33 Best Shopping in Boulder and North Central Colorado, Colorado

Boulder's largest independent bookstore stocks thousands of new and used books, including a great selection of photography, history, and art books about Colorado. The bookstore hosts hundreds of community events each year.

This bustling farmers' market brings a hive of activity to 13th Street between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon from early May to early October, and on Saturday, from April through mid-November. This growers-only market, which has been named the number one farmers' market in the country, features produce, baked goods, flowers, wines and spirits, cheeses, meats, and more straight from the local producers (cherries and peaches are prime in late summer).

Among Boulder's many outdoor equipment stores, Neptune is the longtime local favorite that has been outfitting Boulderites for rock climbing, skiing, camping, and mountaineering since 1973. It’s the real deal, and shopping here comes with a direct view of the Flatirons. The shop is home to one of the largest selections of climbing gear in the country, and it displays one of the largest collections of mountaineering artifacts in the world in its on-site museum. Bonus: Refuel on food, local beer, and coffee at the Neptune Café and Bar.

The gorgeous alpaca garments here—including sweaters, hats, socks, and gloves—as well as cotton and linen dresses, are mostly from Peru.

The family-owned Alpine Arts is the place to go for unique apparel, hats, and souvenirs, as well as beautiful handcrafted pottery, carved wooden boxes, jewelry, and other gifts—most made by Colorado artists and all embodying the state.

With more than 40 years in business, Colorado's largest antique print and map dealer is the place to go if you're looking for rare maps or historic photos of Colorado. Framing and puzzles are also available.

Locally owned and operated, this gift shop is a treasure trove of trendy collectibles and unique home accents from around the globe.

This family-run business boasts the largest walk-in refrigerator of cheese and cured meat in Colorado. With more than 350 types of cheese, it's no doubt the best place in the state to stock up on all things cheese. Be sure to also check out the massive selection of imported kitchen and household items as well as perfumes.

The shopkeepers here enjoy playing with the toys as much as their young customers do. This independent shop carries books, imported toys, games, and classics like marbles, dolls, and stuffed animals, as well as adorable clothing.

This fine art and handicrafts shop sells a wide assortment of art, including ceramics, frames, jewelry, oil paintings, and more.

A Boulder institution since 1977, Grandrabbit's is every kid's dream come true, with shelves stocked from floor to ceiling. The independently owned specialty toy store has grown to three Colorado locations and is known as the place to go to find toys that contribute to learning and development. It's not uncommon to find adults wandering the aisles, sans children, enjoying the offerings.

This shop showcases photographer Erik Stensland's stunning images of the park—a must-see collection of local photography.

In addition to carrying traditional and out-of-the-ordinary kites, this shop carries an imaginative selection of unique toys and quirky gifts.

Shop here for fashionably casual and unique women's clothing and accessories, as well as clever, appealing gifts.

A Boulder institution, McGuckin Hardware stocks home appliances and gadgets, hardware, and a mind-boggling array of outdoor merchandise. The seemingly omniscient salespeople know where everything is.

Gear up with kayaks and SUPs in summer or snowshoes in winter at this year-round shop.

Watch glassblowing in action and browse a wide variety of glass creations.

A Boulder mainstay, this shop offers a dizzying selection of crockery, cookware, table linens, and kitchen utensils, as well as upscale food items and cookbooks. Kids love the balloon artist who often lingers outside the front door (although he's not affiliated with the store).

The Boulder branch of REI sells a broad range of outdoor equipment, and rents snowshoes, bear canisters, and trekking poles. The store also has full-service professional bike and ski/snowboard shops, offering maintenance and repair.

This expansive boutique sells gifts, local foodstuffs, and home accessories with the lodge look, including furniture, quilts, baskets, and throws.

At this expansive, fine art gallery on the Pearl Street Mall, you can browse an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art, including glass, bronze sculpture, jewelry, and paintings from some of the most distinguished artists in the nation.

You never know what you might discover here as you browse the glorious antique and midcentury furniture, home decor, jewelry, and other treasures. Inventory moves fast, so get it while you can.

Outfit yourself in classic leather Western jackets and hats at this museum-like shop that also carries weavings, pelts, bows and arrows, pipes, housewares, animal pelt rugs, and jewelry.

This shop specializes in leather travel gear, handbags, wallets, hats, and accessories, all priced under $30, of course.

Channel your inner explorer here while browsing an eclectic collection of new and used books that focus on art, adventure, spirituality, poetry, culture, and literature. At the attached café, you can read while you sip tea in the back garden decorated with street art. Your barista is most likely an owner, too.

At this co-op gallery, more than 50 Colorado member-artists sell their paintings, jewelry, weavings, and pottery.

Elegant European stationery, handmade paper, and handcrafted, leather-bound journals are among the finds here. The store cultivates a sense of community through art classes, craft parties, and community-making events. It carries a large selection of items from local artists.