Local Toy Store
Top Three
Winner
Timbuk Toys
Littleton, Lowry, University Hills
Since 1993, Denver-founded Timbuk Toys has supported the important (and fun!) job of stoking a child’s imagination and development. The broad selection of toys sold from the three store locations and online help kids grow in cognitive, sensory, and physical development. Even if there isn’t a toy on the shopping list, it’s worth a weekly stop for storytime, magic, puppetry, and balloon animals with Mr. Paul.
Birthday Party Entertainment
Top Three
Winner
Kids Wonder
Centennial
Unlimited opportunities to climb, bounce, and imagine make this Centennial play center top kids’ lists for birthday parties. Easy party planning puts it at the top of mom’s list. Choose the Great Party option, which gives up to eight kids time for open play, celebration in a special party area, and cupcakes or donuts. Level up to the Super Party or Awesome Party for a bigger group or more food options.
Local Maternity or Baby Boutique
Top Three
TIE
Winner
Broomtail
Bonnie Brae
Step into this three-year-old boutique that’s just a short jaunt from Old South Gaylord Street in Denver, and it’s a sure thing you will find a swoon-worthy baby outfit or shower gift. Select from a curated collection of items from boutique brands. Kids will love the chance to play in the fort at the back of the store or snuggle into one of the worn leather chairs with a book.
Resale Shop for Children’s Clothes
Top Three
Winner
Once Upon A Child
Arvada, Aurora, Centennial, Littleton
The Once Upon a Child stores around metro Denver are brimming with gently used kids clothes in a variety of sizes and styles. And at up to 70 percent off retail prices, it’s easy to save on the clothes shopping budget. Bring in your child’s outgrown clothes (and shoes, toys, and baby gear) and you can get cash on the spot for more shopping.
Estate Planning/Family Lawyer
Top Three
Winner
Hardin Waldrip Law
Greenwood Village
As a parent, it’s vitally important to create a plan that ensures your children and all that you’ve worked for are protected in case the unthinkable happens. Helpful, knowledgeable attorneys are key to making the estate planning process efficient and pleasant. The attorneys at Hardin Waldrip Law have decades of experience in helping families with a variety of assets and needs. A collection of articles and FAQs on their website also helps decode some common legal terms and situations.
Spot for Mom and Dad to Relax/Treat Themselves
Top Three
Winner
TallGrass Aveda Spa & Salon
Evergreen
Most busy parents dream of a quiet room or meditation space, even if only for an hour. This spa, set among the pines and meadows near Evergreen, is filled with serene spaces (including an actual “Quiet Room”) to indulge in treatments for weary bodies and minds. Drop the keys to mom’s taxi at the front desk and settle in for a body, face, nail, or hair treatment, or a full- or half-day spa package.
Pre/Postnatal Massage
Top Three
Winner
The Wellness Center
Glendale
While an expectant mom is caring for the new little one growing inside, it’s important that she finds someone to support her well-being. The prenatal massage services offered at The Wellness Center aim not only to reduce pregnancy discomfort, but also to enhance the physiological and emotional wellbeing of mom and baby. After baby arrives, mom can continue self-care through massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, and naturopathic services from a team of highly-trained and experienced practitioners.
Family-Friendly Mall or Shopping Area
Top Three
TIE
Winner
Stanley Marketplace
Aurora
Whether shopping for a gift, home decor, or a boutique outfit, Stanley Marketplace is a friendly place for parents to shop with kids in tow. The not-your-typical mall stores serve the Earth conscious (Zero Market), the fashion forward (Billy Goat & the Gosling, June Ruby, and Sterre), and the generous gifter (Trunk Nouveau, Poppy & Pine). Time at Tattered Cover Kids, MindCraft Makerspace, or one of the regular events hosted at the marketplace is a great way to reward little shoppers.
Farmers Market for Families
Top Three
Winner
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
Denver
The Platt Park neighborhood, south of Washington Park, boasts historic South Pearl Street, an area of boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood events popular with families, including the Sunday farmers’ market. For decades the market has provided everything from local veggies and bread to sauces and wine, all with a backdrop of live music and the sizzle from food truck grills.
Place to Volunteer as a Family
Top Three
Winner
Clothes to Kids of Denver
Since 2008, Clothes To Kids has provided free school clothing to students from low-income or in-crisis families in a store-like setting. With an organized and informative list of volunteer projects on the website, it’s easy for families to find a way to lend a hand. When families come to shop, volunteers make shoppers feel welcome and safe. Teens in grades nine to 12 can volunteer by sorting clothing that comes in; grades five to eight are encouraged to help off-site by hosting clothing drives or bringing in donations.
