It seems that just about every shopping mall this year has not only photos with Santa but pet photos with Santa, as well as extended hours. But if you want more than a keepsake picture with your canine and Mr. Claus — i.e., money or perks in your pocket — here are some deals to consider:
Ten-dollar dividends
Early-bird shoppers who spend $100 on Friday at Park Meadows and Southwest Plaza shopping centers will receive a $10 Shop Etc. gift card.
The centers are offering a limited number of cards. At Southwest Plaza, the redemption zone will be in center court, opening one hour after the mall opens at 6 a.m. and staying open six hours. At Park Meadows, the redemption zone located in lower-level Macy’s Court will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Receipts must be dated Nov. 25, and only those 17 or older qualify. An ID is required.
Park Meadows, 8401 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, 303-792-2999; .
Southwest Plaza, 8501 W. Bowles Ave, Littleton, 303-973-5300; .
(The deal also applies at Foothills Mall in Fort Collins, another General Growth Properties center. Details at .)
Just the ticket
Denver Pavilions, the downtown shopping and entertainment center, is waiting until Monday to join the giveaway fray.
Customers who spend $200 in one day from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24 at Pavilions retailers will receive two free movie tickets to the on-site United Artists theater from the “Get Wrapped Up Station” on Level 2 while supplies last.
Also, the center will wrap up to three gifts for free; additional items are $3 each, with all proceeds donated to Dress for Success.
The center also is offering free valet parking from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays at the crosswalk on Glenarm Place through Dec. 20. On other nights, valet parking is $5 with any purchase from Denver Pavilions.
Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St.; ; 303-260-6000.
Thinking small, buying local
American Express credit-card holders who register in advance and then spend a minimum of $25 at participating businesses on Saturday will get a one-time $25 statement credit on their accounts. After registering at , cardholders can enter a ZIP code and find a list of participating merchants, including restaurants and service businesses. Small Business Saturday’s Facebook page also has an interactive feature where shoppers can enter a ZIP code to find merchants.
Now in its fifth year, Buy Local Week, Friday through Dec. 2, is a time to support independent and neighborhood merchants.
Supporters say Coloradans will spend $12.7 billon during the holidays and that the benefit of keeping it local is money spent here will recirculate at least three more times in the community. Get more details, and a guide to what to find in 15 shopping districts throughout the area, by clicking on “Local Flavor Guides” at .
Buy Local Week ends with a party, concert and benefit auction at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door at .
Who’s minding the kids
Let’s face it: Kids can get it the way of holiday shopping. So if you don’t have a babysitter or fellow parent to trade off with so you can shop without distraction, consider giving children an activity to occupy them for a few hours.
Two locations of Color Me Mine, the paint-it-yourself ceramics business, are offering Friday sessions in which kids age 6 and older can create a gift while parents shop.
Parents approve projects before leaving and staff will oversee and assist children in painting until their parents return. Games, music and snacks will also be provided.
Once children finish their art, items are left at the studio to be glazed and fired. All items receive gift wrapping prior to pickup.
Pre-registration is required for the 8-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. sessions, which are $25 each, at Color Me Mine Lowry Denver, in the Lowry Town Center, 200 Quebec St., No. 600-127; 303-360-8422; Color Me Mine Southglenn Centennial, located in The Streets at Southglenn, 6955 S. York St., No. 415, Centennial, 303-795-3442.
Call either location to reserve space. A fee of $25 per child is due at registration.
The fee includes a three-hour session, one bisque item priced at $17 or less, 10 percent off each additional piece of bisque, dip glazing and firing of all pieces, refreshments and gift wrapping.
