Our guide to our favourite holiday gifts from amazing local businesses!
Whether you're getting a head start on your holiday shopping or shopping last minute, we love gifting local. Here's what we have on our wish list from our favourite Calgary and Edmonton local businesses!
FOR THE FOODIE
BESSIE BOX
Is it vain for us to start with ourselves?
Show them how well you know them by sending them a box of their favourite meat and/or seafood that they love cooking with! All of Bessie's meat is naturally raised without the use of added hormones or antibiotics. The best part? You don't need to fight through the mall, we'll send it right to their door for you!
Not too sure exactly what they'll like? Send them the Test Kitchen for a little taste of everything.
KNIFEWARE
The sharpest tool in the kitchen.
One of the best gifts you can give a home chef is a perfectly sharp knife. Trust us, it makes all the difference when cooking!
Knifeware was born in Calgary in March 2008 and has since expanded to Edmonton, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Their selection of Japanese steel knifes and chef's tools are sure to impress any foodie who loves to cook. No matter what location you're visiting, their staff is armed with everything you need to know about knives.
Shop gifts that are a cut above the rest here!
EH FARMS
Mangalitsa is a must try for any foodie!
Treat them to delicious Mangalitsa bacon or a farm experience. If your foodie hasn't tried Mangalitsa yet, it will forever change how they see pork. This pork is beautifully marbled with creamy fat that melts in your mouth. It's deep red colour and marbling has some people mistaking it for beef.
Eh Farms was the first in Canada to import Red Mangalitsa pigs and the only place you'll get Mangalitsa from in Alberta. Christina and her family are dedicated to providing a great life for all the animals on their farm, from the unique Red Mangalitsas to the hens that her son Easton cares for. Easton himself is a huge foodie and a great chef!
Get the foodie experience of a lifetime here!
FOR THE ADVENTURER
Are the mountains always calling their name? Here are some of our favourite gifts to keep them going!
OFF THE PATH PROVISIONS
Satisfying nourishment to fuel every adventure.
Every backpacking adventurer needs a good meal to keep them going. Keep your adventurer fueled with these delicious, nutritious vegan dehydrated meals in 100% compostable bags.
Off The Path Provisions was started by Melanie in 2017 when she realized that camping meals were not nutritious, flavour diverse, or eco friendly. Her dehydrated meals are delicious, healthy, and sustainable. Great for any adventure or even a meal at work!
CALGARY CLIMBING CENTRE
Reach new heights with a gift they can really experience.
Since climbing and bouldering made it's debut in the Olympics, this sport has been gaining the attention of many adventure seekers. A day at CCC is sure to excite any adventurer, whether they already climb or if it will be their first time. Their gift cards can be used at any location on climbing, new gear, or lessons to improve their climbing experience!
The Calgary Climbing Centre, often known as CCC, has been Calgary's go-to climbing centre for more than 20 years. They started with a small gym near Chinook and now have 4 locations throughout the city. Rumor has it they're working on a 5th gym right now!
Give the gift of climbing here!
BANFF SUNSHINE
Calling all powder lovers!
This ski & snowboard season is predicted to be one of the best we've had in years, sure to make any skier or snowboarder excited. Book a stay overnight for a mini vacation in the mountains. If you want to kick it up a notch, Sunshine also has ski in/ski out rooms so they can get maximum time on their skis or board. Then kick off those boots and soak in the hot tub! Want to do a smaller gift? Get them a Sunshine Supercard (on sale until December 25th!!) or a Sunshine gift card.
Sunshine has been serving up beautiful mountain terrain for over 80 years. One of Alberta's favourite mountains... but we won't get into the Lake Lousie vs Sunshine debate this time. Sunshine has trails for everyone, from newbie adventurers to ones who are ready to dive right into the backcountry bowls.
For the one who needs a day off
We all know someone who has been working hard all year long (looking at the Bessie founders). Show them your appreciation by giving them some much needed relaxation.
THE OLFACTORY SHOP
Natural, toxin-free products to relax the mind and soul.
The Olfactory shop has so much to choose from. From essential oils to beard oils and bath teas, you'll easily find the perfect gift for relaxation here.
The Olfactory Shop began here in Alberta with Micki. She provides natural fragrances and toxin-free products for the wild at heart. We love supporting locally-owned and female-founded businesses! 3% of The Olfactory Shop's profits goes towards building a landmine-free Cambodia.
COMUOCU
Luxurious candles that the environmentally conscious will love.
Comuoco's beautiful coconut soy wax candles are calling to be lit beside a bubble bath. The perfect way to relax after a long day and let all your worries melt away. Once the candle is all used up, clean out the beautiful vintage vessel and reuse! Ps. they're also vegan, including the wick.
Mackenzie started Comuoco at the beginning of 2021. She hunts for beautiful vintage glassware and ceramics to upcycle into non toxic, balanced fragrances. Not only are Comuoco's candles made from upcycled vessels, her packing peanuts are also completely biodegradable with zero toxicity.
Give an ecofriendly gift here!
OEB
Upgrade the breakfast in bed to brunch at OEB!
Give the gift of brunch and mimosas, not to mention OEB's duck fat fried potatoes that are to die for - Seriously, if you haven't had their potatoes, you're missing out. Let them take a break from cooking and have a delicious breakfast made for them.
OEB opened in Calgary and has since expanded across Canada. The wait to be seated at their 3 locations in Calgary and 2 in Edmonton may be long, but totally worth it (the key is to get your name on the waitlist before you head in using the Yelp app). Their menu is filled with farm-to-table goodness that will have you day dreaming about it.
