Alberta is home to so many incredible artists, artisans, makers and entrepreneurs doing incredible work, and if you’re still trying to wrap up your Christmas shopping, we have a few suggestions for some fantastic local gift ideas.
From Prairie cookbooks to unique bottles by local distilleries, check out some of these made-in-Alberta gift ideas.
For the sweet tooth in your life! Made by Marcus is one of Alberta’s favourite made-from-scratch ice creams and is the perfect way to stock your loved one’s freezers this season. Choose from three different options (bestsellers, seasonal, or vegan) and get four pints delivered straight to the homes of your friends and family! A festive handwritten holiday note is also included.
Every sip from glassware made by this Alberta-based company captures the incredible beauty of the Rockies, making it the perfect holiday gift for the nature lover in your life. This set brings the magic of Alberta’s iconic peaks, from Mt. Robson to the Three Sisters, right into their home.
More into the idea of an experiential gift? Milk Jar also offers candle-making workshops for $125, and guests will take home an eight-ounce candle and a two-ounce reed diffuser.
The Indigenous Box connects more than 300 Indigenous businesses directly to consumers, all in one beautifully designed box. Customize your gift box with a wide range of items to select through, or set up a subscription for your recipient. Whatever you choose, it’ll be a fantastic gift this holiday season!
Seasonal subscriptions cost $98 quarterly, and build-a-box options are available at varying prices.
You’re sure to find something for everyone at Jolene’s Tea House, which offers more than 60 hand-blended flavourful organic teas. The locally owned and operated shop has been blending teas in Banff National Park since 2005 and is home to everything from classic favourites to health-inspired herbal blends.
In addition to loose-leaf tea and tins, Jolene’s also stocks adorable, tea house-shaped boxes of tea ($14.95 for 15 tea bags) with flavours including Creamy Earl Grey, Alpine Peppermint, and Banff Breakfast.
You can shop loose-leaf tea, tea house-shaped boxes, tea accessories, and other gifts this season online, or at the tea house-inspired log cabin on Bear Street in Banff.
The wannabe chef in your life will appreciate this one! Prairie: Seasonal, Farm-Fresh Recipies Celebrating the Canadian Prairies by Dan Clapson and Twyla Campbell is a Globe & Mail bestselling cookbook with over 100 recipes. The dishes included in Prairie showcase the flavours, produce, seasons, and traditions of our region and are sure to be crowd-pleasers over the holiday season and beyond. Out of the items we rounded up for the Calgary gift guide this season, this has got to be the tastiest!
Purchase Prairie through all major Canadian booksellers, including Amazon and Indigo.
Is there someone on your list who’s a fan of craft beverages? Pick them up a bottle — or all three — of Burwood Distillery’s Winter Festival gins. Mandarin Cranberry Gin, Spiced Apple Colour Changing Gin, and Winter Berry Gin are sure to impress this season! These festive flavours are only available for a limited time, so be sure to get your hands on them before they’re gone.
The seasonal gins are available for $52.50 per 750-millilitre bottle or pick up the trio for $142.50 online or from Burwood’s distillery and lounge at Veranda.
Aside from Rocky Mountain Soap Co.’s year-round, all-natural skincare line, the company has launched a collection of holiday gift sets and goodies. Among the festive offerings is the Raise the Bar: Holiday Bar Soap Set. The $33 set comes with an exclusive combination of four of Rocky Mountain’s limited edition seasonal soaps (some of which are only available with this set!)
Pick up Rocky Mountain Soap Co.’s products at its stores and stockists across Alberta, and online here.
There’s nothing better than a warm cup of chai on a cold winter night, and an Edmonton company has taken things a delicious step further with a chai liqueur. This aromatic spirit, crafted from a secret family recipe, will make for a delicious last-minute gift or stocking stuffer. Chai liqueurs are rare in the Canadian market, and Jaya Chai Liqueur uses distilled Canadian oats, filtered water, Assam tea, Alberta beet sugar, and a blend of spices like cardamom and clove.
For the culinary enthusiast in your life, the Italian Centre Shop offers a selection of gift baskets perfect for any taste. Whether it’s cooking essentials, charcuterie, or something sweet, these baskets are a fantastic gift for friends, family, colleagues, or even just as a thank-you! Place an order for a specialty basket or pick one up in-store for a last-minute surprise.