These shopping guides to help find local gifts this holiday are really fun to write. We have such a wealth of local businesses that you'll never have to step foot in a mall!

And now, a selection of local shops to find gifts for the brothers, fathers, husbands, boyfriends, male coworkers, and all the other men in your life. Clicking on the business name will take you to their listing in the Colorado Local First directory.

Last week's Westword included an article by Susan Froyd about Buy Local Week and the Colorado Local First campaign. Check it out; the article is on page 22.

Yesss!

Want to find something unique and special for loved ones this holiday season? There are dozens of gift guides on the internet, but we’re offering something unique: a guide to local gift giving.

When we buy from locally owned businesses, more of that money stays in our local economy. In fact, one study in San Fransisco revealed that just a 10% shift in retail sales toward local businesses would create thousands of new jobs and $190 million in economic activity. We don’t have to spend more, just spend smarter.

Last night's Buy Local Week Celebration Event was, in our opinion, a smashing success. Joined by MHBA members, supporters, partners and other local business owners, it was our best event ever.

The Appaloosa food, specially prepared by their chef, was simply delicious. MHBA members enjoyed free drafts of Great Divide beer, and we finished up the evening with door prizes from T-Trove Asian Decor, 5 Green Boxes (wow, that green frog tape dispenser was so cool), Baggy Shirts, and $50 gift certificates from Twist & Shout and the Appaloosa Grill.

We also love this article written by Colin Bane in the online Denver Fatherhood Examiner about Buy Local Week. It's his holiday goal to do all of his shopping within three blocks of his home, and without ever stepping foot in a shopping mall. The article features MHBA members 5 Green Boxes, Gaia Bistro and Pajama Baking Co., all found on Old South Pearl St.

Local media is helping to spread the word about Buy Local Week and the important economic impact we can have this holiday season. Check out the great article written by Jen Reeder of the Carbon Valley Herald, and find out more about how you can get involved in Buy Local Week, which runs through this Friday December 5th.

Today I picked up an honorary proclamation from Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., proclaiming November 23-29, 2008 as "Colorado Local First Week." This is very exciting for us as we work to raise awareness of the vital link between locally owned businesses and a stable local economy.

The text of the proclamation reads:

We got a nifty email from Boulder Weekly (an independent newspaper) today with the following message:

"By pledging to spend $100 of your shopping dollars at locally owned stores, you will have a potential 21 million dollar impact on our community, an estimated $3.1 million dollars more than if it was spent at a non-local big box retailer. You can help the local economy this holiday season. Make the pledge!"

They're giving away $1,000 in gift certificates from independent locally owned merchants and restaurants to one lucky pledge-maker. Email "I pledge" to pledge@boulderweekly.com by December 3. Winner is announced December 4.

Please mark your calendars now for our Buy Local Week Celebration, taking place Monday December 1 at the Appaloosa Grill. (more details about the event) This event will be an opportunity to learn more about how local businesses build a stronger local economy, as well as to connect with local business owners. Our special guest is Mayor John Hickenlooper, entrepreneur and ardent supporter of our local businesses. He'll also be speaking about what local businesses mean for our community now.

The word is spreading about Buy Local Week. Check out this Your Hub article about Buy Local Week published today. It features MHBA member Talulah Jones and stresses the importance of directing our dollars to locally owned companies this holiday season.