Avenue‘s Holiday Gift Guide 2024
From cookbooks and local spirits to eye-catching jewellery and stocking stuffers, these 40 gift ideas offer something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
By Shelley Arnusch, Tsering Asha, Colleen Seto and Alana Willerton
Clockwise from top left: Photo courtesy of CampLand; Photo by Peter Kaczan; Photo courtesy of Canadian Tire; Photo by Sheeba Grover; Photo courtesy of Mejuri; Photo by Brit Savage and Jason Eng
A bag of these West African-style cookie bites by Calgary company The Cake Aisle would make a delicious addition to any stocking. The tasty snack comes in a range of flavours including butter vanilla, cafe mocha, cinnamon spice, strawberry or spicy ginger. Starting at $2.99.
Multiple Calgary retailers, thecakeaisle.com
Photo by Motif Photography
Looking for a new meal hack? Stuff your stockings with Spaghetti Dust by L’Isolina Pasta, a travel-sized, garlicky spice blend that makes a plate of tasty spaghetti easy peasy. Just add to drained, cooked pasta with extra virgin olive oil, toss and serve. It’s perfect for a last-minute, late-night or “I-forgot-to-get-groceries” meal. $12
Available at CampLand Institute of Leisurely Pursuits, 1119 10 Ave S.E., campbrandgoods.com
Photo courtesy of CampLand
Calgary-based Chai Spice delivers an authentic, richly blended product with Kadak Chai. This South Indian-style masala chai is a warm and spicy blend of cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, ginger, Assam black tea and more, without additives or sugar. It’s available in 125g or 50g packages. Starting at $12.
chaispice.ca
Photo by Sheeba Grover
This adorable acorn-shaped cushion is part of a new IKEA collection that draws on the idea of a “magical Swedish forest.” A cheerful and whimsical addition to any room, the cushion also has a handy zipper pocket in the back. $14.99.
IKEA, 8000 11 St. S.E., ikea.com
Photo courtesy of IKEA.ca
Gift award-winning local brews to the beer fan on your list. This limited-edition collection features beers that have scored a World Beer Award in their respective style category. It includes two each of Village Blacksmith, Village Wit and Best Run Amber Lager. Pre-order until November 15 when the product becomes available province-wide. $16.50.
Available at Village Brewery, 5000 12A St. S.E. and at various Calgary liquor stores, shop.villagebrewery.com
Photo courtesy of Village Brewery
Gravity, a local café with three locations, has just the thing for the coffee drinker in your life. Earlier this year, Gravity launched its own line of coffee beans that come in several roasts. For each bag sold, $1 of the sale goes towards the Inglewood café’s efforts to support local live music. Starting at $19.75.
Three Calgary locations, gravitycalgary.com
Photo by Nathan Elson Photography
This special-edition stoneware mug shines a spotlight on the architecture and outdoor landscapes of Calgary in Le Creuset’s “Caribbean” colour, symbolizing the water running through Banff National Park. It’s an odour-resistant and dishwasher-safe mug. $30.
Le Creuset, CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-262-1128, lecreuset.ca
Photo courtesy of Le Creuset
This jasmine, neroli and orange blossom-scented candle is handmade in Nata Concept Store’s London studio using eco-friendly and vegan ingredients. The candle is inspired by the art of pasta making, hence the fun farfalle pasta shape. $33.
Available at Tuu by Coutukitsch, 103, 902 9 Ave. S.E., 403-888-4612, coutukitsch.com
Photo by Nata Concept Store
Author and garlic enthusiast Kristin Graves explores the versatility of garlic in this cookbook that showcases 36 contemporary, garlic-forward recipes ranging from sweet to savoury. The book also covers spice mixes, craft ideas, floral arrangements, growing and harvesting information, and inspiration for garlic-themed dinners. $34.
Available at local bookstores like Pages on Kensington, 1135 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-6655, pageskensington.com; fifthgengardens.ca
Photo by Michael Piazza Photography/SAINT LUCY Represents
Local artist Kate Beck pays homage to the mighty magpie with this screen-printed Japanese cotton bandana that humans or pets can wear. It comes in green, purple or black. $35.
kateletterslots.com
Photo by Kate Beck
Calgary company Vresh Foods makes delicious ghees that should be in every foodie’s fridge. This gift box lets you try three flavours of the clarified and caramelized butters at once: the OG Ghee flavour, chai spice and herb and garlic. Fun fact: the OG Ghee was a savoury food winner in Avenue‘s 2023 Made in Alberta Awards. $36.
vreshfoods.com
Photo courtesy of Vresh Foods; Photo by Winner Brave and Joey Tuazon
Book fans can put their love for reading on display while showcasing beautiful flowers with this ceramic vase. Choose a vase depicting one of six novels like Through the Looking Glass, Pride & Prejudice or Anne of Green Gables. $39.99.
Indigo, multiple Calgary locations, indigo.ca
Photo courtesy of Steel Mill & Co. and Indigo
It’s never too cold for ice cream, and now, you can learn how to make it at home with the help of Marcus Purtzki, owner of Calgary’s Made by Marcus ice cream shops. This new cookbook will spark your culinary creativity with 50 ice cream recipes for creative flavours ranging from taber corn and blackberry to rose lychee raspberry. Personal stories, ice-cream-making tips and recipes for ice cream inclusions also fill this colourful book. $45.
madebymarcus.ca
Photo by Brit Savage and Jason Eng
These hand-painted, strawberry-shaped measuring cups are as handy for baking and cooking as they are cute to display in your kitchen. The stoneware cups come in a set of four, with a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and one cup option. $45.
Steeling Home, 1010 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-0777, steelinghome.ca
Photo courtesy of Steeling Home
Wood Jerseys makes cool wall art in the form of painted wooden hockey jerseys. Try it yourself with one of these Calgary Flames wooden jersey paint kits, which come with two nine-inch, maple hardwood jerseys to paint and painting supplies. Paint kits for other teams are also available. $49.99.
woodjerseys.com
Photo courtesy of WoodJerseys.com
Two Rivers Distillery captures the flavours of a popular Canadian dessert in this locally made liqueur. Featuring coconut, chocolate and caramel notes, it would make a memorable and delicious addition to any bar cart. $54.95
Two Rivers Distillery, 453 42 Ave. S.E., 403-455-9759, tworiversdistillery.com
Photo courtesy of Two Rivers Distillery
Anyone who is handy around the home will appreciate this 69-piece screwdriver set filled with precision drivers, hex keys, screwdriver bits and more. Plus, the wall-mountable stand makes it easy to keep the pieces organized in one spot. $59.99.
Canadian Tire, multiple Calgary locations, canadiantire.ca
Photo courtesy of Canadian Tire
Bridgeland Distillery offers a wide range of spirits, but if you can’t decide which one to gift, a holiday gift pack set might be just the thing. Choose from the Bridgeland Whisky Pack featuring the distillery’s Innisfail Single Pot Still Whisky, Glenbow Single Malt Whisky and Single Blend Whisky, or the Bridgeland Cocktail Pack that comes with a bottle of the distillery’s Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Espresso Chocolate Orange Smash cocktails. $62 for the cocktail pack; $89 for the whisky pack.
Bridgeland Distillery, 77 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-455-9335, bridgelanddistillery.com
Photo by Myles Marleau
Give the plant lover on your list this realistic Lego interpretation of a Grande Italia poinsettia, nestled in a woven-basket pot. It combines the passions of floral home decor and Lego building with its intricate details and posable foliage. Plus, zero watering required!
$64.99
Lego, CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail S.W., lego.com
Photo courtesy of the Lego Group
Add a touch of nature to your home with an eye-catching log bowl by Loyal Loot. Made with reclaimed wood logs, the bowls come in different sizes and gloss colour finishes to suit any room or style. Starting at $75.
Kit Interior Objects, 725 11 Ave. S.W., 403-508-2533, kitinteriorobjects.com; loyalloot.com
Photo by loyalloot
Get ready for a ghoulish good time when Beetlejuice hits the stage at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in January 2025. Based on Tim Burton’s beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Starting at $75.00 per ticket, plus fees.
calgary.broadway.com
Photo courtesy of Broadway Across Canada
If you have a Hello Kitty fan in your life, or want to start off someone’s collection, this five-piece nesting doll set makes the perfect gift. The set features five unique Hello Kitty figures, each with a distinct finish: transparent, metallic, glitter, iridescent and flocked. The largest kitty is adorned with a gold 50th heart bow, commemorating half a century of Hello Kitty awesomeness. Great for display or creative play, these adorable kitties will up the cuteness factor in any room. $79.99
Showcase, multiple Calgary locations, ca.shopatshowcase.com
Photo courtesy of Jazwares
Extreme cold weather is a reality of life on the Canadian Prairies. But, while most of us hunker down and hibernate when the temperatures fall below -30 C, Calgary-based photographer Angela Boehm (former chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation) was inspired to venture forth and turn her lens on the landscape. Published by Hartmann Books, Boehm’s collection of starkly beautiful photos is the perfect coffee-table book for the ultra-minimalists in your life. You can order the standard edition for $80; or the book plus a limited-edition print for $550.
angelaboehm.ca
Photo by Angela Boehm
This bold chain necklace from Joydrop exudes strength and chicness. It has the versatility to be worn on its own or to support a confident stacked look with multiple chains. Choose from gold or silver plated, and the chain is adjustable for length. Added bonus, it’s made from at least 98 per cent recycled materials, meaning you can feel extra good about looking good in this necklace. $89
Joydrop, CF Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W. and 230 Stewart Green S.W., joydrop.ca
Photo courtesy of Joydrop
Calgary-based company Spartan Kitchen Products offers handy kitchen tools that make cooking prep a snap. The Spartan Collection comes with the brand’s shredder and peeler, as well as a slicer that you can only get in this collection box. Choose from black or multicolour handle options. $89.99.
spartankitchen.ca
Photo by Anthem Creative
This slim flap wallet by local leather maker Crafted Gambit Goods holds more than meets the eye. With a quick access slot in front and back, plus a hidden inner pocket, the Bishop accommodates up to six standard-sized cards. The full-grain leather wallet is hand stitched, burnished and sealed, and comes in six colours (dark brown, green, bordeaux, light brown, natural and black). $90.
craftedgambitgoods.com
Photo courtesy of Crafted Gambit Goods
Schlepping gear has never been easier than with the Allpa Gear Hauler Tote. It’s ideal for hiking, climbing or gym gear, or even a trip to the grocery store. Interior pockets keep little bits organized, while top compression straps keep gear secure. This Del Día version uses quality leftover deadstock fabrics, making each pack unique. $100.
Available at CampLand Institute of Leisurely Pursuits, 1119 10 Ave S.E., campbrandgoods.com
Photo courtesy of CampLand
Get this Yeti French press for the outdoorsy person in your life who doesn’t want to sacrifice on great coffee, even in the wilderness. The twist-to-lock lid, GroundsControl Filter and double-wall vacuum insulation are just a few of the features that help ensure a great cup of joe no matter where you’re setting up camp. Also available in a 1.9-litre version, the French press comes in several colours ranging from tropical pink to navy. $145.
Yeti, CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W., 587-651-6808, yeti.ca
Photo courtesy of Yeti
Consider one of StumpCraft’s wooden jigsaw puzzles (a 2021 Made in Alberta Awards winner) for the board game and puzzle fan in your life. This particular puzzle is all about Calgary. Not only is the final image a piece of art showing the Calgary skyline, but many of the individual puzzle pieces are also in the shape of notable Calgary landmarks and symbols. $149.
stumpcraft.com
Photo by EVRGRN Co.
Stay warm on cold winter nights with a cozy sleep set from Knix. Available in the colours olive, ivory or glacier, this set with satin piping detailing will keep you looking stylish and feeling comfy. $150.
Knix, 1800 4 St. S.W., 587-288-6060, knix.ca
Photo courtesy of Knix
This high-quality wall hanger by Calgary’s Natural Collection pulls double duty as a beautiful piece of decor and a functional way to store your instrument. It features stainless steel pegs, solid walnut hardwood and a cleat mounting system. There are three cork fabric options for the pegs: wine stopper, chocolate and emerald root cork. $174.
naturalcollectionstands.com
Photo by Peter Kaczan
Minimalist yet attention-grabbing, these Mejuri hoops add an easy dose of style to any outfit. The earrings come in 12 reversible colour/material options, and over time, the wearer could buy new interchangeable links to add to their collection for a new look. Starting at $248.
Mejuri, CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-280-7001, mejuri.com
Photo courtesy of Mejuri
Gift guides typically give you an idea of what to buy other people, but sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. Avenue‘s A-List membership program is “your backstage pass to the city,” giving you access to a wide range of exciting events and exclusive date nights ranging from theatre experiences to fancy food and cocktail nights. There are three tiers to choose from, which get you a certain amount of A-Dollars to spend attending A-List events (plus other perks). The first 200 members will have their $50 membership fee waived. Starting at $250.
thealist.vip
The Star Wars fan in your life really just wants a realistic looking lightsaber, so why not give them what they want? The Star Wars Black Series Leia Organa Force FX lights up with a blue glow and delivers cool sound effects when you swoosh it around in the air. It comes with a display stand so you can keep it close at hand should Darth Vader come stalking through the front door. $299.99.
London Drugs, multiple Calgary locations, londondrugs.com
Photo courtesy of London Drugs
For those who love to entertain, this vintage-styled, 3.2-cubic-feet bar fridge in neutral cream adds an instant cool factor to any home bar. Stock it with a selection of classic sodas in retro glass bottles or craft beers in designer cans. $299.99
London Drugs, multiple Calgary locations, londondrugs.com
Photo courtesy of London Drugs
This bolo tie necklace is perfect for the friend who is already planning their Stampede fits for next year. Featuring a crystal-brimmed, gold-plated hat, the necklace has an adjustable slider so the wearer can choose just the right length. $325.
Hillberg & Berk, CF Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W., 403-202-6277 and Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., 403-454-0942, hillbergandberk.com
Photo by Kayla Rocca
The latest bag from Alberta brand Poppy Barley, this versatile leather bag can be carried by the hand strap or worn across the body thanks to a removable crossbody strap. It comes in a black pebble or truffle colour. $350.
Poppy Barley, CF Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W., 587-351-7171, poppybarley.com
Photo by Angel Poon
Boasting several health and fitness features, this eye-catching forest green watch isn’t just a stylish accessory. The 44-mm screen, aluminum case and one-click sports band certainly don’t hurt, though. $449.99
Canadian Tire, multiple Calgary locations, canadiantire.ca
Photo courtesy of Canadian Tire
This Portuguese alabaster tray would make an elegant addition to any living room coffee table. No two trays have the same swirls and markings, so it’s a truly unique piece for the home. $479.
The Curated Home, 1004 9 Ave. S.E., 403-620-9613, thecuratedhome.ca
Photo courtesy of The Curated Home
Who doesn’t dream of getting something special in an iconic Tiffany blue box? The legacy jewellery brand’s Knot bangle in 18-karat yellow gold is an enduring classic with a design that represents “love’s unwavering bonds.” $6,250.
Tiffany & Co., CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W. 403-441-0829, tiffany.ca
Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
