Want to find something unique and special for loved ones this holiday season? There are dozens of gift guides on the internet, but we’re offering something unique: a guide to local gift giving.

When we buy from locally owned businesses, more of that money stays in our local economy. In fact, one study in San Fransisco revealed that just a 10% shift in retail sales toward local businesses would create thousands of new jobs and $190 million in economic activity. We don’t have to spend more, just spend smarter.

Given the hundreds of locally owned businesses we’ve connected with over the last year, we’re confident that you can find almost everything you’re looking for outside the mall. Give it a try - and let us know how it went.

Gifts for Her

First we’ll share gifts that might be appropriate for the women in your life: mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, lovers, best friends. Clicking on the business name will take you to the business listing as found on the Colorado Local First directory.

Ahimsa Footwear: Shoes, wallets, bags and other accessories which use no animal products and are ’sweat-shop free.’ Owner Lisa is normally behind the counter and can help you find a perfect gift for a animal-and-accessory loving gal. I especially like these vegan pumps for only $60.00. In Uptown at Park Ave. & Marion.

Aix Restaurant: This American bistro & wine bar serves locally sourced food including a delicious pumpkin pie mousse. Treat your mom to their weekend brunch (mmm, nutella crepes!) because your mom really just wants to spend time with you for the holidays. Located in Uptown at 17th & Clarkson.

Moon Dance Botanicals: Handmade lotions, potions, soaps, bath salts and more. You can also treat your female companions to a private spa party with wine, cheese, chocolate and pampering, for just $15 per person. Try the lavender butter, with simple ingredients that make the skin glow. Located in central Denver at 6th Ave. & Corona St.

Bixa: Featuring organic food, art, jewelry and gifts. Everything in this cute shop on Colfax Ave. is recycled or otherwise sustainble. Check out the purses handmade with soda can tops and other one-of-a-kind gifts she’ll love. Located on Colfax Ave. & Vine St.

Talulah Jones: One of the best gift stores in Denver, Talulah Jones is a whimsical shop with everything from jewelry to tea pots to pretty little things to make a house more cozy. This is a great place to find toys, books and other items for the little people in your life. I promise you’ll find something for every woman in your life and have fun doing it. Check out the specialty tea items (such as the $6 tea samples pictured) and the eco-friendly kid’s toys. In Uptown at 17th & Park Ave.

5 Green Boxes: The “little store” has, no kidding, the best unusual sock and legwear selection in Denver. Unique clothing, hats, scarves, jewelry, bags and other pretty items. Check out the “big store” down the street with lovely furniture, art and other items for the home.  Stores located on Old South Pearl St. at Iowa & Mexico.

Unity Boutique: Looking for socially responsible clothing even your hipster friend can love? Check out Unity Boutique (which also has clothing for men)  as well as bags, scarves, coats and undies. Voted the best “green boutique” in Denver, the ladies at Unity hunt down the coolest and greenest clothing around.

Workshop For Women: Empower your favorite female friends with home maintenance workshops. For everything from basic plumbing to power tools, owner Judy Browne makes learning home maintenance skills easy, fun, and not-scary.

Vacation Within: Massage is a fail-proof gift for almost any woman. Please, please - treat the women you love to a healing massage. We need them more than we provide them for ourselves. Call Hailey at (303) 888-8294.

Hysteria: The only eco-friendly, sex-positive boutique in Denver. Owners Elizabeth and Pete seek out the best products they can find for the...ahem, adult women in your life. If you're looking for something more intimate, more playful, or just plain wonderful, check out Hysteria. Located on South Broadway between Bayaud & Maple.

Our next post will feature gifts for men and business colleagues. Be sure to leave reviews for these and other local businesses at www.ColoradoLocalFirst.com and thanks for choosing local first this season.