By Giselle Wedemire
The weather outside may at times be frightful, but for some Calgarians the thought of going to a mall in December is far from delightful. Whether you’re looking to avoid the mall entirely or you’re simply on the lookout for a unique gift for that special someone, consider this your handy guide to shopping locally this holiday season. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/csondy]
Home is where the heart is, so why not give the gift of superb and unique housewares to boost a home’s warmth and charm?
First, stop in at either location of ReWorks Upcycle Shop for stunning and environmentally-friendly conversation pieces that are all made from upcycled materials. From drinking glasses made from reclaimed beer bottles to birdhouses made with licence plates, ReWorks breathes new life into the adage that one man's trash is another's treasure.
From there, head to Inglewood’s Knifewear, which stocks traditionally-made Japanese knives, the technology of which dates back to the age of samurais. Perfect for any amateur gourmet chef, these knives make for cutting-edge gifts, as do the knife sharpening classes they offer.
For home cooks looking to spice things up, The Silk Road is your best bet for unique and thoughtful gifts. Browse (and sniff) the store’s vast array of spices and pick up one of their many spice sets that are perfect for gifting this season, and perhaps pair it with one of the available books that provide in-depth lessons on all things spicy.
The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness and, of course, bling. Bring a sparkle to your loved one’s eyes with some of Calgary’s finest purveyors of accessories and jewelry that span all budgets.
With a roster of more than 500 artists and designers being represented, there's lots to choose from when shopping at Rubaiyat. From stunning 14-karat gold jewelry to bespoke bow ties laced with genuine feathers from exotic birds, you'll be sure to impress with any gift purchased at Rubaiyat.
Nestled in Marda Loop, Doo-Dads offers an eclectic and affordable selection of stylish jewelry sure to please just about anyone on your list. Whether your style is classic elegance, boho-chic or somewhere in the middle, we're sure you'll find lots to love here.
And if you're after bold jewelry and knick-knacks that have a Middle Eastern flair, head to Son of the Pharaoh. Packed with gorgeous sterling silver and gemstone jewelry, belly dancing skirts and golden Egyptian statuettes, Son of the Pharaoh will add some sparkle under your Christmas tree this year.
Trinkets and tchotchkes are what the holidays are made of, and finding these novelties can often be the best part of tackling your holiday shopping.
For the best stocking stuffer inspiration, head to Kricket's in Mission. Filled to the brim with a fun mix of novelty items and practical, everyday products, this store's entire inventory is practically begging to be added to stockings this year. Can't-miss items include plaid earmuffs that are perfect for winter and enamel pins that boast the likenesses of famous figures such as Prince, Freddie Mercury and Dustin from Stranger Things.
A short walk away on 17th Avenue is Steeling Home, a veritable stocking stuffer paradise. True, the shop's main focus is housewares, but the magic lies in their miscellaneous items. Between their quartz crystal holiday ornaments and their extensive sock selection – which includes a Calgary-centric pair that depicts the Saddledome and the Calgary Tower – stocking stuffers are definitely made easy at Steeling Home.
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More fun things to do this Christmas in Calgary:
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For a one-stop shopping trip full of treasures you’ll seldom find in stores, check out one of the many holiday craft fairs and markets scheduled this season.
If you’re in the market for handcrafted gifts that you won't find anywhere else, Market Collective is the place to be. With loads of indie charm and glamour provided by local artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, cosmetics, art and clothing alongside live music, Christmas shopping couldn't be more fun. Plus, with food trucks on site, there's all the more reason to work up an appetite while shopping.
And if you need to charm that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, try appealing to their sweet tooth. Stop by the YYC Holiday Vegan Bake Sale for homemade baked goods that make for perfect gifts once frozen. True, most treats will be sweet, but with a smaller savoury snack selection and 100 per cent of the sale’s proceeds benefiting local animal sanctuary Robin’s Refuge, you can’t go wrong with these treats that not only taste good, but also do good.
If you can, try to avoid the malls this holiday season and explore the unique, artisanal products available in our city. Not only will you be helping support small businesses, you'll also be reducing your stress levels by not having to fight over a rare empty parking spot at the mall.
