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Weekend Picks: Gift Givin’s

With Christmas day just around the corner, this weekend marks the last shopping weekend of the season. And, if you’re like most of us here at Where Edmonton, you’ve probably still got a couple of people on your list to buy for. Or, maybe even an entire list of people to buy for. Well, don’t fret because we’re here to help you score that little special something to slip under the tree this holiday season. We’ve highlighted some of central Edmonton’s most unique boutiques sure to have something for everyone on your list. And the best part? You don’t even need to brave those overcrowded and often stuffy malls to find that special gift. Our choices will have you saying hallelujah, not only for the fact that you were able to wrap up — pun intended — your Christmas shopping, but also for the fact you were able to keep your sanity while doing it — and even, dare we say, enjoying it!

124th Street
The charming character of 124th street is not lost when stepping inside the one-of-a-kind shops that line the street. From the art galleries and specialty stores to the fashion boutiques and fantastic eateries, 124th Street offers an array of local businesses sure to have that perfect present for you to give this Christmas.

The enchanting jewelry and accessories over at Miss Boss will definitely have that lady in your life aglow on Christmas morning. Betsy Johnson bracelets, Matt and Nat purses and Diesel wallets are just a few of the chic items that await at this quaint shop, where you’ll even be able to find some local pieces including Kiko Jewelry.

Got a little one you need to cross off your list? Drop in at Bosom Babies, a trendy children’s store filled to the brim with an array of goodies. From fascinating toys and adorable accents to charming clothing and stylish shoes, the lucky little one who receives any gift from here will definitely be in vogue this holiday season.

Music lovers? Check. Listen Records and CDs is an ecclectic music emporium that offers a fantastic selection of ethnic, funk, soul, rare groove, indie, electronic, dub, reggae, hip hop, and, well, petty much anything — music related, of course — under the sun.

High Street
You’ll find much of the same historical charm in the shops on High Street as the 124th Street boutiques. Similarly, this area offers some of the city’s best local clothing stores, eateries and specialty shops.

Lux Beauty Boutique is a beauty product heaven bursting at the seams with some of the most luxurious and hard-to-find items on the market. Glamour is the name of the game at LUX with brand names like Tokyo Milk, Lollia, Butter, and Bumble and Bumble lining the shelves.

For a slice of stationary heaven, stop in at Notables Stationers, home to a fine selection of stationary, journals, photo albums and writing instruments. The handcrafted Phasha and Moleskine journals are a glorious gift giving idea for both writers and non-writers alike.

Unique clothing for men and women, shoes, jewelry, and scarves are what you’ll find at Red Ribbon. An ecclectic selection of Canadian and international clothing lines call this shop home including TOMS, Free People, and WESC.

The Warehouse District
A short walk from the downtown core, 104th Street’s warehouse district is home to chic urban shops, historic warehouses turned residential lofts, and some of the most fantastic local fare.

A home décor dreamboat, Amrstrong29 is a great place to find something for the person who has everything. Many of the products are made to order and the shop even carries local designer Loyal Loot Collective.

Luxurious is one word to describe the pieces at Coup Boutique, but it sure isn’t the only one. This 104th Street shop offers an old-world setting and boasts timeless, classic wear for women.

If you’re searching for an eco-friendly gift, then Carbon Environmental Boutique is your answer. The retail store features environmentally friendly items that promote non-toxic living. Here, you’ll be able to find everything from kitchenware and children’s clothing to bed and bath items and home improvement and construction products.

Calgary Holiday Gift Ideas: $25 and under

A holiday gift guide from shops around Calgary, when you’re on a budget, part I.

By Laura Pellerine

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1. The Mighty Wallet by Dynomighty Designs
Made from 100% recycled polyethylene fibres, the material is tear- and water-resistant. $16 at iAppeal (1109B Kensington Rd NW).

2. Copper Pendant
Handmade with etchings by local artist Marbella Carlos. $19 at Eleven:Eleven (233 – 10 St NW).

3. Make It Yourself Jump Rope by The Pencil Grip, Inc.
Kit contains rubber bands to weave into a skipping rope. $10.95 at InGear.

4. Eclecto Notebooks
Handcrafted notebooks with pages from vintage magazines and books by Calgary designer Janine Vangool. $24 at Uppercase Gallery.

5. Honey Herbal Dog Shampoo Bar
Locally made with honey, beeswax, and pure essential oils. $4 at The BeeHive (311 – 10 St NW).

6. Vintage Garage Signs
Made from tin, with witty sayings and antique auto pics. $24.99 at Lift King’s Dream Garage, CrossIron Mills.

7. The Beatles’ Abbey Road Record
Ranked the 14th greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine. On this 1969 record you’ll find hits like “Come Together.” Price varies typically between $5 – $25 at Recordland (1208 – 9 Ave SE).

8. Polaroid Pins
Shrunken down Polaroid photographs of regional scenes by Calgary artist Stephen Murphy. $20 at Arts on Atlantic.

Calgary Holiday Gift Ideas: $75 and under

A holiday gift guide from shops around Calgary, when you’re on a budget, part II.

By Laura Pellerine

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1. Behind-the-scenes with the Lions at the Calgary Zoo
An interactive program that includes an informative talk about lions followed by a trip to the lion enclosure, $60, to register call 403-232-9300. Pick it up with a matching stuffed animal, like this lion by Ty, $14.99 at the Calgary Zoo.

2. Lomography Action Sampler Camera, 2.0
Takes four images on one print using four zooms. Comes with a 35 mm roll of film. $38.62 at The Camera Store.

3. Framed NHL Photo
Mounted 8 x 10” glossy action shots of Calgary Flames’ captain Jarome Iginla, and other league favourites like Sidney Crosby. $49.99 at Pro Hockey Life (4916 – 130 Ave SE).

4. Quadrilla Marbel Railway, Basic Set
Made with solid, natural wood, and colourfully painted blocks, the tracks and tunnels are easy to construct in a variety of ways for optimal speed. $69 at Gracie & Gruff.

5. Pylones “Nana” Grater, designed by Créa Créa
Colourful and playful designs for grating cheese, garlic, onion and lemon zest, made in France. $46.95 at Joints.

6. Fydelity Stay-Puft Stereo Backpack
A roomy backpack with a built-in, battery-powered amplifier to hook up to any MP3 player, and two side speakers. $75 at Little Burgandy, Market Mall.

7. Make Your Own Monster Puppet, by Melissa & Doug
Children can create hundreds of varying silly creatures with adjustable body parts. $34.95 at Livingstone & Cavell.

8. Scribble Bead Necklace
One-of-a-kind sterling silver piece designed and handmade by local jewellery designer Kari Woo. $54 at Influx Jewellery Gallery.

9. Laptop Sleeve by Built
A well-fitting sleeve made from neoprene, (typically used for wetsuits) to ensure your Mac or PC is well protected, various colours. $49.99 at The Apple Store at Market Mall.

Reclaimed Wood

Spice Box from Two Day Designs

Spice Box from Two Day Designs

What’s old is new again. Unique furniture by Two Day Designs is created from antique lumber, most notably from old wine barrels. Heritage Artisan Furniture (hailing from Olds, Alberta) creates distinctively handcrafted furnishings from salvaged prairie barnwood. These one-of-a-kind pieces have been etched by nature’s elements and the passage of time. Drop by Castle Mountain Home Furnishings to pick out a rustically elegant treasure.—LS