Publish Date: November 20th, 2023

As an environmentally minded company, it would be a missed opportunity if we didn’t promote a more sustainable holiday season in some way. This year, we’re focusing on thrifted gifts! It’s a practice that can stretch beyond the holidays, and it can make a big impact in keeping clothing, furniture, and other things out of landfills and giving them new life!

Almost every thrifter could tell you that the most enjoyable shopping experiences occur when you’re in quirky, unique settings that bring out your creative side. With that in mind, you could shop for your loved ones to find unique surprises for them, or you could give them a fun outing to go thrifting with you by giving a gift card or a surprise thrifting spree. Pair it with a nice meal and you have a lovely day to make memories together. We hope you find inspiration from this fun list of thrift shops and flea markets!

Furniture

ModMood: Buy vintage or gently used furniture and décor items or just spend an hour looking at all the unique items that fill the rooms at ModMood. From couches to rugs and throws to wall decorations, there are infinite unique gift possibilities in this quirky shop. And if you’re not sure what to buy, the employees are super helpful when it comes to answering questions or showing you how to style the different items.

Garage Vintage: We all know that person who is obsessed with midcentury modern furniture, right? Well, this is the spot for them. Furniture and décor with bright colors and unique styles are all over the store. It’s a furniture lovers dream!

Clothing

Apocalypse: You’re going to want to shop here for fun vintage and modern finds. They have everything from sparkly chicken sweatshirts to cowboy boots to party dresses and more! It’s the place to shop for the trendy person in your life.

Heady Bauer: Another stop for fun and modern items alike. You’ll find quirky jackets, beautiful dresses and all the fun patterns and designs in this fun little shop in Boulder.

For the Kiddos

Childish Things: Maternity clothing, children’s clothes, toys, books, and gift cards can be found at this shop in Boulder. The website also makes online shopping super fun with their cute styles children’s outfits and great images of all the items.

Outdoor Gear

You can’t live in Colorado without knowing at least one person who spends all their time outdoors… can you?! This list is for the environmentally conscious outdoor aficionado in your life. Great gear, lower prices, and better for the planet when you shop (gently) used!

Boulder Sports Recycler: An adventure gear consignment shop right in Boulder. New and used hiking gear, used skis and snowboards, camping gear, and more. And for a much more affordable price!

Feral: This Denver shop has ski and snowboard gear, hiking and climbing attire, and even accessories for outdoorsy dogs! You can shop around, grab a gift card, or even trade in your own gently used gear for a gift card to wrap up for a friend. It’s a win-win!

Wilderness Exchange: Upstairs looks like a normal gear shop with new items for sale at this Denver shop. But head downstairs and you’ll find a treasure trove of used items and samples for sale.

A Little Bit of Everything

These are the one-stop shops for everything you could ever imagine. Who says holiday shopping has to be stressful and exhausting? These stores turn shopping into an immersive experience with gift ideas for every single person in your life.

The Lafayette Flea: Clothes and shoes, furniture, vintage collector’s items, glassware, antiques, records, games, books… The list could go on and on! You’ll get lost in the maze of stalls and could probably spend a whole afternoon in this flea market. Plus, there’s a very cute shop cat wandering around and a coffee shop right across the parking lot so you can get your caffeine fix to fuel your shopping.

Brass Armadillo Antique Mall: Wheat Ridge is home to “the ultimate vintage shopping experience.” This consignment chain (with only one location in Colorado) is open seven days a week and is full of vintage items and collectibles from over 3,500 dealers. Another spot you could spend a whole afternoon in!

Repeat Boutique Fort Collins: Owned by a mother-daughter duo, this consignment store in Fort Collins sells clothing, jewelry, accessories, furniture, home décor, and “curious goods.” Set in a charming old house, this well-laid out store has a wide variety for different tastes.

Honorable Mention: Festive Holiday Markets

We had to include a special shoutout for the holiday markets popping up around Colorado this season. Markets are the perfect place to find thrifted, homemade, and new items for all your friends and family. Plus, you get to enjoy a fun holiday experience complete with music, food, and maybe a little dancing while you peruse the vendors.

Denver’s Christkindlmarket: Running from November 17 to December 23, this free German-style market is open daily at Denver Civic Center Park. Enjoy music, dancing, classic German foods, and imported gifts for some unique holiday shopping.

Georgetown Christmas Market: This market runs December 2-3 and 9-10 in historic Georgetown. You can browse stalls set up by local artisans, grab a horse drawn wagon ride through town, and listen to choirs as you search for handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

Need more holiday gift inspiration? Check out our past gift guides as well: 2018 (Shop Colorado B Corps); 2019 (Local, Sustainable Gifts); 2020 (Shop Colorado BIPOC Businesses); 2021 (Shop Colorado Employee-Owned Businesses); 2022 (Shop Women- and LGBTQ-Owned Businesses)