There are only two weeks till Christmas and not much time left to find that perfect present for that special someone. Here in Red Deer, many wonderful local shops come to mind,like the Country Cupboard in Bower Mall or Makers Loft Handmade in Parkland Mall. There are the Holiday Markets, and yes, even the pop-ups that appear once the Christmas season begins. Many choices: however, there are some other unique locations that you might not have thought about or never knew they carried gift ware. Here is a list of some places that you might want to check out as you get into the spirit of giving.
Support Red Deer and The Outreach Centre and buy Red Deer T-shirts and ball caps from the Chamber of Commerce this Holiday season. They make great gifts, and the clothing is available in limited quantities at the Chambers office or through their website.
Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery did you know they also have a MAGnificent Gifts kiosk where you can find all sorts of local art to many beautiful items handcrafted by Indigenous Artisans from across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Parkland Garden Centre is not just a place for plants; they have various beautiful gift ware, books, and Christmas decorations. Watch for their ice sculptures sometime in the middle of December, and if you haven’t gotten your Christmas tree or planter, this might be an excellent time to get one.
Red Deer has a delicious selection of restaurants and many of our member restaurants offer gift cards. If you’re not sure what to get that special someone in your life, then why not try Bo’s Provision Boxes with everything from a Home Bar Kit to Spice Rubs, sauces, dips and much more; they make fabulous Christmas Gifts.
For that beer connoisseur, fill up a growler from our various breweries like Red Hart Brewing or Craft Beer Commonwealth, or pick up a six-Pack of Troubled Monk’s House Hippo - Session IPA for Christmas.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre is not only an interpretive centre, but they also have a nature store with products from over 30 local artists and businesses.
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is a great gift idea for the holidays, so much to do to keep your family entertained. Their family passes, two adults and two kids are only $29.00 for a year of fun. A great value or maybe ask about their Holiday Family Passes, five for $50 the perfect stocking stuffer.
Little Red Barn & Gift is a one-stop shop, a lovely place for a coffee, home-cooked meal,delicious desserts, and yes, there is shopping, local artists, and hand picked gift ware.
If your family is into Tea, then Glenn’s Restaurant & Gift Shop is the place to go. They have an extensive selection of Teas from your English Favourites to your specialty like Moroccan Madness tea, so so yummy.
The Jungle Farm has their Vegetable Box program, a wonderful gift that will keep giving all summer long. Checkout out their website for details and secure 2021 prices for next summer.
For the wine lovers in your life, why not pick up a gift basket of some fantastic local wines from D&A Gardens and Our Roots Delidais Estate Winery at Gasoline Alley’s Indoor Farmers Market? They have a wide selection from the Farm Boy, a perfectly delicious Saskatoon Wine great with rich red meats and hearty stews, to the Contraband Chokecherry, a rich semi-dry table wine that pairs well with grilled chicken, duck and soft cheese.
Gift Cards are always appreciated, and most of our businesses can accommodate a unique and exciting winter experience from tubing at Canyon Ski Resort to a chance to sail the skies with Air-ristocrat Balloon Rides.
You can support our local restaurants with a gift certificate in someone’s stocking to places like Las Palmeras or Anthony’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen.
Why not buy them a membership to Discovery Wildlife Park or a weekend away at one of their cabins that includes park admission. It is the perfect gift to look forward to next summer, and memberships are on sale for a great price until December 31.
Peavey Mart isn’t just for your garden; they also have toys for the young and young at heart, specialty housewares and western gift ware, a little something for everyone.
The most important gift of all can be time, and a night out at one of our member hotels like the Holiday Inn and Suites Red Deer South is a great mini getaway. With their in-house restaurant and a water slide, the whole family will enjoy it or maybe a Jacuzzi Suite at the iHotel & Conference Centre for that someone special in your life; they also have a spa on-site.
It isn’t easy to find the perfect present, so we hope these ideas can help get you inspired this holiday season; shop local and support Alberta businesses.
