When you look the potential impact, in dollars, MHBA says by shifting just 10 percent of your purchases to local retailers, it could generate an estimated $3 billion for our state. Every dollar you spend at local business will re-circulate at least three more times before leaving our community.
9NEWS Your Money Reporter Heidi McGuire found some great local products to help us start thinking and shopping local this season.
1. Bloom Jewelry: Lindsay Bloom of Bloom Jewelry was named Colorado's Rising Star this fall her contemporary designs, from her popular Black Ties (think fancied up-hair tie) to contemporary jewelry. Bloom's Black Ties were also recently featured in InStyle Magazine as a "must have" for its function and fashion - http://www.jewelrybybloom.com/.
2. Heads Up System: Developed by two Colorado men, this system reminds you of what's on your roof rack before your drive into your garage. It's $169.99 and it's now available online and at REI - http://www.headsupsystems.com/.
3. Botanic Gardens Lights: Less than $40 for a family of four to enjoy holiday Blossom of Lights at the Botanic Gardens - http://www.botanicgardens.org/.
4. Flylow Gloves: Flylow is taking the popular work glove and water proofing it so you keep rep while keeping warm on the hill this season - http://www.flylowgear.com/.
5. Edmonds' Popcorn: Fashioned after the couple's favorite Chicago-style Garrett's Popcorn, Edmond's opened this year on Colfax. Holiday tins start at $33 for the 1 gallon bucket - http://www.apopcorn.com/.
6. Colorado Nut Company: Everybody loves nuts for the holiday, give these local nuts! Roasting for 25 years, stop by the Kalamath store which is both a roasting facility and antique store - http://www.coloradonutco.com/.
7. 2011-2012 Colorado Gem's Card: $10 Discount card that includes two free days of skiing (Monarch in April and Ski Cooper in Feb.) - http://www.coloradoski.com/colorado-gems-card.
8. Boardlife: A board shop specializing in long boards. Boardlife just opened in the lower Highlands in October and for $109 you can come in and build your own skateboard or give it as a gift - http://www.boardlifeusa.com/.
9. Indy Ink: No we're not talking tattoos. This local shop makes some pretty sweet T's at its Broadway store. If you don't see something you like, you can create your own original design and have it printed - http://www.indyink.com/.
To find more local businesses, visit http://www.coloradolocalfirst.com/localflavorguides.
This weekend, you can support our local up and coming entrepreneurs (ages 8-18) who are selling their homemade, handcrafted goods at the Young Entrepreneurs' Holiday Market at The Crazy Merchant, Inc. The store, located at 1700 West Belleview Ave, donates 10 percent of every sale to a charity of the customer's choice. The Holiday Market runs Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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