The Ultimate Calgary "Shop Local" Guide
Small businesses in Alberta to support this Holiday Season
Welcome to my guide for all things local! Unless otherwise noted, these businesses are located in Calgary, AB. Featured below are small local businesses in the following categories: Home/Kitchen, Apparel, Nerdom, Children, Pet Lovers, and Experiences. Plus, I have included a bonus category at the end of some upcoming Christmas markets if you'd like to find even more great local businesses to support! If they have a website, it will be linked in blue like this. I do not receive any commissions from using these links. Hopefully you can use this guide to find something for everybody on your list!
Home and Kitchen
Salty Sea Dog Designs
This Calgary pottery company is a collaboration between husband and wife duo Blair and Sarah Dawes. They hand-create beautiful and unique mugs, butter dishes, bowls, and more to resemble a variety of adorable creatures. I have an Orca mug from them, and my mom has a Narwhale mug- they're our favourites! Plus, they offer free shipping to Canada and the USA.
Made By Victoria
This local business is owned by 16 year old Victoria, who I briefly met at a Mother's Day market this year. She creates fun, customized drinkware! She has some beautiful designs, and is very dedicated to her craft. While her store is online, she has local pick up available!
Prairie Candle Co (Edmonton, AB)
This small business is owned by Jenna and based out of Edmonton. She creates coconut soy candles, so they are non-toxic! She has so many scents available, and her jar designs are simple and beautiful. These would make a great gift or stocking stuffer for anyone on your list!
The Kitchy
This little local online gift shop has a range of wall art, stickers, mugs, notebooks, and more! You can find some of her products at ShopMADE at Chinook Centre, and she can often be found at markets around the city, which is where I first discovered her. She brings her tongue in cheek humour to many of her products.
Leighton Art Centre
If you're looking to do some in person shopping for the pottery or art lover in your life, then the Leighton Art Centre is where you want to be! I can't believe I've lived in Calgary for almost 10 years and just discovered it this summer. The LAC is an Alberta art and history museum (admission by donation). They also host many programs and workshops, and have a gift shop full of unique local art. The last time I was there, we found these PERFECT mugs for my nana and papa's birthdays, which I hear quickly became their new favourites:)
Thistle and Clover
If you're looking for a one stop shop for locally made stocking stuffers, then check out Thistle and Clover! Located at Lake Bonavista Promenade Mall, this little shop is full of treasures from small businesses all over the city and the country. Soap, candles, chocolate, jewelry, home art, and much more can be found here!!
Apparel
Local Laundry
This Calgary based business is on a mission to create clothing that is locally sourced, environmentally friendly, and made to last. Plus, they give back to local charities! They truly love our community, and you can see it through the designs on their crewnecks, hoodies, t-shirts, toques, and more! Plus, when I went to pick up an order once they had their dogs hanging out in the office! Always a bonus:)
My Heart and Soul Collections
Courtney is the owner of My Heart and Soul Collections, an online store based here in Calgary. She carries a range of apparel, but focuses mostly on women's clothing. I especially love her "Be Kind" shirts and "Happy Camper" hoodies!
Friday Sock Co
As someone who lives in mismatched socks (ask anybody who knows me!), I love Friday Sock Co's purposefully mismatched socks! I have a pair with Crave Cupcakes on them, and they're so cute. They have a monthly subscription box, perfect for the sock lover in your life. They also have an option for custom designed socks! These would make a perfect stocking stuffer for anybody on your list.
Creations by Jordan
If you've found some Pinterest inspiration for custom designed shirts, mugs, Christmas ornaments, etc., that you want to bring to life, then check out Creations by Jordan! Or, you can choose from her pre-made designs.
Roxanne Hughes Customs
If you're looking for something totally unique, check out Roxanne's customized shoes!! These are perfect for teenagers, as she is quite talented at drawing inspiration from pop culture. Ask her to create a custom design based off the gift recipient's favourite movie, TV show, book, or music!
Nerdom
Kay Pop Art (Edmonton, AB)
Kaytlyne's art style is instantly recognizable and unique. She uses old library books and comics as her backdrop, and paints famous moments from the story onto them. I first discovered her at the Calgary Expo, and now I always make sure to stop by and check out her booth when I'm there. She has plenty of art inspired by Disney, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and more!
ZoltanGal
This online, family-run store is full of treasures for movie buffs and comic book lovers. They have sculpted mugs, shirts, throw pillows, blankets, socks, and more. I first discovered them at the Calgary Expo as well, and have purchased many gifts from them. They always have a great selection of products, and have local pick-up in Calgary!
Comic Traders
If you have a comic book or Funko Pop collector in your life, then Comic Traders is the place to go for the perfect gift. They have two locations at Lake Bonavista Promenade Mall (yes, the same mall as Thistle and Clover!); one is full of comic books and also has some action figures, and the second is a whole Funko Pop store!! My husband and I have lots of Funko's from here, and even went shopping here to pick our wedding cake toppers! They also stock Loungefly bags and other novelty gifts.
Video Game Traders
This local store is the largest video game retailer in Calgary. They specialize in rare and retro games, but they have new games as well! Plus, this is another store in the Lake Bonavista Promenade Mall- seriously, this mall has so many local hidden gems. If you're shopping for someone who loves video games, then this is definitely a place you won't want to miss.
Sentry Box
If you're shopping for someone who loves board games, then this is the place to go. It is the world's largest game store, right here in Calgary!! There is something for all ages of game lovers, plus they carry some merch for popular games. There are plenty of dice and card games, which make amazing stocking stuffers, and board games which are great for under the tree!
For Children
Wild Honey Boutique
I met Danielle at a Mother's Day Market this year, and even though I don't have any children, I couldn't help but be drawn in to look at all the adorable treasures she had in her booth! Seriously, there was this blueberry swaddle that I was considering buying for...? What? Just because it was cute hahah! She has clothing, nursery furniture and decor which is primarily sold online, but you can also follow her to see which markets she'll be at!
Heritage Park Toy Shoppe
While the amusement park is only open seasonally, the plaza at the entrance to the park is open all year round and has free admission! The first little shop in the row is their Toy Shoppe, which is full of new and vintage gems alike. It is full of novelty toys and books the children in your life will love. Plus, you can continue into the rest of the shoppe's in the plaza to find even more novelty gifts!
Steeling Home
This local shop is a great place to find novelty gifts for babies, kids, and teenagers. They have booked, stuffed animals, toys, decor, and so much more. While I've placed Steeling Home in the children's category, it really is a gift shop that has something for everyone. Plus, if you shop online they have free delivery within Calgary on orders over $95!
Castle Toys
This local toy store carries a wide range of popular toy brands, such as Lego, Melissa & Doug, and more. If your children have these popular brands on their wish list, this is a great place to get those while still supporting a local business!
Brick Bin
This store has 2 locations in Calgary- one on Macleod Trail and one on Centre St NE. They sell both new and used Lego! Plus, they pay cash on the spot for Lego, so you could trade in any sets that your children aren't interested in anymore and have some extra cash to spend- win win!
Experiences
Yamnuska Wolf Sanctuary
I can't believe I lived in Calgary for almost 10 years before I realized we have a wolf sanctuary outside the city! They have a variety of tours to pick from, including self-guided or guided. Gift one of these tours as a Christmas gift, so the recipient can get right up and close with the wolf dogs, learn more about this breed and the Sanctuary's mission.
On Location
Ashleigh is a Registered Massage Therapist who provides in-home beauty and wellness services to her clients. You can book a massage, a couple's massage, cupping, and/or hot stones. She even has a 30 minute massage option for kids! In-home massages are a great option for anybody on your list!
The Hexagon Board Game Cafe
This cafe in Kensington has a huge library of 1000+ board games for you to choose and play. We have discovered some great new favourites here! Get an e-gift card for the board game lover on your list so they can spend some time with friends or family playing games while enjoying The Hex's snacks and beverages.
Super Smash Cafe
This video game cafe is filled with TVs and different video game consoles for you to enjoy. Their menu has grilled cheese, hot dogs, waffles, fresh pressed juice, and coffee. If you have a video game lover in your life, then gifting them a night out at Super Smash is they way to go- they can try some new games and eat some good food!
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
This Alberta theatre company has a location in Calgary and Edmonton. Their current Calgary show is a parody of NBC's The Office, and your ticket includes a live performance, plus your dinner! In the New Year they will show Mamma Mio and Wedding Singer: 1999. If you are wanting to gift tickets to a child, they also have Jubilations Junior, which is currently showing A Mighty Shrek Christmas. They always have great food, and the atmosphere is fun and family friendly. Passes are available at Costco, or on Jubilation's website, and are a great gift for people who love live theatre, musicals, and/or parodies.
Workshops at Plant
This little plant shop has an amazing selection of house plants, pots, stickers, and more- but they also host workshops to make your own terrariums, wreaths, and arrangements! Tickets to one of their workshops would be a very welcome gift to any plant lover on your list. If you have time to check out their location in person, they also have a plant pots, stickers, and cards all handmade by small businesses!
Phil & Sebastian Subscriptions and Classes
This local coffee company has a great selection of subscriptions and classes that you can gift! Example classes include Intro to Coffee, Intro to Latte Art & Steaming, and Intro to Home Brewing. These are a unique gift for the coffee lover in your life that goes beyond the usual coffee mug/bag of beans routine!
Upcoming Market List!
If you're looking for where you can find even more local and small businesses and vendors, check out these markets in and around Calgary:
Calgary Night Market: Christmas Edition
200 Barclay Parade SW (Eau Claire Market)
Dates: November 18, 25, December 2
Hours: 4pm - 10pm
Admission: Free
Wheelchair Accessible
Alberta Disney Fans Holiday Market
260300 Writing Creek Cres, Balzac, AB
Date: November 5
Hours: 10am - 4pm
Admission: Free
Wheelchair Accessible
Kananaskis Christmas Market
1 Manyhorses Drive, Redwood Meadows, AB
Dates: November 19, 20
Hours: 10am - 5pm
Admission: Free
Wheelchair Accessible
Saskatoon Berry Farm Christmas Market
Dates: November 25, 26, 27, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11
Hours: 9am - 6pm
Admission: $8 (5 and under free)
International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows
Dates: November 18, 19, 20. 25, 26. 27, December 2, 3, 4
Hours: 12pm - 9pm on Fridays, 10am - 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Admission: $10.79 - $32.37 (2 and under free)
Wheelchair Accessible
Millarville Christmas Market
306097 192 Street West, Millarville, AB
Dates: November 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13
Hours: 9am - 4pm
Admission: $7
Inglewood Holiday Night Markets
1235 26 Avenue SE (The Quonset at Crossroads Market)
Dates: November 4, 5, 11, 12, 25, 26
Hours: 5pm - 10pm
Admission: $5 at the door (under 12 and over 65 free)
Did I miss one of your favourite local businesses or markets? Share it in the comments below to keep the list going!