Local Holiday Gift Guide
We wanted to help make finding a gift this holiday season as easy as A,B,C! To help you find the perfect gift, we’ve launched a local holiday gift guide to encourage you to shop local and support small businesses. We’re highlighting unique local businesses from A to Z across Western Canada so you can check off your list while supporting your community and economy. Grab the list and shop small business!
A,B,C
Everyone has a craft beer connoisseur in their life, so we will start off easy. Check out Calgary-based Annex Ale for small batch beer and soda curated with unconventional flavours. Or if you’re in the Squamish area, visit Backcountry Brewing for craft beer flavours that remind you of the great outdoors.
D,E,F
Unsure what to get your favourite furry friend this holiday season? Calgary business Doodle Dogs has you covered with a variety of goods to please any canine, and they ship across Canada. We could all use a little rest and relaxation this year, so treat someone to a Charcoal face mask or White Chocolate Peppermint lip scrub from Epic Blend. Looking for the perfect gift on the island? Flying Fish, nestled in Nanaimo, offers unique home décor, kitchen accessories and more – and they offer curbside pickup and home delivery.
G,H,I
Have those hard to buy for family members? Giftworks, located in North Vancouver, is the perfect destination for one-of-a-kind gifts like locally-made pottery, art-glass, specialty baby items, paintings and more. Make sure everyone is comfy this holiday with prairie inspired apparel from Hardpressed, a local Saskatchewan maker of quality hats, sweaters, t-shirts and more. Know somebody who’s tired of cooking? Treat them with a gift card to Vancouver-based Italian Kitchen – which pairs an old world charm with a new world vibe, taking simple ingredients and creating the ultimate fresh and classic Italian dishes.
J,K,L
For someone that loves to nourish themselves, check out The Juice Truck – serving fresh pressed juice with flavours like Turmeric or Just Celery in multiple locations across Vancouver. Treat yourself (or someone else) to a casual but conscious lunch using a gift card from Edmonton-based Kb&Co – with superfood smoothies and lattes on the menu, you’ll be sure to start the new year off right. Calgary’s Inglewood neighbourhood has tons of local businesses, and one of our favourites The Livery Shop offers something for everyone – including toques, chocolate, ceramics, and puzzle sets – all made by other local businesses across Canada.
M,N,O
For the charcuterie lovers in your life make sure to stop and visit Meat Craft Butchery in Nanaimo. They offer handmade specialty meats and uniquely crafted appetizers, all made in house with as many fresh ingredients as possible. Next door in Victoria is Nezza Naturals, a local retail store and refillery that features organic, eco-friendly and natural products for everyone. For your friends in Winnipeg, Oxbow has the perfect holiday dinner night-in with their prepare-at-home meal kits.
P,Q,R
Looking for a gift for the plant parent in your life? Calgary-based Plant has a carefully curated selection of indoor and outdoor plants and living art including terrariums, vessels and holders. Give the gift of comfort and warmth with Quilts Etc, a Canadian company making duvet covers to luxury sheets in sustainable and cozy fabrics. Melt away anyone’s stress and tension with a gift certificate to Calgary-based Riverside Spa.
S,T,U
Calgary business Steeling Home has everything you need to make anyone’s home a little brighter, from kitchen and home accessories, to personalized vintage signs and even games. If you’re looking for the perfect toy, visit Toad Hall Toys in Winnipeg and pick something up for your child (or inner child) with their wide variety of products from over fifty countries. Give the perfect night in with a gift card to UNA in Calgary or Saskatoon and be inspired by California-influenced cuisine and thin crust pizzas using local ingredients.
V,W
Find the right beverage for your quieter New Year’s Eve plans with Vine Arts, a creative wine shop featuring a selection of unique wines, craft beers, craft spirits and more from around the world. Plus, they offer take home cocktail kits to add a little fun to someone’s Friday night. Visit their Calgary locations or get it shipped to your door. In Vancouver, shop in store or online at Welk’s General Store, a retail store filled with unique local products.
X,Y,Z
And to wrap it up, barre x fitness studio Barre Belle offers monthly subscriptions to at home workouts to keep you moving wherever you are. When you’re in the mood for a post workout snack, order online from Yelo’d, an Edmonton-based Filipino fusion ice cream and bake shop. Finally, get the perfect gift for the sushi fanatic in your life with a gift card to Zen Japanese in Vancouver.