Looking for a unique gift for the person who has everything? Southern Alberta is home to so many talented growers, makers, and some pretty eclectic and surprisingly awesome boutiques and vendors with a ton of gift ideas you likely haven’t even considered!
It can be hard to know which places to hit and what they might offer, so below we’ve rounded up our list of some great Albertan spots with some totally unique and completely local gift ideas for the person who has everything!
**NOTE: Due to COVID-19, all of these businesses are subject to change. Be sure to visit their websites before going to ensure you are aware of any procedures, practices, or closures.
LOCAL BOUTIQUES, ARTISTS & JEWELERS
Main Street Market & More
This local gem is a town favorite, located in the heart of Downtown Okotoks right on historical Main Street. The store is comprised of over 100 different Alberta businesses that have come together to provide the ultimate shopping experience all in one convenient location! (Talk about shopping local!)
The Hive Nanton
Local to Nanton, The Hive consists of over 115 local businesses, showcasing different vendors throughout the building. The Hive is offering a unique shopping experience right now where you can contact them with your budget, some info on the person you’re shopping for, and they’ll send you some pictures of their recommendations! Once your order is placed, they’ll ship the package directly to you. How easy is that?!
Bohemia
This super unique boutique located in Black Diamond provides its customers with fair trade, local, and just plain cool products. Carrying fashion-forward clothing, giftware, and home goods among other items, most of their fair-trade, handmade clothing comes from Nepal, India, and Indonesia. Plus, Bohemia is known for making all of their own apothecary products with all-natural ingredients!
J&D’s Attic
J&D’s Attic is known for selling super unique antiques and vintage items, ranging from used books, furniture, clothing, jewelry, art, kitchenware, linen, garden décor, toys, games, electronics, and so much more. Located in High River, the store is open for in-person visits as well as online shopping, so check them out and see what you can discover!
Firebrand Glass Studio
Home to award-winning artists Julia Reimer and Tyler Rock, their stunning work can be viewed on their website as well as through in-person appointments at their studio (which must be booked ahead of time.) These local artists’ work has been collected internationally including the private collection of the Prime Minister in Ottawa, as well as the Emperor of Japan! If it’s good enough for Justin, it’s good enough for your mom!
FM Vintage & Jewels
This super cool vintage collector and jewelry designer offers a totally eclectic mix of vintage pieces made from salvaged hardware, rusty outdoor goods, to English china and even furniture, creating seriously unique jewelry you won’t find anywhere else!
Stone Willow
Stone Willow is a high-quality, handmade artisan jeweller created by local artist Nicole of Bragg Creek. her pieces aim to represent “nature and beauty in a simple yet elegant way”. With casual pieces that are more earthy organic, to sparkly stunners for a night out, you’re sure to find a stunning gift idea at Stone Willow!
Custom Dally Designs
This Alberta-based business up-cycles used team ropes and makes them into one-of-a-kind home décor! Each piece has little imperfections that makes them truly unique. The owner of Dally Design is self-professed to be extremely passionate about Alberta’s agriculture industry and preserving western heritage. Rope baskets are the perfect way to bring a touch of the West into someone’s home and the store is currently taking orders!
Olive and Finch
This super cute gift shop is located in downtown High River and contains a variety of gift ideas you’re unlikely to find anywhere else ranging from skin care, jewelry, essential oils and so much more! You can make an appointment for private in-person shopping or online shopping is available here!
LOCAL FOOD OFFERINGS
Forage and Farm
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Based in the beautiful Foothills of Alberta, Forage and Farm is well-known for their organic, small batch Black Garlic and Pesto. Available online and at local markets such as Granary Road, Forage and Farm offers a lot more than just garlic including soaps, jams, preserves, cheese, garden supplies, and more! They even make custom-gift baskets! DM their Instagram account or hit up their website today!
Highland Farm Honey
This family-run honey farm located near Black Diamond has been producing authentic, pure, raw honey for decades! Harvesting the sweet taste of summer in every jar, it’s the perfect addition to a fancy charcuterie board or even just a pantry staple. Check out their full line of products on their website to order now.
Trail’s End Beef
This fourth-generation cattle farm located in the Nanton area, has been raising cattle since 1901! Offering grass-fed and grass-finished beef, you can either shop online or at the farm store. They even arrange for pick-up in Calgary! Bulk ordering is sold out until the new year, but they still have select cuts for sale!
TeaZehri
Specializing in more than 130 loose-leaf teas, this Nanton-based tea and gift shop has just about every kind of tea you can imagine! Featuring in-house ArtiZan blends, herbal teas, teas for kids, tea accessories, lavender products and so much more, all their teas are 100% ethically sourced and they even offer free shipping for orders over $50!
