2512, in-tea.net

Art House
More than 200 (mostly local) artists are represented inside the eclectic Willow – An Artisan’s Market. With a wide variety in both price and product—handcrafted earrings, garden sculptures, painted silk scarves, and original wall art—this is your spot for the already-have-everything, tough-to-buy-for set. 2400 W. Main St., 303-730-8521, willowartisansmarket.com

earrings

Get Personal
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, customize one of the more than 250 bisqueware shapes—from plates and cups to figurines and vases—waiting at Hot Pots. The studio welcomes walk-ins (but you can call ahead to save your spot); put the kids to work painting mugs for grandma and grandpa while you create a mosaic picture frame for your office gift exchange. 2570 W. Main St., 303-798-5242, hotpotsstudio.com

hotpots

For Four Legs
Take a slight detour down Prince Street to Lewis & Bark to ensure your furry friends are covered this holiday season. The store carries an impressive selection of nutritious dog and cat foods and treats, such as Zuke’s natural biscuits made in Durango. Looking for something besides sustenance? Try an interactive Kong toy (we dig the Wobbler) or Ruffwear’s Polar Trex dog boots. 5623 S. Prince St., 303-347-6370, lewisbark.com

animals

Sweet Therapy
The doctor is always in at the Chocolate Therapist. Author of The Chocolate Therapist: A User’s Guide to the Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate, Julie Pech stocks her storefront cafe with individually wrapped goodies made on-site. Swap out Santa’s standard cookies for peanut butter cups, sea-salt-and-almond bars, or spicy Cayenne Pepper Savouries, and you might just ensure a permanent position on the “Nice” list. 2560 W. Main St., 303-795-7913, thechocolatetherapist.com

chocolate

Parting Shop
Celebrate crossing the last person off your holiday list with a glass of Villa Rosa Moscato d’Asti from Kate’s Wine Bar, a cozy, European-style spot that boasts more than 40 types of wine. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent (and who isn’t around the holidays?), try adding a warm chocolate brownie to the tab. 5671 S. Nevada St., 303-999-2895, kateslittleton.com

Get Involved
Donate gently used jewelry, clothing, original artwork, and furniture to Angel Concept. The shop provides work-skills training to struggling, disadvantaged women—victims of abuse, domestic violence—and five percent of the sale of new items goes to one of 14 metro Denver charities. 2510 W. Main St., 720-283-8910, angelconcept.org