Compiled by Annie Guo VanDan
Books for the children in your life
Whether your learner is able to do in-person or remote learning this year, we all know it takes a village to raise our kids. The one thing that former 7News journalist Christine (Chang) Gillette has tried to keep consistent is making sure reading is on the top of her list. That’s why she’s been a book lady with Usborne Books & More for two and a half years and loves it!
“Our books are interactive, educational, and above all, fun! The illustrations are bright, bold and inviting. Giving the gift of reading will last a lifetime with our kids!” she said.
Usborne Books & More is a division of Educational Development Corporation (EDC), a company that has twice been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the 200 Best Small Companies in America. The company produces children’s books from babies to middle schoolers and up.
Browse & shop at: g7601.myubam.com
Follow her at: instagram.com/faithnbooks
Need book recommendations?
E-mail [email protected]
Colorful decor to brighten your home
Denver-based husband and wife duo Alex Nguyen and Lilly Zheng teamed up to create Lume.ly! With Lilly’s love for fabric and Alex’s tech background building mobile apps, it just made sense for the two to start their own home decor line. Lume.ly comes from the word luminous, which means shining, bright, and brilliant.
“The heart of why we created Lume.ly is to brighten up the home with love and joy, because that’s what we have in our amazing marriage together and wanted to bring that into peoples homes in the form of bright, colorful, and joyful home decor,” said Nguyen.
Visit their website at lumely.co. Enter coupon code: ‘asianave’ to receive 25% off sitewide (10% of their profits will be donated to church). Follow Lume.ly at: instagram.com/lumelysocial.
Charcuterie & cheese right to your door
Le Fancy Boards offers artisan arrangements to spread the love of food! These beautifully-designed charcuterie and cheese boards are delivered right to your door and make the perfect gift for any occasion!
After Vuong Le had worked in Finance/Accounting and IT for more than 20 years, she decided it was time to stay home and spend more time with her baby. That is when she explored her passion for food arrangement. “I have been making charcuterie boards as a hobby for a couple of years and decided to open a business to share my creativity,” she said.
Order at lefancyboards.com or send a direct message through Facebook or Instagram @lefancyboards.
Asian fit frames for colorado’s sunny days
In 2015, Dr. Jeong and her husband JK founded Envision Eye Care with the belief that everyone has the right to better health, vision, and style. In a beautifully modern office, they provide caring, efficient and affordable vision care.
This holiday, stop by Envision Eye Care for high-quality Asian eyewear and sunglasses directly and exclusively from Japan and Korea. At Envision, you will find unique Asian eyewear that you can’t find anywhere else in Colorado.
Each year Colorado receives 300 days of sunshine—don’t forget that winter eye protection is just as important as summer! Check out Envision’s selection of light, stylish and affordable frames to help you and your loved ones enjoy our state’s beautiful outdoors through all seasons!
Envision Eye Care is located at: 5001 S Parker Rd #204, Aurora, CO 80015. Visit their website at envision-eyecare.com. Follow Envision Eyecare at: instagram.com/envisionaurora.
Baby and toddler outfits to adore
Adore by Nora is a mommy run shop founded by Pamela Yang in Central Park (formerly Stapleton). Inspired by her daughter, Yang opened the children’s boutique in 2019 that has now gained a substantial following nationwide. Each item is designed and handmade by Yang, with a focus on being timeless, aesthetic, and high-quality.
“I believe that motherhood should be a celebrated journey, and I get to do what I love best, dressing up my girl. I’m happy to share with you the pieces of everyday children wear we love and truly adore,” said Yang.
Yang had always dreamed of owning a children’s boutique, a dream that began when she was working in children’s retail during college.
“All the love, time, and energy put into this shop has been a blessing. I am a self pioneered woman, and loving every bit of it. Each piece is ethically made by me; hand cut, hand sewn and packaged from my own basement. I also diligently try to source as many sustainable, eco-friendly, and organic fabrics as I can.”
Yang brings moms and their children fresh and slow fashion pieces that she adores and loves seeing on her own daughter. Her one-of-a-kind pieces make stunning outfits for family photos. Follow Adore by Nora at instagram.com/adorebynora.
How Adore By Nora Works!
Every purchase is made to order with a 4-6 week turn around. Occasionally, the shop will have “ready to ship” sales and a “drop” of a clothing collection available for a “live sale.” This allows the shop to bring new products and styles, stay fashion forward, restock on best selling items; and never be stagnant on their clothing collections. Don’t miss out on “drop” sales by subscribing to the mailing list at adorebynora.com.
Natural skincare products to leave your loved ones glowing
The well-known skincare and cosmetics retailer, The Face Shop, has two locations in Colorado—one in Aurora’s H-Mart shopping center and the other in Lakewood’s Belmar Center.
You will feel welcomed by the bright space and the knowledgeable staff, trained by owner Alexia Kim, whom can help you pick out the perfect products and holiday baskets for both the men and women in your life!
Take time to find the perfect skincare line. Anti-aging creams, eye serums, blemish control washes, they have it all. Friends and family will be excited to open a gift from a top beauty brand! The Face Shop also offers great stocking stuffers such as gift sets, face masks, lip glosses, brushes, hand sanitizers, nail polishes and travel-sized products.
Stop by either location or follow The Face Shop Colorado at: fb.faceshopcolorado.com.
ASIAN GIFTS worth giving
Truong An Gifts has been a staple of Denver’s Asian community for over 35 years. Located inside the Far East Center, Truong An sells everything from bamboo, clothing, anime, and small kick-knacks to furniture, water fountains, crystals, K-pop products, teas, and snacks. The shop has a large selection of face masks and other beauty products. Family owned and operated since 1983, Truong An carries a wide array of products that will certainly fulfill the needs of shoppers from all over.
Follow Truong An Gifts on Instagram & Facebook @truongangifts
Mention this article from Asian Avenue and receive 10% off your entire purchase.
Add mama’s chili oil to spice up your dishes
Get Mama Sue’s homemade Thai chili oil that is so delicious, you can eat it with anything. It is so hot that it will surely keep you warm this winter. Buy some for yourself or as a unique gift for friends and family. It can be shipped to you or picked up at the Tuk Tuk Thai restaurants.
Order a jar today at mamasuekitchen.com and follow Mama Sue on Instagram & Facebook @mamasue.kitchen
Hmong-inspired jewelry and handmade accessories to last a lifetime
Based in Thornton, Colo., VueDecors is a shop that features decorative art, accessories, and Hmong-inspired jewelry. Founded in 2015 by Sia Lor, the shop originally offered edible fondant cake toppers.
“My customers would ask if there was a way to preserve the handmade fondant toppers, which sparked the idea of switching to polymer clay as an alternative medium, which cures through baking and may be treasured for years to come,” said Lor.
This medium then opened up many possibilities as she now creates key chains, figurines, jewelry, and hair accessories.
“I want to inspire others and keep my culture alive through my craft. You will also find Colorado and floral inspirations in my shop,” she said.
Visit VueDecors’ shop at: etsy.com/shop/VueDecors
Follow VueDecors on Instagram & Facebook
@vuedecors
Masks (and more) made singlehandedly
Motivated at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a lack of access to face masks, Chinese American Jen Nguyen began sewing away! Her shop Singlehandedly Crafts began as a quarantine activity that turned into custom orders for family and friends. It has now grown to taking nationwide orders and requests for unique custom fabric masks (boba lovers, there is a mask for you!). Nguyen was born with one hand and a love of crafts! Singlehandedly Crafts offers flower shadow boxes, custom cards, and more!
Follow Singlehandedly Crafts on
Instagram @singlehandedly.crafts.
