By Jana Lee
Want to find unique holiday gifts but not sure where to look? Consider this roundup of Edmonton’s best shops for holiday gift-giving. From fashionable threads to cute housewares, you’ll be sure to spread holiday cheer with finds from these spots! [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/cipella]
Go where those in-the-know go. Shop for gifts, accessories, stationery, home decor and everything in between at these local lifestyle boutiques. There’s something in store for everyone, whether you’re shopping for a fashionista, bookworm, stationery junkie, collector, homebody, family member, friend or even a pet!
Harlow Crestwood carries an expertly-curated collection of beautiful things, including the latest S’well bottle designs and premium soy candles. Or venture to the High Street area, where Prettiest Present Inc offers great stocking stuffers. They even offer gift wrapping services!
If you’re in the downtown area, splurge on a uniquely-crafted gift from The Artworks, a perfect spot for design enthusiasts. Shop Chop is another centrally-located fave with gifts perfect for the office.
South of the river, When Pigs Fly on Whyte Avenue features a quirky collection of gifts like ceramics, home decor and toys, to name a few.
A well-intentioned gift sometimes falls outside what is considered "traditional" gifting. To change things up, consider giving the gift of an experience! habitat etc is a shop that also offers crafting workshops. The store offers how-to classes that change seasonally, so you can gift a class on terrarium making, card stamping, crochet and more.
If you’re shopping for a foodie, gift the experience of a baking class at Duchess Provisions. Students learn the patisserie-style of baking and will tackle French favourites like macarons and delicate pastries that are equal parts beautiful and tasty. You may even be able to reap the culinary rewards from a gift of this type!
As the retail landscape changes, pop-up shops are becoming increasingly popular in Edmonton. They’re awesome platforms for creators with online stores to stock their products in a collective space. With short-term leases and shared space, it’s a perfect fit for emerging designers and artisans.
Grab unique finds from Vacancy Hall at Mercer Tavern, which features a local lineup of retailers including Minbid, Hideout Distro, Shop the Skinny and Saraswati Designs – all under one roof.
Check out RAAS Market, one of the latest retail additions to West Edmonton Mall. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to please even those that are hard to buy for.
Make it Edmonton is a weekend event showcasing hundreds of creators with handmade goods at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Bath and body products, cosy knitwear, wall art, sock toys – if you can think of it, there’s likely a crafter selling it.
Shop local this season and feel good about it! Not only will you be supporting the local economy, you’ll be supporting the talented makers and innovators Edmonton has to offer. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to fa la la your way to unique gifts this holiday season. Happy shopping!
