Christmas in #YYC
Shopping Local and Winning
There are so many reasons to shop local this year — and not just because it helps to promote small business owners or that it contributes to our city’s overall economic health — no, one of the best reasons is the amazing products and the service that goes with purchasing those products.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best local shops in Calgary where you can get original and unique Christmas gifts for those you care about. This is in no particular order and represents our personal experiences and recommendations from friends in our community.
You could pass by this store easily with its small store front nestled in among a host of other small local shops on the 9th Ave strip. But once you enter the store, you realize this isn’t like any other store you have ever shopped at. I stop in frequently to see what new products they have sourced because it’s just so bloody awesome. I’m a tactile kind of person and there’s always lots of things to touch and play with…and look at. Whether it’s original local art and curios, hand built bicycles, locally produced leather goods and Calgary’s very own Camp Brand clothing line — it’s virtually impossible to walk out empty handed. Especially if you’re gift shopping.
OK, it’s not a small shop but it is local. And it employs a lot of Calgarians and does a tremendous amount of business with small business owners throughout our city. And just about everyone of us know at least one person that works at Westjet. With their amazing customer service, competitive rates and ever increasing destinations — it’s a company to keep on your radar when shopping for that person that has everything. Whether it’s for a gift certificate, tickets or perhaps you want to visit their headquarters and buy some Westjet paraphenlia at the gift shop, there’s lots of ideas and they don’t have to break the bank to show that someone how special they are to you.
If you’ve never been, Craft exemplifies local community spirit. Wherever possible, the owners of Craft source locally made products. Whether its their organic, healthy food choices or locally made beer, this is one of our favorite places to get a great meal and sample some local creations (at last count, I heard they have over 100 choices on tap) If I had a gift certificate for Craft in my stocking this year, I would be very pleased indeed.
You may be wondering why I would include a drug store in a list of places I’m recommending for Christmas gifts. If you are, wonder no more. This staple found in Bridgeland is a family driven business that is anything but conventional. There are many reasons for visiting Lukes — the obvious like prescriptions, postage stamps and health care products but did you know that you can get a great cup of coffee at their coffee bar? You can flip through their unique and growing collection of vinyl records and they even carry a clothing line. Lukes offers plenty of great gift ideas.
This is another one of the Inglewood gems that constantly morphs and evolves inside. You’ll find plenty of local art on the walls and on display — whether its paintings, glass sculptures or jewellry — the common theme is local. DaDe also carries unique furniture both locally crafted and sourced from around the world. There is something for virtually any budget and taste at Dade and once you peruse all the different rooms, you’ll agree that this is a must destination when shopping for something different this Christmas season.
It’s a 10,000 square foot vendor driven market place. With close to 50 different dealers operating out of this location, this is as small business and local as you can get. While a lot of the items might have wide and varied stories and origins — the common theme is small, entrepreneurial people selling their collections of antiques and oddities. I have spent hours in this place and have had a lot of success in procuring interesting pieces for friends that appreciate a little more thought going into their gifts. If you have some spare time (I recommend a minimum of an hour) to walk around you won’t regret it. It’s like stepping into a time machine.
Custom made leather boots right here in Calgary. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the home of the Calgary Stampede has its own boot manufacturer and that every celebrity that comes to this city needs to get a custom pair made. They have been at it for 36 years and make boots for the military, the RCMP, Calgary motorcycle police and of course, the public. Depending on your budget, you can buy a pair right off the rack or get fitted for something exotic or that represents your personality.
I don’t knit myself. But my wife loves it and there seems to be a rennasaince going on in this city. I’ve been on more than a few junkets with my other half as she picks up her almost weekly supplies of colorful yarns and needles. This is a really nice, local shop with everything and anything to do with knitting. They also offer classes and workshops so men, if you’re reading this, it’s a gift that will probably garner the wow factor from those women in your life that wouldn’t expect this kind of thoughtfulness.
Honorable Mentions
Calgary is distinct in its entrepreneurial spirit and I know I’ll have missed some gems that deserve mention so please leave your comments and recommendations.
Espy , Gummi Boutique , Crab Apple Clothing, Notable, Reworks
