Give the Gift of Play ~ Books, Games, Sports, & Toys

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." ~Fred Rogers

I love finding the perfect gift for everyone on our list — but especially the kids! Finding the perfect book, creative toy, or fun-for-all-ages game for each of our children, cousins or friends really makes my day!

Rather than focus on a specific gift from a specific store, we have uncovered a few local businesses that offer an abundant variety of different and unique options that those in your life will appreciate, love, and use! These neighborhood stores have fun gifts from tots to teens and everyone in between — there's a little something for everyone.

Our list is by no means complete and is just a sampling of the wonderful local businesses in and around Douglas County. We love the local businesses that make up our community and can not think of a better time and way to support them by stopping in and seeing what they have to offer. Shop and support local and family businesses this holiday season!

• The Book Nook (Castle Rock) A unique shopping experience focused on a love of books, reading, learning, and engaging young (and any age) minds.
• Books are Awesome (Parker) A locally-owned general bookstore offering Douglas County readers a great place to find their next amazing book. 
• Hall of Justice Comics and Collectibles (Parker) Carries a large selection of Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels, and Collectible Comics.
• Poor Richard's Book Shoppe (Parker) Great used bookstore with a friendly owner and good selection. Bring in your own used books and receive a store credit.
• Sudden Fiction Books (Castle Rock) Sudden Fiction Books in a general interest bookstore carrying a varied and curated collection of new and used books, as well as journals and gift items.
• Tattered Cover Book Store (Littleton, Lone Tree) Home-grown, independent bookstore with awesome kids section.
• Vault Books and Brew (Castle Rock) If you like to talk books, touch books, smell books, and buy books, Vault Books & Brew is your new home with over 5,000 new and used books fresh, locally roasted espresso.

• CollectorMania (Parker) A gaming and hobby store that has board games galore and specialty items.
• Colorado Diecast (Parker) Colorado Diecast is for collectors of Die Cast Cars in all price ranges.
• Enchanted Grounds Coffee Shop and Gameporium (Highlands Ranch, Littleton) A friendly neighborhood cafe and game shop all under one roof. Magic the Gathering, anyone?
• Game Train USA (Highlands Ranch) Play, ride, dine, and escape from the ordinary at Game Train USA. Enjoy a chef-inspired meal or play one of our 500+ board games in our station. 
• Inconceivable Toys and Games (Castle Rock) Find Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, Destiny, X-wing, various board games, and Lego below retail price.
• It's Your Move (Lone Tree) From toddlers to teens to seniors, they've got games, puzzles, gags, magic, and more so you can fit more fun into your life!
• Play Street Museum (Highlands Ranch) Find sensory, slime kits, and take-home pottery kits as well as a full retail toy selection.

• Bike Source (Highlands Ranch) The largest Specialized Dealer in the Rocky Mountain region with a wide range of bicycles for every type of rider from brands like Jamis, Santa Cruz, Nirve, Raleigh electric bikes, Haibike, and iZip.
• Castle Rock Bike & Ski (Castle Rock) Ski/snowboard and bike and shop offering products and services for all your cycling and wintersport needs.
• Elevation Cycles (Highlands Ranch, Parker) Bike shop supporting sales, service, and knowledge of all things bike. 
• Minturn Anglers (Lone Tree) Fly fishing shop and guide service.
• Play It Again Sports (Castle Rock) They buy, sell, and trade quality used sports gear.

• I9 Sports Denver Metro South (Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker) Age-appropriate, quality instruction that’s both fun for kids and convenient for busy families. 
• Impact Taekwondo (Highlands Ranch) Impact Taekwondo is student-centered, community-focused, and committed to teaching life skills through Taekwondo.
• Momentum Athletic Center (Parker) Parker's #1 gymnastics facility and 2020 Daisy Award Winner, Momentum Athletic Center is locally owned and operated offering Gymnastics, Cheer, Tumbling, Ninja, and Preschool Programs!
• Ninja Intensity (Castle Rock) Test yourself against replica obstacles as seen on American Ninja Warrior.
• Parker Academy of Martial Arts (Parker) PAMA offers programs for all ages, flexible schedules, and no contracts so each student is provided with self-defense, confidence, respect, fitness, and fun!
• Parker Recreation (Parker) From Mini-Mite and Kinder leagues to more advanced Youth leagues, there's something for everyone at Parker Recreation!
• Peak Athletics (Highlands Ranch) For ages 18 months to 18 years, Peak is home to a variety of special events like camps, field trips, birthday parties, Parents Night Out, and more!
• SafeSplash Swim School (Castle Rock, Lone Tree/Parker) Kids will learn life-saving safety skills while having fun in our state-of-the-art, warm-water, clean indoor facilities.
• SwimLabs Swim School (Highlands Ranch) Kids will learn life-saving safety skills while having fun in our state-of-the-art, warm-water, clean indoor facilities.
• TGA Premier Youth Tennis (Douglas County) TGA Premier Youth Tennis provides unique at-school, after-school enrichment programs, as well as camps and festivals, for elementary and middle school students in Douglas County.
• Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation (Castle Rock) Youth sports programs for all ages which are fun, safe, and well supervised, meant to introduce kids to a sport — including soccer, indoor golf, baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball — and allow them to practice and showcase their skill.
• Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios (Castle Rock) Self-Defense and Martial Arts lessons for all ages.

Go to the Macaroni KID Douglas County Ultimate WINTER & HOLIDAY FUN Guide

Holiday Gift Guide Shop and Support Local Douglas County Businesses
Stocking Stuffers for Everyone in the Family		Give the Gift of Play! Books, Games, Sports, and Toys
Give the Gift of Memories Entertainment and Experiences		Give the Gift of Dining Restaurants, Wineries, & More
Give the Gift of Fashion Clothing, Jewelry, and Accessories		Give the Gift of Pampering Spas, Salons, and Body Products