Guide to the Perfect Holiday Gifts Right Here in Calgary

It’s that time of year again… when we show our favourite people how special they are by showering them with attention and gifts!

Personally, I love giving experiences rather than things, be it events, concerts, classes, anything that inspires my giftee to go have a good time. But… I can’t deny the simple joy of unwrapping a present either.

So why stick to just one?

The LBI ladies and I pooled together our favourite Calgary spots for activities, neat gifts aligned with our great taste (if I do say so myself), and something to spoil every adult on your list — the foodie, the world traveler, the CEO, the design lover, and the art aficionado.

And while you’re at it, why not spoil yourself too? Pour a glass, sister, and let’s go. 😉

FOR THE FOODIE

CUSTOM GIFT BOXES. The gift boxes from Empire Provisions are not your average gift box – they pack on the flavour! Choose from a wide range of cured meats and cheeses, spiced nuts and preserves, smoked olives, and other delightful delicacies.

COOKING & WINE CLASSES. Spend an afternoon or evening with The Cookbook Co. Cooks, tasting wines, preparing tapas and cocktails, or skillfully fine-tuning your meat and vegetable game. There’s something for everyone… and they all look de-licious.

FOOD TOURS. No cooking or manual labour required with this one. Send your giftee on a journey through taste in a town near you with Alberta Food Tours.

DINNER ON YOU. Everyone loves a good, free meal, but the seafood lovers in your life will especially thank you for this one — fun and quirky gift certificates from Rodney’s Oyster House! They had us at “oyster”.

FOR THE WORLD TRAVELER

PACKING CUBES. Who doesn’t love a practical gift with style? Packing cubes are indispensable for organizing luggage on long trips, not to mention these come in several colours. Find them at Eagle Creek (pictured) or Pipestone.

MENTAL VACATION. The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz will make you fall in love with Paris all over again. Perfect for a long flight, as a coffee table book, or those moments cosying up to the fire.

REAL VACATION. Not happy with just a book? Experience Paris in 7 days as an insider on Fashion Experience Tours. Your giftee won’t forget this gesture in a hurry!

FOR THE CEO

THE GIFT OF TIME. This selection isn’t local. It’s a MoMA work of art with 24 synchronized clock faces that are sure to turn heads. Yes, it has a high price tag, but how much do you love this person? Get it at MoMA Design Store.

CONVERSATION STARTERS. Whether you’re close to the CEO in your life or not, this new book by Malcolm Gladwell will give you both plenty to talk about around the water cooler. You’re welcome. 😉

RELAXATION. All work and no play? No way! Gift a massage and spa day in Kananaskis at the not-to-be-missed Nordic Spa. Tip: To avoid giftee envy, you should probably book one a trip for yourself, too. It’s okay, you can say I told you to do it.

FOR THE DESIGN LOVER

SOMETHING SHINY. I am constantly bewitched by the jewelry that EVSTENSROOS creates right here in Calgary. If there’s a design lover on your list, you can’t go wrong in this shop of wonders.

INSPIRATION. Inspired Design will open your design lover’s eyes to the “who’s who” of the most celebrated spaces. Just be prepared… your special someone might be calling us after all this interior design inspiration. 😉

DESIGN AT HOME. Let your special someone feast their eyes on good design daily with a gorgeous rug from Zoë Pawlak’s Eden collection. She’s not only a good pal of mine, but her rugs are available through LBI! (Inquire here)

FOR THE ART AFICIONADO

ART! WHAT ELSE? Newzones: Deck the Walls offer excellent browsing and small to midsize works that are easy to purchase and gift. The exhibition starts November 29th and lasts through mid-January.

ART TOUR. Get your art aficionado some eye candy with passes to the Glenbow Museum or Esker Contemporary Art Gallery. The latter is free, making it a great one for the kiddos to give to parents.

ART FOR YOUR FLOOR. Yes, I’m tooting Zoë Pawlak’s horn again, because art and design lovers alike will eat up her incredible designs. There’s a reason she won Western Living Mag’s Industrial Designer of the Year… look at this beauty! Rugs available through LBI.

Well, that’s a wrap, but I hope our suggestions have given you some inspiration for spoiling your VIPs. And no matter where the rest of the year takes you, I hope it includes holding your loved ones close (for warmth) and enjoying every second of this special season. 😉

From the LBI family to yours,
XxLeAnne