59 Gift Ideas For the Holidays

Shop local and find something for everyone on your list this Christmas.

Fashion Gifts Food Gifts Drink Gifts Home Gifts Kids and Pets Stocking Stuffers

 

Sweetsmith Candy Co. Brittles

Photograph by Jared Sych

Sweetsmith Candy Co. brittles are made in Strathmore. $4.99 each, at Marda Loop Mercantile.

101, 3411 20 St. S.W., 587-352-3311

 

Peppermint Shave Bar

Photograph by Jared Sych

Peppermint shave bar, $6, from Rocky Mountain Soap Co. You can also take the workshop tour at the production facility in Canmore; the $25 admission includes a $20 gift certificate.

Multiple Calgary locations, rockymountainsoap.com

 

Frank & Sense Holiday Beer

Photograph by Jared Sych

Frank & Sense holiday beer by Innis & Gunn is an English pale ale that contains some of Christmas’ most famous gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. $7.99, available where fine beers are sold.

 

Saigon Vietnamese 
Dipping Sauce

Photograph by Jared Sych

Saigon Vietnamese 
dipping sauce, perfect 
for salads, marinades and salad rolls, by Lethbridge-based Umami Shop. $8.49 
at Bite Grocer & Eatery.

1023 9 Ave. S.E., 403-263-3966, biteyyc.com

 

Folding Wooden Cribbage Board

Photograph by Jared Sych

Folding wooden cribbage board, $10, at Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys.

24 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-4165, extraordinarytoys.com

 

Crave Cupcake Mix

Photograph by Jared Sych

Crave cupcake mix, 
$10, and buttercream icing, $10. One mix package makes 12 cupcakes (available in red-velvet and chocolate).

Four locations in Calgary, cravecupcakes

 

Plus Plus Interlocking Shapes

Photograph by Jared Sych

Each tube of Plus Plus interlocking shapes contains instructions for one form, but the only real limit on what you can make is your own imagination and patience. $10, at Discovery Hut.

CF Chinook Centre, 403-301-4180, thediscoveryhut.com

 

Plainsbreaker Socks

Photograph by Jared Sych.

 

Plainsbreaker socks; 
now made in Calgary! 
$10 each, or $20 for three pairs.

The Core, 403-261-1624, plainsbreaker.com

 

Reusable Cotton and Beeswax Bowl Covers

Photograph by Jared Sych

Reusable cotton and beeswax bowl covers 
by Your Green Kitchen come 
in multiple sizes. $10 to $24 
at Reworks.

1325 1 St. S.E., 
403-263-4366, 
shopreworks.ca

 

Danish Dough Whisk

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Danish dough whisk, 
also called brodpisker, makes any batter better. Its misshapen design helps prevent over-mixing. Plus, it looks really cool. The 11-inch size is $12 at Lee Valley.

7261 11 St. S.E., 403-253-2066, leevalley.com

 

The Sweater Stone

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Sweater Stone quickly removes pesky sweater pills. $12, at Simons.

The Core, 403-697-1840, simons.ca

 

Silicone Reusable Bags

Photograph by Jared Sych

Silicone reusable bags 
by Stasher are suitable 
for sandwiches, snacks and even sous vide, since they 
can withstand heat. $12 to $30, at Savour Fine Foods.

1331 9 Ave. S.E., 403-532-8222, savourfinefoods.com

 

Lavami Everyday Shampoo Bar

Photograph by Jared Sych

The everyday shampoo bar by Calgary company Lavami is free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances and colourants and contains all-natural ingredients and pure essential oils. $13, at Oak + Tonic.

Southcentre, 403-236-9509, oakandtonic.ca

 

Brix Smooth Chocolate

Photograph by Jared Sych

Brix smooth chocolate is 54-per cent cacao, perfect for pairing with Champagne or vintage Port. $14 at the Italian Centre Shop.

9919 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 403-238-4869, italiancentre.ca

 

Crema al Pistacchio

Photograph by Jared Sych

Crema al Pistacchio by 
Scyavuru is like an upscale Nutella. $15 at Peasant Cheese Shop. (Go hungry and treat yourself to one of Peasant’s gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches while you’re shopping.)

1249 Kensington Rd. N.W., 587-353-3599, peasantcheese.com

 

Cashmere Fingerless Gloves


Cashmere fingerless gloves in a variety of colours, perfect for cold-weather texting. $18, at Kate Hewko Concept Store.

112, 908 17 Ave. S.W., 587-356-1229, 
katehewko.com

 

Just Point

Photograph by Jared Sych

For the language-challenged world traveller, Just Point is a visual dictionary so you can explain your needs with pictures. $18, at Shelf Life Books.

100, 1302 4 St. S.W., 403-265-1033, shelflifebooks.ca

 

Coop’s Salted Caramel Sauce

Photograph by Jared Sych

Coop’s salted caramel sauce is so good it’s 
hard to give away. $18 at Piece on Peace.

5 Spruce Ctr. S.W., 
403-663-9433, 
pieceonpeace.com

 

The Capper

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Capper lets you take beer caps off, but also put them back on again! $18, at Meraki Supply Co.

103, 305 10 St. N.W., merakisupplyco.com

 

Collar Flowers

Photograph by Jared Sych

The perfect gift for a stylish furry friend (or their human companion), these Collar Flowers are made in Canada. $18, at The New Forest.

1120 Kensington Rd. N.W., 825-205-8008, thenewforest.ca

 

Sushi Washi Tapes

Photograph by Jared Sych

Sushi washi tapes add a deliciously cute graphic element to giftwrap. $18 for a set of four, at Crate and Barrel.

Southcentre, 403-278-7020, crateandbarrel.ca

 

Monogram Coffee’s Holiday Roast

Photograph by Jared Sych

Monogram coffee’s holiday roast comes with an original song, “Next to the Fire,” written by Calgary jazz musician Ellen Doty and sung by local singer Kate Stevens. Each $20 bag includes a code for a free download of the song and $5 from every sale goes to The Mustard Seed.

4814 16 St. S.W., 587-893-0444, plus two other locations, monogramcoffee.com

 

Kikkerland Magnetic Hourglass

Photograph by Jared Sych

Literally hours of fun watching magnetic filings make stalagmite formations with the Kikkerland Magnetic Hourglass. $22, at Indigo.

Multiple locations, chapters.indigo.ca

 

Doggie Bandanas

Photograph by Jared Sych

Made locally by store co-owner Corey White, these doggie bandanas are soft, durable and have a convenient snap closure. $24 to $34 at Doodle Dogs.

3B Parkdale Cres. N.W., 587-349-3647; and 841 1 Ave. N.E., 403-452-2134; doodledogsyyc.com

 

Baby Color crayons

Photograph by Jared Sych

Baby Color crayons are just the right size and shape for tiny hands. $25 for 12 (also in packages of six for $15), at Nanao Kimono.

Crossroads Market, 1235 26 Ave. S.E.; and Kensington Artisan Market, 225 10 St. N.W.; nanaokimono.com

 

Jewellery Organizer

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Jewellery organizer 
for travel by My Tagalongs, $26, at 
Liz & Lottie.

537 Riverfront Ave. S.E., 403-263-0800, 
lizandlottie.ca

 

Bürstenhaus Redecker Dustpan and Hand Brush

Photograph by Jared Sych

For the design-minded tidy person, a dustpan and hand brush, German-made by Bürstenhaus Redecker. $26 and $38, respectively, at Guildhall.

1222 9 Ave. S.E., 403-454-4399, guildhallhome.com

 

The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids by local chef and artist Pierre Lamielle is a great way to educate, entertain and nourish your budding young chefs at home. $29.

Available through amazon.ca

 

Riedel Drinkware

Photograph by Jared Sych

Riedel, maker of premium wine glasses, now has cocktail-specific drinkware. Sold in pairs, there are six styles including “Fizz,” “Sour,” and “Nick & Nora” (shown here), $30, at Willow Park Wines & Spirits.

10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-296-1640, willowpark.net

 

Textured Pottery Mugs by Connie Cooper

Photograph by Jared Sych

Textured pottery mugs by Connie Cooper, $34 each, at Alberta Craft Gallery Calgary.

cSpace King Edward, 1721 29 Ave. S.W., 587-391-0129, albertacraft.ab.ca

 

Asobu Insulated Drink Bottle

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Asobu 17-ounce insulated drink bottle has a Bluetooth speaker built into the lid. $35 at Stuff.

102, 709 11 Ave. S.W., 403-209-2606, stuff4him.ca

 

Calgary Eats Cookbook

Photograph by Jared Sych

Calgary Eats by Gail Norton and Karen Ralph features signature recipes 
from 40 of Calgary’s best restaurants and bars. $39 
at The Cookbook Co. Cooks.

722 11 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6066, cookbookcooks.com

 

Softshell Ice Cream Ball

Photograph by Jared Sych

UCO wants you to play with your food with its Softshell Ice Cream Ball. Add the ingredients, shake and roll the ball for 20 minutes and voila, you have a pint of ice cream! $39 at MEC.

830 10 Ave. S.W., 403-269-2420; and 710, 19587 Seton Cres. S.E., 403-523-7258; mec.ca

 

Cheeseboard

Photograph by Jared Sych

With three cheese forks stored underneath the marble top, this 10-inch cheeseboard is the perfect hostess gift. $47 at Nordstrom.

CF Chinook Centre, 587-291-2000, nordstrom.com

 

Cheese of the Month Club

Photograph by Jared Sych

Give the gift of cheese with Bridgeland Market’s Cheese of the Month Club, which includes three unique, carefully selected cheeses, plus gourmet accoutrements. Pick up 
at the market on the first Thursday of each month, 
$60 for a single box, $50 if you commit to 12 months.

1104 1 Ave. N.E., 403-269-2381, bridgelandmarket.com

 

Sustainable Gifts from Without Co.

Photograph by Jared Sych

This trio of sustainable gifts from low-waste lifestyle market Without Co. includes facial polish by Eluo, all-natural soap by Lore and an extra-large cloth produce bag handmade by store owner Michelle Fentiman and her mom. $54 for the trio, (items also sold separately).

103, 2115 4 St. S.W., withoutco.com

 

Play & Go Playmat

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Play & Go playmat has a drawstring that turns the mat into a storage bag — a gift for kids that’s a gift for their parents, too. $55 at Simons.

The Core, 403-697-1840, simons.ca

 

Plant Pal Shelf Sitter

Photograph by Jared Sych

Plant Pal Shelf Sitter, also available in Zen pose, $69 at Metro Element (plants sold separately).

1221 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-257-7588, metroelement.com

 

DubTub Bath Board

Photograph by Jared Sych

Forget Calgon, let DubTub take you away! This bath board is made in Calgary from reclaimed wood and will hold a tablet, two tea lights and a wine glass. Plus, the company plants a tree for every DubTub sold. $75 at The Raven’s Room.

108, 908 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-7283, theravensroom.ca

 

Calgary Alberta Music Box

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Calgary Alberta Music Box has a tiny transit bus that moves around the edge and plays “O’Canada.” $82, at Papyrus.

Multiple locations, papyrusonline.com

 

Cutting Board by Reid’s Woodworks

Photograph by Jared Sych

Made by Reid’s Woodworks in Strathmore, this one-of-a-kind cutting board features cherry, maple, walnut and purple heart woods. $90, at Ninth and Brick.

1312B 9 Ave. S.E., ninthandbrick.com

 

Stone Diffuser and Peppermint Essential Oil

Photograph by Jared Sych

Stone diffuser made by Vancouver company Vitruvi, $119, and peppermint essential oil, $15, both at Fieldstudy.

102, 1812 4 St. S.W., 587-356-2134, fieldstudyshop.com

 

Gold and Crystal 
Drop Earrings

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Gold and crystal 
drop earrings, 
$130, by Hillberg & Berk, a Canadian company headquartered in Regina.

CF Market Mall, 
403-202-6277; Southcenter, 403-454-0942, 
hillbergandberk.com

 

Untuckit Shirt

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Finally, shirts 
for men that are designed to look fitted and tidy while untucked. In regular, relaxed or slim fit with regular or tall options. $132 at Untuckit.

CF Market Mall, 403-202-6654, untuckit.ca

 

Breville Smoking Gun

Photograph by Jared Sych

Smoke meats, vegetables and even sauces and cocktails all without having to labour outdoors for hours with the Breville Smoking Gun. $145 (extra wood chips $40) at Williams-Sonoma.

CF Chinook Centre, 403-410-9191, williams-sonoma.ca

 

Exto Electric Cord

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Exto electric cord by Conway Electric is as stylish as it is functional, with dual-power and dual-USB ports. $160, at Recess.

1323 9 Ave. S.E., 587-433-4226, recessshop.ca

 

Brushed-Finish Polished Brass Vase

Photograph by Jared Sych

Brushed-finish polished brass vase designed by Kaschkasch, $166, at Dwell Modern.

701 11 Ave. S.W., 403-508-9980, dwellmodern.ca

 

Home Cocktail Smoking Kit

Photograph by Jared Sych

Antonio Querin, bartender at One18Empire, is famous for his masterfully smoked cocktails. Now fans can make them at home with his home cocktail smoking kit by Spirits With Smoke. Each kit contains five aromatic wood discs, plus bitters, maple syrup and other bar essentials like ice-ball moulds and a muddler. $167, at Vine Arts.

101, 932 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-1106; and 1310 1 St. S.W., 403-290-0700; vinearts.ca

 

Fat Frames Sunglasses

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Fat Frames, designed by 
local architect Walker McKinley, now come 
in sunglasses, with four lens colours and frame colours to choose from. $195, available through fatframes.ca; orders 
can be shipped and picked up at McKinley Burkart Studio.

550, 110 9 Ave. S.W., 403-229-2037, 
fatframes.ca

 

Trullo Conical-Lid Table Container

Photograph by Jared Sych

The Trullo conical-lid table container by Kartell is inspired by the distinctive houses found in Alberobello in the south of Italy. $215, at Robert Sweep.

808 16 Ave. S.W., 403-262-8525,  robertsweep.com

 

Foreo Luna 3

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Foreo Luna 3 smart cleansing and firming massage brush, for combination, normal and sensitive skin. $259, at Holt Renfrew. (Use the complementary valet parking!)


The Core, 403-269-7341, holtrenfrew.com

 

Manitobah Mukluks Moccasins

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Manitobah Mukluks 
is 100-per cent Indigenous-owned. With its Storyboot line of moccasins, mitts and earrings it helps teach Indigenous communities lost artforms. Each pair comes with a story about the artist. The pair shown here was made by Anne Bell of Dene and Slavey descent who lives in Fort Nelson, B.C. $350.

Pop-up Shops at CF Chinook, CF Market Mall, The Core and CrossIron Mills, manitobah.ca

 

Necklace by Peserico

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Because of the new CETA trade agreement with the EU, duties are lower on European-made items. Local boutique La Chic passes on those savings to customers on items like this necklace by Peserico, $355, at La Chic.

Bankers Hall, 403-269-4775, lachiccalgary.com

 

Poppy Barley Backpack

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Edmonton-based Canadian brand Poppy Barley’s best-selling backpack in 
cowhide leather and nubuck, $425.

CF Market Mall, 
587-351-7171, 
poppybarley.com

 

Whitney Large Zebra-Sequinned Convertible Shoulder Bag

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Whitney large zebra-sequinned convertible shoulder bag, $448, at Michael Kors.

Southcentre, 403-225, 1943, plus two other locations, michaelkors.ca

 

Crissman Overshirt by Dehen1920

Photograph by Jared Sych.

 

Crissman Overshirt by Dehen1920 in safety orange (also available in gold), made from deadstock 24-ounce Melton wool. $450, at NAQP. 


1207 10 Ave. S.E.,
403-910-9913, 
shopnorthamerican.com

 

Le Creuset Darth Vader Round French Oven

Photograph by Jared Sych

For the cooking nerd in your life, there’s the Le Creuset limited-edition Star Wars collection. Darth Vader round French oven, $500, 
at Le Creuset stores.

CF Chinook Centre, 403-
262-1128, lecreuset.ca

 

Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Pink tourmaline and diamond ring in 18-karat yellow gold, $4,417, at J. Vair 
Anderson Jewellers.


409 3 St. S.W., 403-266-1669, jvairanderson.com

 

Flex’it Stackable Bracelets

Photograph by Jared Sych.

Flex’it stackable bracelets by FOPE in rose gold, $8,150, 
yellow gold, $6,630, 
and white gold, $4,330, from Brinkhaus.


823 6 Ave. S.W., 
403-269-4800, brinkhaus.com

This article appears in the December 2019 issue of Avenue Calgary.

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