Last issue we visited the museum stores at the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Style Matters was even more impressed with their inventory than we had hoped to be. Looking for the unusual, the unique and the one of a kind? Denver’s gift shops have them all. Figuring we were on a roll, this week we hit the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo.Denver Botanic Gardens

Adorned in its holiday finery, the gift shop at the Botanic Gardens is a jewel. Style Matters found many unusual objects, most relating to gardening and plants in one way or another. All sale proceeds go to support the gardens. So, not only does the money stay in Denver, it goes to cultivate the BG programs and outdoor displays. In addition, the BG gift shop was the only one we visited that carries merchandise created by its volunteers and support groups. Let’s get right to what was on sale. (Disclaimer: I bought something. So did my photog Marie Griffin.) Every fall at the height of their color, Botanic Garden employees go out amongst the trees and select their favorite leaves. This year it is a leaf from the Japanese maple. These are then hand dipped in gold, silver and copper and turned into ornaments. Prices range from $24.50-$32.50.

Other gift ideas: crossover handbags, perfect for carrying just the necessities, are made by Rising Tide, a Fair Trade co-op based in Nepal ($45). Also, don’t forget to check out the leaf trivets and serving pieces by Michael Michaud. They are stunning.

Visitor information:

Denver Botanic Gardens1007 York Street, Denver720.865.3500 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily www.botanicgardens.org

Denver Zoo

Other gift ideas: Local author Shane Derolf has written a book called Yesterday’s Zoo, which teaches kids about endangered animals ($12.99)

Visitor information:

Denver Zoo2300 Steele Street, Denver720.337.1400Winter Hours: November 1 – February 28Admissions open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Open every day. Grounds close at 5 p.m.www.denverzoo.org

Judie Schwartz, AKA Style Matters, is the co-author of two best-selling books on the best places to shop in Colorado. Called “A Fashion-Lover’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Denver and Beyond,” the books are available at stylematters.us. Schwartz presents image seminars to corporations on the importance of a business casual wardrobe and entertains conventioneers with talks on how to look great on a budget. She is also a wardrobe consultant. Schwartz has one husband, three children, no pets and small closets. She can be reached at:• stylematters1@gmail.com• www.stylematters.us• Facebook: StyleMatters1• Twitter: StyleMatters123