Small Business Shopping Guide in Fort Collins
Our city is one-of-a-kind because of the small businesses that call this place home. Supporting these small businesses during the holiday season ensures that our city stays diverse, eclectic, and thriving. Our Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide is an excellent resource for finding one-of-a-kind gifts that not only spread joy but also contribute to the tapestry of our local economy. From cozy cafes to artisanal shops, Fort Collins businesses each have a distinctive story to tell and plenty of gifts to share.
Akinz
Where: 15 Old Town Square
This apparel and accessory store is a stand-out partly because a majority of its beanies, shirts, patches, prints, and hats are made in-house. From Fort Collins-themed shirts to whimsical socks adorned with Narwhals, Akinz likely has something for the loved ones on your list. Check out its comprehensive gift guides to find epic presents locally-made and locally-loved. Bonus points for special ordering family-themed t-shirts for everyone in your squad.
Sojourner Mountain Guides
Where: Fort Collins & Estes Park
Got some out-of-town guests coming in this winter or spring and want to show them a good time in the mountains? Make it memorable by booking a tour with Sojourner Mountain Guides. This family-owned company has years of expertise guiding guests with zero experience in some of the coolest terrain on earth. No matter the season, guides Milo and Chelsea Gomez are getting after it and want you to come along. Spend the day climbing at Horsetooth or take a chilly snowshoe through a much quieter version of RMNP. Treat your loved ones to an experience this holiday season and you’ll have memories to share for years to come.
The Fox Den
Where: 1680 Laporte Ave.
If you’ve cozied up for any amount of time at The Fox Den, you know it’s much more than a coffee shop. Part maker's market, part art gallery, part grandma’s living room, this zero-waste cafe is a fantastic place to shop for gifts any time of the year. Founder Patricia prioritizes partnerships with sustainable companies lining cafe shelves with body butter, baked goods, earrings, reusable items, and more. Check out the “Loo Gallery” for paintings, photographs, and sketches by local artists you can nab for a very good price.
Purpose Brewing
Where: 4025 S. Mason St.
What Fort Collins gift guide would be worth its salt without a local brewery making the list? Since 2017, Purpose Brewing has been concocting some special suds for beer aficionados and now has a loyal following. Co-founder Peter is originally from Belgium and brings his knowledge, skills, and creativity to every aspect of this brewery. Beer lovers can geek out on Purpose’s brewhouse - a 30-year-old classic North American two-vessel system, direct fired (we don’t know what this means but it sounds awesome). People looking to chat over a delicious brew can do exactly that in the cozy confines of this off-the-beaten path brewery. Gift bottles of your favorite brew and get the conversation flowing around your holiday table.
Second Winds
Where: 1232 W. Elizabeth St.
To find the perfect old school gift for the second-hand fan on your shopping list, Second Winds is the place to peruse in Fort Collins. Family-owned and operated, this gently-used gear store gives all sorts of sports equipment, clothing, and accessories another life. From antique fishing tackle boxes to vintage Patagonia, Second Winds selections are numerous and unique. Budget at least an hour to dig through racks, scour shelves, and talk to Leal about some of the coolest stuff he has sleeping in the aisles.
This season, let's trade the hustle and bustle of big-box stores for the warmth of personalized service and the satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Join us in stoking the holiday spirit as we unwrap the treasures awaiting you in this awesome place we get to call home.