Last week, I shared some of my favourite Calgary-based online kids shops so I thought I would give all of my brick+mortar friends a shout out too. I’ve rounded up twenty of my favourite Calgary shops and boutiques that are guaranteed to have some really fantastic gifts for everyone on your list. These are all located in inner-city neighbourhoods like Inglewood, 17th Avenue SW, 4th Street SW and First Street SW - and I can promise you that each of them is easily accessible by public transport or car2go and has sufficient parking nearby! Happy Holidays!
4TH STREET
Neal’s Yard Remedies: There are all sorts of treats and stocking stuffers to be found at Neal’s Yard. This export from the UK specializes in organic skin and body products that will please anyone who loves the finer things in life. You can’t go wrong with their Bee Lovely Body Butter. #130, 2207 4th Street SW
Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters: A bag of P&S coffee beans in the stocking is sure to top the list but they also carry a wide variety of coffee accessories. I recommend picking up an Aeropress to make your new year’s coffee extra delicious. 2207 4th Street SW
Shelf Life Books: Personally, for me, if I don’t receive a hefty stack of reading materials for the year ahead, it isn’t truly Christmas. Shelf Life has an amazing selection of books and is one of the only independent book shops in the inner city. I always head straight to their new arrivals shelves and also to the back of the store for gorgeous children’s books. My standout pick for this holiday season is the Mission Chinese Cookbook from San Francisco. 1302 4th Street SW
Amaranth Natural Foods Market: Any foodie worth their salt loves getting food for gifts. If you know anyone who is vegan or gluten-free, I recommend you pop by Amaranth to pick up a basket full of edible goodies for them to enjoy over the holidays. 1407 4th Street SW
Bin 905: Share some Christmas cheer with a bottle of bubbly or liqueur in their stocking this year. Bin 905 is an absolutely gorgeous shop to find exactly what you need for this holiday’s bar cart. 2311 4th Street SW
Coco + Violet: This gorgeous high-end women’s boutique is the ideal spot to pick up something noteworthy for the stylish lady on your list. Carrying brands like Smythe and Paige Denim, there are many amazing gifts to be found here. #17 2500 4th Street SW
INGLEWOOD
The UnCommons: One of my absolute favourite shops in the city, The UnCommons have everything you could ever want in terms of well-designed, practical and beautiful objects. 1325 9th Avenue SE
Fresh Laundry: This store is gorgeous. You will want to take everything home with you - from Australia’s Aesop skincare to Woodlot’s beautiful scented candles - and everything in between. They even have fancy things like charcoal toothbrushes and beard oil. Great for stocking stuffers! 1216B 9th Avenue SE
DaDe Art & Design Lab: Another favourite, DaDe has plenty of great gift ideas like original artwork, designer housewares and stunning fashion accessories. You never know what you might find in this amazing local boutique. They also have gorgeous furniture if you are looking to really spoil someone. 1327 9th Avenue SE
The Livery Shop: The ultimate hipster one-stop-shop, The Livery Shop (pictured above) is home to local brands CoutuKitsch and Camp Brand Goods. Beyond their house brands this is a mecca for unique gifts, cool apparel, jewelry, apothecary and more. 1130 10th Ave SE
North American Quality Purveyors: Menswear has never looked so good as it does at North American Quality Purveyors. Their concept is simple - everything is designed and made in North America. 1207 10 Ave SE
Goldgrass Home: This beautiful home design shop carries a unique range of products that are all eco-friendly and sustainably made; from wooden children’s toys and to bath + body products that promise to relax and rejuvenate you - Goldgrass has something for everyone. 1237 9th Avenue SE
17TH AVENUE
Gravity Pope: The new flagship location of Gravity Pope (pictured) is seriously an amazing shopping experience. The multi-level boutique has plenty of incredible designer goods including womenswear, menswear and shoes. This new location is also home to Blackbyrd Music located in the basement of the shop. Sweet Lollapalooza has set up a chocolate and coffee bar on the main level as well. 1126 17th Ave SW
World News: Magazines are always a great gift in my book and this place has the best selection in town. Fashion, home decor and food mags are unrivalled for one of the best “cheap” gifts to give. 1007 17th Ave SW
Ollia Macarons: I love this fabulous macaron shop. Not only do they make the best macarons that I have ever had - they also have other yummy things like caramels, tea lattes and goodies for the kitchen. This is definitely one of those spots where you can pick up something for yourself while still giving to others. 810C 16th Ave SW
Frank + Oak: Another great menswear shop, Frank + Oak is your top destination for classic menswear like plaid shirts, cozy sweaters and warm outerwear. 831 17th Ave SW
Esme Beauty: Want to pamper someone this holiday? Definitely pop by Esme for unique beauty gifts or gift certificates for various spa experiences like mani-pedis! 825 17th Ave SW
FIRST STREET
Vine Arts: Like I said above, booze is always a great gift - especially if you are picking up something unique and special. The folks at Vine Arts are experts in their field. Pop in for amazing wine, excellent craft beer (they sell growlers!) or specialty cocktail supplies. Seriously, they have the best selection of bitters in town. 1310 1st Street SW
Understudy: The mens shops in this city should keep every single man in the vicinity looking sharp all year round. Understudy (pictured) specializes in contemporary menswear carrying a curated selection of independent labels. 1312 1st Street SW
Lola Lash Bar: Give the gift of luscious peepers this holiday with a gift certificate to Lola Lash Bar for eyelash extensions. Lola has an incredible selection of truly eye-popping extension products ranging from synthetic to mink. They also carry a range of complimentary beauty products that make great stocking stuffers. 1317 1st Street SW
