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Made in Calgary: 9 Local Gifts
The holiday countdown is on. We've made our lists and checked them twice. Now we're hitting up our favourite local shops and artisans, and just might be budgeting a little extra retail therapy time for ourselves. Given the current market conditions in Calgary, let's spread the love around our community and buy local.
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Rocky Mountain Soap Company
Eco-friendly, local and made with only 100% natural ingredients Rudolph would eat—that's why this shop is at the top of our list. With a line of gentle products for baby, handmade stocking stuffers and festive holiday scents (we've missed you, vanilla candy cane!), you're sure to snap up body care products for all members of your family.
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Plant
We may not have green thumbs and that's OK! This funky shop in Inglewood sells natural artwork, functional vintage goods and the most adorable terrariums you ever did see. Make your gift even more memorable by purchasing a workshop gift certificate, so your intended can learn how to make their own terrarium.
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Calgary by Bike
With the city's new dedicated cycling lanes, biking is all the rage, no matter the season. Encourage this healthy habit by picking up the city's only bicycle touring map. Not only does this handy guide conveniently fit into stockings, it lists all the best shops and services flanking the city's bike paths. For those really geared up, opt for the Bike Lover's Gift Pack or snap up a copy of FrostBike by local writer Tom Babin.
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Black Diamond
You'll be shocked by the abundance of cutesy boutiques in this charming town located southwest of Calgary. Eclectic Branch Market & Studio is a trove of unique and affordable finds, from home decor to cutesy Christmasy items, all made by local artisans. Bohemia sells funky women's wear and gift items and next door, Blue Rock Gallery offers pottery in addition to an adult colouring book by local artist Crystal Salamon. A five-minute drive away in Turner Valley, Eau Claire Distillery handcrafts artisanal spirits onsite. Festival tipples can be made from their gorgeous Gin Rummy and Christmas Gin (we enjoyed researching this very much!). Good to know: Move fast, these seasonal spirits sell out!
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Hekkal & Hyde
Local artist Heidi Klasseen takes gorgeous fabric sourced from unconventional places and up-cycles these textiles into whimsical works of wearable art. There are purses, totes and clutches, but we're totally crushing on the unique designs for reusable sandwich and snack bags. They're all super hip, so expect no flack when swapping out the Tupperware.
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Food on Your Shirt
We all eventually wear what we eat, right? For the fun-loving gourmand in your crew, snap up a trendy T designed by Pierre Lamielle, an award winning illustrator and Food Network competitor. But there's more to this online shop than T's. You'll also find unique onesies, tea towels and illustrated cookbooks to round out your foodie theme.
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TeepeeTots and Co
For organic baby and toddler apparel, look no further than this ethical business. Two local moms are at the helm, hand making baby moccasins, leggings, scarves and beanies. The products are wearable, durable and (of great importance to tweens) fashionable for newborns right up to 12-years of age.
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Nanton
Well known on the antique circuit, Nanton is a traditional Western town about an hours drive south of Calgary. Because I Said So is a fair trade shop, where you can browse while sipping speciality coffees. Head here for indy music, journals and buffalo hide bags made in Sundre. The Mosaic Art Gallery offers locally made stained glass, jewelry and giftware.
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Kids Photography Academy
Gifts are great and all, but it's nice for kids to have something to look forward to after the holiday excitement dies down. Local photography studio Visual Hues offers courses for kids keen to learn how to artfully take their own snaps. Pick up a gift certificate and you'll soon enjoy the fruits of their labour.