A must-visit on every trip we take to Estes Park, Estes Ark is "literally" an ark packed full of…read moreevery imaginable stuffed animal and more. Since my kids were small, we've included a pass through Estes Ark on our way out of Estes Park along highway 36 towards Loveland. Driving up to the ark is always exciting for the kiddos, as is the walk from the parking lot along the "deck" to the front door. Stepping inside, the ark is a wide open space with catwalks along a second level. Every square inch of it is packed with animals and, newly on my recent visit, additional trinkets. We had one child who is fond of foxes, another who like Corgis and both were able to choose form a variety of options. The fullness of the store makes for a sense of discovery. On a vacation in particular, it's nearly impossible to resist making some purchases. Companionship for the long drive back to Texas. I highly recommend Estes Ark if you're passing through this beautiful town.

Says open online. Went by very excited to shop and it was CLOSED at 3pm even though it says open…read moretill 5pm. Even on Facebook it says "open now." Very frustrating that we wasted our time driving there. Tried to call the number for the store and it doesn't even ring, tried multiple times.

Disclaimer: I haven't been here in YEARS. However, I was here before I had ever even heard of…read moreBuild-a-Bear, and I still find this local answer to that slick corporation a million times more charming and heartwarming. I took a trip to Estes Park with 4 of my best friends during my senior year of high school and we dropped into this adorable little shop just to look around. Before long, we were all picking out the stuffed animals we wanted to create with the help of the wonderful grandmother-esque shopkeeper, and picking out the ribbons to tie around our new companions' necks. I named my fluffy white bear "Patrick" since it was St. Patty's day weekend (and it was my crush's middle name), filled out his birth certificate, and he became my companion for life. I even got a birthday card for him in the mail a year later. SO freaking cute. Eight years later, I still have Patrick and his namesake shares the bed with us! You can't get a story like that at Build-a-Bear.

I guess I have forgotten to update this favorite that I just saw on the Shop Local in Boulder Yelp…read morelist. I shop there regularly for my grandchildren and had shopped there long before Yelp existed, for my own children. It's quite the eclectic mix still, with items for any age. My youngest loves the things she and we see whenever they visit.We have gotten her craft items to make, she has purchased little collecting boxes she likes with her own spending money. I have bought gifts for my adult children for their homes too.Things for their yards and decor items for their houses. Kites for every age and ability are still available. Its their signature collection and why the store came to be, so long ago. The staff is still wonderful and if you see it, buy it, because specific stock items change and may not be able to be restocked. I am not sure that I have ever walked out without finding something for someone on my list.

Into the Wind is a super cool kite store/toy store!…read more Anytime I come to Pearl Street in Boulder I stop here. I've got two young kids, so there is always something to buy in here. If you are shopping for kites they have tons of unique options. If not, there are still tons of other toys to shop for. Definitely check them out if there are any littles in your life that could use some special gifts! If you don't you would still enjoy walking through!

What an awesome store with welcoming staff! They support local small profits, as well.read more

I adore this place. Not only do they have awesome clothes and toys, it is a great place to just…read morehang out. I take my kids frequently and they play happily for hours. I can't say enough good things!

Tons of great clothing items from local families! All the latest trends, toys, and miscellaneous…read moreitems that kids LOVE at half the retail price. Great opportunity to make some money back with items that are in fantastic or gently used condition. Denise and her family have created an amazing service for families! Strongly suggest participating, joining her face book page, and checking out one of the events.

From the owner: Just Between Friends is a seasonal sales event where Northern Colorado families come together to…read morebuy and sell the best in gently-used children's and maternity items at HUGE savings. These events are locally owned and operated and held three to four times a year. At each event you can choose to: Shop for childrens and maternity items at 50-90% savings Sell your gently-loved children's items to make money Join our team and help out to earn a shop early pass!

They had the cutest clothing options and gifty trinkets for friends! Located in the town and…read morefriendly staff as well.

Very cute store with tons of fun trinkets; funny quotes on shirts, cards, coasters etc., and such a…read moregreat ambiance. Had a chat with the owner who was very kind. There are a variety of prices and some unique items that we didn't see in other stores. They also have a very friendly golden retriever who greets you at the door. fun place to stop- don't miss it!

Not okay with being charged illegally…read more I really wanted to love this place--the atmosphere is nice and the service was friendly. But I was surprised (and disappointed) to see them want to charge me a 3% credit card surcharge if I paid with a credit card. Luckily I had cash. But.... For anyone who doesn't know: Colorado law caps credit card surcharges at 2%. Charging more than that isn't just shady--it's actually illegal (SB21-091). Businesses are allowed to cover processing fees, but they need to stay within the legal limit. I kindly mentioned this, but it didn't seem like they were willing to adjust. It's not about the small amount--it's about integrity and following the law. Support local? Absolutely. But let's hold local businesses to legal and ethical standards, too.

Went in to get a new Jellycat friend today and Justine was absolutely AMAZING! Super caring and…read morethoughtful. Thank you for making a small connection with a customer it meant the world(: Highly recommend this shop to anyone!

He-Man! I was happy…read moreto see some original Masters of the Universe figures. There was also a pristine Castle Grayskull. I wish I had the room!!

My group was part of a voice actor of Dragon Ball Z signing by Mark Britten…read more I was in my Blade cosplay and my partner was in Deadpool. The toys brought me back to my childhood and I also made a few purchases. An Ernie Doll and a vhs from blockbuster. Ha. No I don't have a vhs player but I just had to buy it for nostalgia This Black Friday weekend they had specials throughout the store as well. The employees were wonderful and answered any questions you had.