Calgary 
Credit: The Chocolate Lab
Calgary is full of hidden gems when it comes to shopping. Whether it’s gifts for other people or you’re looking for that perfect item to take home for yourself, check out these 15 one-of-a-kind shops where you’re sure to find that perfect fit. Is it a shirt to finish off an outfit, the exact plant pots to pull a room together, or maybe a surprise item you never knew you needed? Do you love shopping, but you’re sick of the same old stores? Get out of the malls and get that shopping list cleared, and do it by supporting local brands and creators.
Downtown Calgary
1. The Chocolate Lab
Always a fun visit, The Chocolate Lab is full of amazing finds, mostly their incredible chocolates. They aren’t just chocolates though, they’re little pieces of art made with high end ingredients and ethically sourced chocolate. Try their Martha’s Packing Heat hot chocolate for YYC Hot Chocolate Fest.
Address: 202d Centre St S, Calgary
Phone: 403-455-3022
Website
2. Reid’s Stationers
This Calgary staple has such a fun selection of products, you’ll find yourself going back again and again. They have a great selection of stationary and fountain pens, as well as unique party decor including balloons, unicorn plates, and bachelorette style decorations. Check them out before your next party to give your guests that little something extra.
Address: 710 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Phone: 403-229-4400
Website
3. Market Collective
Credit: Market Collective
Be sure to check out the upcoming market by Market Collective, a favourite seasonal one-stop-shop for all things handmade, locally crafted, or uniquely selected. Market Collective has grown significantly in the last few years, offering live music, food trucks, and much more.
Website
Northeast Calgary
4. Villekula Handmade
Instead of gifting something that was handmade by someone else, try making it yourself! Villekula Handmade has all of your knitting, crocheting, and sewing needs. Take a course with them and come home with a beautiful sweater, baby blanket, or toque ready to be given to that someone special.
Address: 408 8 Ave NE, Calgary
Phone: 403-276-1100
Website
5. Lukes Drug Mart
Credit: Lukes Drug Mart
Lukes is not your average drug store. Yes, there is a pharmacy, a post office, and all your daily needs. But it’s also one of the top 11 record shops in Canada (2013), and there’s soft serve ice cream, and local handicrafts for sale. Family run since it opened in 1951, come enjoy their amazing service and discover something new today.
Address: 112 4 St NE, Calgary
Phone: 403-266-4142
Website
6. The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop
Are you trying to buy a gift for that one nephew that always tries the exact same card trick on you? Get him a magic kit from the Vanishing Rabbit. The shop is run by professional magicians who are there to answer all of your questions and help you on your magic journey. Maybe by next year, he’ll have a whole show for you!
Address: 1712 Edmonton Trail, Calgary
Phone: 403 230-0810
Website
Southeast Calgary
7. Recess
Credit: Recess Shop
Every stationary nerd’s dream: soft notebooks, pens to try out, fun new organizational options, trendy office wares. Recess excels at offering unique goods to the everyday writer and doodler to make their working life that much easier and smoother. Plus they have hilarious greeting cards that are sure to shock the recipient.
Address:1323 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Phone: 587.433.4226
Website
8. Ninth and Brick
This wonderful collection of local artisans is a great place to browse if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, but you know you want something great. They offer a local collective including hair accessories, candles, clothing, plant pots, and much more. Check out Heartprint Threads while you’re there, a local company that donates a blanket to a local charity for every blanket purchased.
Address: 1312B 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Website
Instagram
9. Silk Road Spice Merchant
Address: 1403 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Phone: 403-261-1955
Website
10. Rosso Coffee Roasters
If you’re a coffee lover, this is the place to go. They’ve got great locally roasted coffee, upscale equipment to raise your home brewing game, and other fun things like the Coffee Atlas and seasonal gift sets for those hard to buy for people. Oh, and get a delicious oat milk latte while you’re there.
Address: 1402 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Phone: 403-452-1701
Website
Southwest Calgary
11. Outside The Shape
Nestled in a cozy house in Marda Loop, Outside the Shape offers you all the fun things you’ve always wanted. Trendy jewellery, amazing oils, great prints, and so much more. They truly have an amazing selection for gifts. Try to be a little outside the shape with your shopping this year!
Address: 2036 34 Ave SW, Calgary
Phone: 403-540-9993
Website
12. Springbank Cheese Co.
Credit: Springbank Cheese Co. – Marda Loop
Looking for that wow factor when someone opens your gift at their birthday party? Try a handpicked selection of high quality cheeses. People love cheese, and this is sure to please! While you’re at Springbank Cheese Co., try a grilled cheese sandwich and sip a beer for an awesome shopping experience.
Address: 3570 Garrison Gate SW, Calgary
Phone: 403-984-3348
Website
13. Farmers and Makers Market at cSpace – Year Round
The ultimate unique shopping experience: farmer’s markets. Open every Saturday, this market boasts veggies, fruits, bath bombs, vegan doughnuts, pies, home decor, and much more. This isn’t your grandpa’s farmers market, but he’d probably love it if you brought him along. Located in cSpace, the renovated King Edward School.
Address: 1721 29 Ave SW, Calgary
Website
Northwest Calgary
14. Purr Kensington
Clothes shopping can be a love/hate relationship. At Purr you’re sure to be on the love side of that equation. Find something no one else has in their closet, stand out in a crowd, and love the way you look in some of Purr’s exclusive clothing lines. Meow.
Address: 1220 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary
Phone: 403-270-3585
Website
15. Peacock Boutique
Credit: Peacock Boutique Consignment
The best way to ensure a unique, vintage outfit without the price tag? Second hand. Peacock is a boutique consignment store that offers only the best second hand tags. Come try on your next favourite piece at Peacock, and shake your tail feathers!
Address: 1145 Kensington Crescent NW, Calgary
Phone: 403-283-5722
Website
