Finding the perfect present is a gift in itself, but even Santa needs a little help. Here are a few ideas designed to spark comfort, joy, and personal transformation.
Slip into something comfortable
Calgary shoe manufacturer SOLE offers insoles and footwear to treat common issues such as plantar fasciitis and back pain. Their latest innovation, the Jasper Chukka, features a patented new midsole material made from recycled wine corks. Combined with Merino wool and upcycled bison fibre, this breathable, temperature-regulating shoe looks like a sneaker but feels more like a slipper.
From $169, yoursole.com
For an actual slipper that’s lightweight enough to take into the backcountry, look to MEC Hut Slippers ($69.95). Also available at MEC are Alberta-made Buff CoolNet UV Ellipse Headbands.
From $23.95, mec.ca
Fun and games
Love travel and board games? Trip Chaser is armchair travel for competitive people 10 years and older. Find out who’s the most travel-savvy by bartering and gambling across the globe. For active travellers, consider a limited-edition Christmas gift pack that includes Trip Chaser, a luggage tag made of pineapple leather, a silicone spork and straw, and a small travel tin with solid shampoo, conditioner, and lotion all packaged up in a canvas bag.
From $45, tripchasergame.com
If you like escape rooms, you’ll love Escape Mail, the board game version. In the comfort of your own home, solve puzzles and crack codes with up to four players aged 10 and up. Each episode takes one to two hours to complete. Opt for the subscription plan to receive one new a month or pick individual episodes.
From $17.95, theescapemail.ca
Upgrade your cribbage board with a distinctly Albertan feature: mountains. Atop the 3D topographic surface of Mount Cribb, little crib pegs climb up the board designed in the likeness of famous mountain ranges, including Three Sisters in Canmore. The first to reach the peak wins.
From $175 knurl.ca
Enabling families to explore the outdoors and learn life skills, each adventure kit designed by Join the Wildlife offers over 10 hours of skill-building activities and nature-inspired crafts. There are kits for stargazing, building shelters, navigation and more.
From $49.99, jointhewildlife.ca
Kitchen aids
Sagster Sawmill offers a variety of kitchenware handcrafted from salvaged wood. Spice grinders will tempt serious cooks, while live-edge wood cake stands and gorgeous charcuterie boards are just the thing for those who love to entertain.
From $59.99, Crossroads Market
Many folks are low in iron without even realizing it. The Lucky Iron Fish is an iron cooking tool that naturally boosts the iron content of any liquid it’s boiled with. Simply plop the food-grade electrolytic iron fish (or leaf) into any liquid-based meal for 10 minutes, and you’ll be well on your way to meeting your daily iron requirements.
From $50, luckyironlife.com
Sweet treats and digestive support
Vegans can have their (dairy-free) chocolate and eat it, too! Purdy’s Chocolatier has concocted a Vegan Dark Chocolate Collection, Vegan Hawaiian Black Salt Caramels and many iterations of dairy-free bars.
From $4, purdys.com
From hot chocolate bombs to boozy cherries enrobed in organic, fair-trade, 70 per cent dark chocolate, Master Chocolat offers a variety of chocolatey goodness from their Calgary and Edmonton locations.
From $9, masterchocolat.com
Overindulging is a common ailment during the holidays. Get a leg up on digestive health with probiotics or via Gastro Relief, a supplement made by Calgary natural health supplement manufacturer AOR.
From $40, aor.ca
Memberships and experiences
Set to open on Dec. 7, Clear Nordic Spa is set to become Calgary’s newest wellness destination. Within the 4,000-square-foot wellness facility are multiple saunas, relaxation spaces, a hot tub and a cold plunge pool. Monthly membership ranges from one to four sessions per month, lasting two hours each.
From $69, clearnordic.ca
Until Dec. 7, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is offering 25 per cent off regular-priced tickets with a season subscription. If you’d rather get in the fray, over 50 dance classes are offered weekly.
From $50.00, decidedlyjazz.com
Sunshine’s Super Card doesn’t just give you your 1st, 4th and 7th visits to Banff Sunshine Village for free, but also at Jasper’s Marmot Basin or Revelstoke Mountain Resort all 2024-2025 season long. Additional discounts include $50 off on mid-week days and $30 off on weekends, plus a bonus day at WinSport Canada Olympic Park. From $129 until Dec.31.
From $129, skibanff.com/ski-ride/passes/card
Stocking stuffers
For the outdoor adventurer in your squad, slip a few 7 Summit Snacks into their stocking. These made-in-Alberta, ethically sourced chocolates contain just the right amount of carbs and energy to keep them going the extra mile.
From $23.50 for a six-pack, sevensummitssnacks.com
Edmonton’s original wax bar, Buff Wax Spot, has a line of affordable, plant-powered body care essentials. Carrot & Calendula Intimate Salve soothes itchy and irritated intimate skin. Meanwhile, the SRSLY Buffed Exfoliating Back Towel targets hardest-to-reach areas of the back that are congested.
From $8, buffexperts.com
Black Friday
Taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Dec. 2) sales stretches your holiday budget even further. If your loved one has ever fantasized about getting back into cycling, this eBike deal can’t be ignored. On Saturday, Nov. 30, shoppers who spend $1,200 on outdoor gear at MEC can snag a $4,000 MEC 407 E-Bike for just $400 while quantities last. Available in-store only.