It’s the season of giving, and there’s no better gift to give than one that is made right here in our beautiful city.
Calgary is notorious for its tight sense of community, and when it comes to supporting local small businesses, that same reputation rings true!
It’s more important than ever to know the story behind our purchases and put our holiday dollars in a place where it really counts.
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Take the consumerism down a notch this year by choosing quality over quantity. When we support local you’re not only getting a unique shopping experience, but you’re also supporting a person, and ultimately the family behind the product or service.
Here is a list of 30 (not nearly all) of our favourite local products (some new and some classic oldies) that we just can’t get enough of this year.
We encourage you to make your list, check it twice, and make a conscious effort to support Calgary’s entrepreneurs!
A Calgary Skyline Mug from Third Wheel Ceramics
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Show your love for YYC by gifting these handmade Calgary mugs to everyone on your list. Not only will they fit a hearty cup of caffeine, but they will be the best reminder of just how beautiful our city really is — especially for those folks who no longer live here!
Soy Wax Candles from Field Kit
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Made from North American wax, cotton wicks, and perfume-grade fragrance oils, these candles are a simple and easy stocking stuffer for nearly anyone on your list. “The Field House” line is inspired by the scents and smells that maker Jemma Rethman has around her home, from a pot of freshly ground coffee in the morning to a relaxing sauna session at night!
A Plant from PLANT
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A plant is a gift that continues to give! Give your friends and family each a plant or terrarium that they can love and cherish, and watch it grow in their homes for years to come.
A Graphic Tee or Sweater from Ugly Ass Embroidery
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From edgy designs to bold sayings, it won’t be hard to find a unique tee for your best friend, S/O, or cool aunt to sport all season long! Contrary to the company’s name, these tees and sweaters are anything but ugly.
Holiday Macarons from Ollia Macaron and Tea
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Chestnut Praline, Amaretto Cherry, Gingerbread, Peppermint White Chocolate, Eggnog, Turtles — oui oui! How does one even choose from all these festive, delicious flavours of Macarons baked right here in Calgary. The answer; you don’t! Pick up your box of Ollia’s 2019 Holiday Collection and you’ll be a hit at your next Christmas dinner party.
A Wooden Phone Case from Alto Collective
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Give the wildlife lover in your life a phone case they will simply adore! Handmade by two brothers you can be certain that each case will be 100% unique, well-made, and designed from the heart.
Ugly Christmas Socks from Friday Sock Co.
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Everyone’s favourite mismatched sock company has done it again! They’re now outfitting your feet with the ugliest mismatched Christmas socks so you can truly make a statement in your 2019 holiday family photo. #SayCheese
Holiday Treat Platter from Pretty Sweet Bakeshop
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The prettiest bakeshop in Calgary is offering a helping hand to all those who have run out of time for this year’s annual holiday bake-off. Order your treat platter by December 17 and enjoy all your favourite festive desserts at this year’s Christmas dinner!
2020 Desk Calendar illustrated by Little May Papery
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This desk calendar is the perfect addition to any office and a gift that will get you on the good side of all those cat-obsessed humans in your life. Follow along with a cat named Nigel and see the shenanigans he gets up to every month in 2020!
Organic Bamboo Zip Up Hoodie from Local Laundry
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Hot off the press, these new zip-ups from Local Laundry are all the rage and cozy AF. Wear it with pride as you rep YYC and support local!
A Coffee Gift Box from Five’21 Coffee Roasters
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You simply can’t go wrong by giving the gift of caffeine! Customize your gift box by choosing three 340-gram bags of freshly roasted organic coffees that you know the person on the other end is going to love — especially if it’s your mom or boss!
A Plant inspired Art Print from Angela Smyth
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This is great for those who can’t appreciate a living plant (or keep one alive), because you can give them the next best thing. These prints are illustrated and printed through a processed called “relief” by Calgary artist, Angela Smyth, and are the perfect piece to complete any gallery wall!
Beard Bundle from ManDay Grooming
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Sauce-Tame-Repeat! If your man is growing a national forest on his face, give him a helping hand by gifting him the products he needs to tame the mane and sport a well-groomed beard. ManDay products are handmade in small batches and encourage men to get a little wild. They’re inspired by the great outdoors of the Canadian Rockies, with scents that give off notes of Canadian pine, patchouli, sandalwood, sweet orange, peppermint, and bergamot.
Natural Deodorant from Routine Natural Goods
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Give the gift of cleanliness! This all-natural deodorant comes in many scents and is a fantastic stocking stuffer that will help everyone on your list clean up their daily routine.
DIY Cocktail Kit Subscription from Crafty Cocktails
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Receive the ingredients for cocktails (minus the booze) on your doorstep every month for a year — now that’s the gift that truly keeps on giving!
A Christmas Scented Candle from Natura Soy
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Looking for that last addition to a first Christmas basket? These holiday-scented soy candles will fill a space with their warm natural scents and make the house feel like a home this holiday season!
Christmas Gin from Eau Claire Distillery
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Made with 24K gold flakes, this holiday gin will warm you up and add some spice and sparkle to your holiday festivities!
Beeswax Wrap from Planet Wrap
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Ditch plastic bags, saran wrap, and tin foil completely this holiday season. These reusable beeswax wraps, made right here in Calgary, will let your food last longer and are not harmful to the environment. Choose from a variety of different prints and designs, and add a set to everyone’s stocking this year!
Sweet Almond Body Scrub and Lotion from Lamb’s Soapworks
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In the midst of our dry Calgary winters, you can never exfoliate and moisturize enough! Gift this seasonal scrub and lotion set, which features the sweet odour of almonds with a hint of cherry.
Holiday Mindful Memory Keeper from Sweet Clover Studios
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We haven’t forgotten about your littles! You know those feelings, emotions, and memories that you wish you could hang on to forever from your childhood? Gift the kids this mindful holiday journal to spend some time documenting the time you spent together this holiday season by following the prompts and remembering the moments that meant the most!
Sassy Notepads from Stevie and Bean Paperie
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We’ve all got that one friend who always has some sassy, relatable comment on the tip of their tongue. Add these notepads to their stocking and they will love you for finally getting on their level!
Low-Waste Affordable Stocking Stuffers from Without Co.
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A new kid on the block, Without Co. is a a beautiful shop featuring all things sustainable, local, and environmentally conscious. From shampoo bars to candles to cleaning goods, you can find the best low-waste stocking stuffers for $25 and under!
Sparkly Scrunchies from Kasual by Kourtney and The Baesic Stitch
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Who would have guessed that scrunchies would have been the one thing that survived from the 1990s. Nonetheless, they are the perfect way to add some sparkle to any holiday look this season. Especially as we party like Gatsby into 2020!
Handmade Candy Cane Earrings from Jennea Frischke Jewelry
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Make a statement with these stainless-steel candy cane earrings, and add some glam to your daily look this holiday season.
Calgary-Opoly from Onset Media
During this YYC spin on an old-time favourite you’ll get the chance to buy the Calgary Zoo, Bow River, Calgary Tower, and other famous landmarks that pay tribute to our city. Let the family holiday games night commence!
Fringe Earrings + Necklace Set from Andrea Blais Jewellery
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Treat the leading lady in your life to a sparkly gift that will never leave her for years to come! These earring and necklace sets are from the new Fringe Collection, which features functional, stylish pieces that are meant to stand the test of time.
Happiest Under the Mistletoe Crew from The Happiest Collection
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Well, aren’t we all? These crews are happily 100% made in Calgary and the perfect present to gift your significant other while secretly purchasing one for yourself so you can come out matching on Christmas Day — surprise!
Holiday Meat Boxes from Bessie Box
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Yes, carnivores, you read that correctly! Bessie Box has partnered with local farmers and producers to create their Holiday Box, which includes antibiotic-free/hormone-free, individually portioned, flash-frozen, grass-fed beef and sashimi quality tuna + salmon. They will even deliver your box to your doorstep up to and on Christmas Day. This is going to be a Christmas dinner that no one will be able to forget!
Cleansing Balm from Apt. 6 Skin Co.
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Give it as a gift or keep some for you. It will be hard to not gift yourself some of this magical balm as we head into a dry winter! Scented with grapefruit and neroli essential oils, this cleansing balm is great for all skin types and will leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth this holiday season.
Spiced Honey from Drizzle
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A little pot of gold that will add some sugar and spice to any gift for the holidays!
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