NEDERLAND - Shopping Local does more than just support independently owned businesses in your area; it stimulates and strengthens a town’s local economy. When you Shop Local, you’re directly contributing to that shop owner’s wellbeing, the wellbeing of their employees, and their bottom line, which will bring improvements to the business and community.

More amenities brings more tourists, which equals more sales tax revenue for necessary improvements to the local infrastructure. 

This year, to Shop Local in Nederland takes on a more powerful meaning. In addition to protests urging Americans to resist spending money with corporations like Amazon, Target, and Walmart for their politics, local residents choosing to “vote with their dollar” and spend in Ned are also making the decision to support a town hit by a devastating fire.

Though the Lakeview Fire destroyed nearly a third of Nederland’s commerce within just a few hours, the sudden tragedy has highlighted a strength and resilience among the community, proving just how special this town really is.

Now, for this holiday season, it’s the perfect opportunity to not only show your love for this special place, but to gift that magic to your friends and loved ones across the country. 

Warm and fuzzy?

Perhaps you’re looking to show just how comfortable and homey Nederland feels to you by gifting your loved ones something warm and fuzzy, both figuratively and literally. Look no further than The Alpaca Store, located at 75 East 1st Street, where you can find unique sweaters, blankets, slippers, and more, lovingly crafted from impossibly soft alpaca fur. 

The Alpaca Store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Crunchy granola?

If you’re searching for something for that person in your life who is more laid back, more spiritual, and who represents Nederland’s hippie culture, be sure to stop into One Brown Mouse, located at 35 East 1st Street. This eclectic shop showcases some of the most original local art and custom crafts and is open every weekend.

Local branding

The Rustic Moose, at 26 East 1st Street, is the quintessential spot if you’re looking to represent Nederland. If you plan to send presents to every corner of the country, why not spread that local magic with custom Nederland sweatshirts, refrigerator magnets, and Christmas ornaments.

This amazing gift shop is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

T-shirts are in

Maybe you’re looking for something more kitschy, more niche, while still remaining uniquely Ned? If so, be sure to check out Mountain Goat Tees, located at 92 East 1st Street, where you can find hilarious themed t-shirts and hoodies, as well as a fun variety of stickers, cards, and one-of-a-kind gifts. 

Mountain Goat Tees is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Mineral beauty

Nature’s Own, at 5 East 1st Street, is one of the best places to shop for something specifically Nederland, as they carry beautiful ornate centerpieces crafted out of natural stone and minerals. From useful household items to beautiful handmade jewelry, this locals favorite is perfect for holiday gifts and is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Outdoorsy?

Shopping for someone a little rustic, someone who loves to hike, bike, camp, or climb? If so, go over to Mountain Man Outdoor Store, now located at 98 Peak to Peak Highway, and open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

New places for old faces

The Mountain Man is one of the many businesses displaced by the loss of the Caribou Village Shopping Center that has reopened in a new location. 

Be sure to visit Spinning Silica for beautiful custom glass pieces by Max and amazing pottery spun by Bri, who are in a new spot at 55 East 1st Street, in the very Nederland-appropriate Tuff Shed, after losing their studio and shop to the fire. 

If you’re looking for a gift for the music enthusiast in your life, Nederland institution Brightwood Music has reopened in an exciting new location: a remodeled bank turned mini-mall called The Vault at 26 Peak to Peak Highway. 

O’Neil Rocky Mountain Art’s new location at 30 West Boulder Street may not yet be open, but that doesn’t mean that artist Kay O’Neil isn’t working on her beautiful stained glass art. Be sure to visit her at the upcoming Holiday Mountain Market on December 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 5. p.m. at the Nederland Community Center. 

Do you know a spiritual guru who is looking for more mountain enlightenment? Or perhaps someone who is yoga-curious? Give them the gift of Yoga at 8,230 feet and book them a class with Tadasana Mountain Yoga. Visit tadasanamountainyoga.com for more information. 

Beauty and self-care

If you’re looking to gift your loved ones some self-care, look no further than The Salon House at 75 East 2nd Street, where you could book services with master cosmetologist Holly Phillips at Hair By Holly, LLC, or with Hair By Tracy, with estheticians Alpenglow Esthetics and Attune Skin, with massage therapists at Blissfully Balanced, or with the floristry artists at Uproot Florist. 

Also on the self-care trend, Forget Me Not Skin Care at 1 West 1st Street (just around the corner from Silver Stem) offers not only amazing products, but also pedicures, manicures, and facials. Be sure to visit Pattie from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.  

More music

The gift of music can also be considered self-care, especially to any audiophiles in your life. Check out Boogie Records for all of your physical media needs, from classic albums to obscure diamonds-in-the-rough, as well as some rockin’ t-shirts. 

Boogie Records is located at 150 North Jefferson Street and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. 

Biking and hiking

For the athlete in your life, whether it’s their love for skiing and snowboarding, or their love for road cycling and mountain biking —or if it’s just their love for gear— all can be satiated at Tin Shed, located at 112 East 2nd Street, open every day of the week, starting at 9 a.m. 

Pet love

Don’t forget the little ones in your life this holiday season. I’m referring to your pets, of course: They deserve presents too! If you’re looking to spoil your furry friends, be them canine, feline, bovine, or equine, Nederland Feed and Pet, at 74 CO 72, is the place to go. 

Nederland Feed and Pet is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

Don’t delay joy!

For those other little ones, the perfect place for children’s gifts that will spread that Nederland magic is none other than the Carousel of Happiness. Sure, the Carousel is a special experience one must have in person, but they also sell books, hoodies, and beloved puppets and other toys that let kids take that magic back home with them. 

The Carousel of Happiness is located at 20 Lakeview Drive and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.  

Art and more art

For any other gift ideas, it’s always good to remember that Nederland is home to some of the most unique and talented artists in all of Colorado. Artists such as Danielle Crouse of dmcArtwork (artworkbydmc.com), Laurence Delaunay of Lolo’s Atelier, at 25 East 1st Street, Wolfy Wolf (wolfywolffineart.com), Brent Bishop of Bishop Fine Art (brentcollinbishop.com), James DeWalt (jamesdewaltphotography.com), and David Sockrider (david-sockrider.pixels.com) all offer original and vibrant perceptions of life in Nederland. 

And tats’ all that

But if the person you’re shopping for loves art, but loves it more when it’s etched into their skin, gift them an appointment with one of Inkhaus Tattoo Studio’s professional tattoo artists. They will match an artist to your own personal style, and will provide their expertise to deliver a satisfying result.

Inkhaus Tattoo Studio is currently located at 150 North Jefferson Street, but will be moving to The Vault at 26 Peak to Peak Highway soon. Call 720-361-7675 to set up a gift appointment.