Denver, located in the U.S. state of Colorado, is a beautiful city surrounded by nature and bustling with ski tourists. Around downtown, you’ll find many sightseeing attractions such as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, the zoo, and various art museums.
So, what kind of souvenirs should you buy when you visit Denver? Here are some of the most popular and widely loved options!
Cowboy Goods
When you think of classic American movies, you probably imagine cowboys riding in on horseback. The typical outfit includes a shirt with jeans, a cowboy hat, boots, and a belt with a buckle. In the southern U.S., including Colorado, cowboy fashion is still alive and well!
In Denver, there’s a famous store for cowboy gear called Rockmount Ranch Wear. Known for its vintage items and patronized by many celebrities over the years, this long-standing shop has become a tourist attraction in its own right! It makes for the perfect Denver-specific souvenir. One of the best places to shop for souvenirs in Denver is the well-known shopping area, Larimer Square. There are plenty of stores there that carry cowboy-style clothing, so be sure to check it out.
Crocs
When it comes to shoes that are slip-resistant and don’t leave marks, “Crocs” is the name that comes to mind. Made of synthetic resin, they are light, comfortable to wear, and perfect even for water play. This world-famous brand is well-known globally—but did you know that its headquarters is located in Boulder, just northwest of Denver?
Crocs are beloved for their wide range of colors and designs. They offer more than just sandals—you can also find shoes and even heeled styles. Some designs are exclusive to the U.S. and unavailable in other countries, making them a great gift straight from the brand's hometown. These crowd-pleasing souvenirs can be found in popular American department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom within Denver, as well as various shopping malls and retail stores!
Big Blue Bear Merchandise
When you visit Denver’s Colorado Convention Center, you’ll encounter the gigantic bear peeking into the building through the glass—the Big Blue Bear! This approximately 12-meter-tall sculpture by Lawrence Argent is titled "I See What You Mean" and has become one of Denver’s most iconic sightseeing attractions.
Miniature versions of the Big Blue Bear are among the most popular souvenirs unique to Denver. At the convention center, you can purchase small figurines measuring around 20 cm and 12 cm! Other shops around Denver also carry the same merchandise. There are even cute pins featuring a design that combines the Colorado “C” with the bear—making them perfect as keepsakes!
Celestial Seasonings
Located about a 30-minute drive from Denver, Boulder is home to Celestial Seasonings, a popular herbal tea brand. These lightweight and easy-to-carry teas are highly popular souvenirs representing Colorado!
Celestial Seasonings products come in a wide variety. From fruit-based teas like mango, cherry, and apple, to more unique blends like Bengal Spice and coconut, and even relaxing bedtime teas—there’s something for everyone. As of August 2017, each box costs less than 500 yen, making them an ideal small souvenir from your Denver trip!
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In addition to the souvenirs introduced here, chocolate treats from Boulder-based chocolate company Chocolove are also quite popular. Given Denver’s high elevation and reputation as a ski destination, cold-weather gear like boots also make great gifts! Across the state of Colorado, Colorado whiskey and wine are also well-loved souvenirs.