Every winter, after the first snow, I start to get excited about Christmas. I think to myself, “this year I’m going to be on top of all my shopping, get everything done online, and just hang out in my warm house waiting for Amazon to do the work for me”. And then, every year, I find myself gambling with delivery times or running around town trying to find cute independents where I can buy great last-minute gifts while avoiding the malls. This year is no different, so I’m going to capitalize on it and spread a little holiday love. Here are some of our must-visit local shops for the new year (or if you’re like me, now, quickly, before the 25th).
Westmount Soap Company
Westmount Soap draws inspiration from the freshest neighbourhoods in Edmonton. They are all about natural ingredients that create soaps that are gentle on the skin. I’m starting out in my neighbourhood – Ritchie – and then exploring up from there. Everything smells so good and the soaps really don’t feel harsh at all. After the dust settles on the holiday season, pick yourself up some soaps, settle in for a relaxing bath, and explore the city. It’s a low effort Edmonton tour.
You can find the Westmount Soap company at the 124th Grand Market and in a few craft fairs in 2018.
Or Visit Them Online At WestmountSoapCompany.ca
Alberta Craft Council
If you’re looking for something unique and produced in Alberta, you need to visit the Alberta Craft Gallery. There is so much to explore and yes, the pieces are for sale. You could get lost for a day in the glasswork, woodwork, pottery, fibre art, jewelry, furniture and home accessories from over 150 artists. I like my gifts to have a story attached to them. This place is perfect for unique home decor. It’ll also make you feel good about yourself for supporting local artists and any shop that can do that is worth a visit.
They have locations in both Edmonton and Calgary. If you want to learn more about the work they’re doing, talk to someone in the store or visit Alberta Craft Council online.
Bear Cat and Bimbo
Bearcat & Bimbo is all about reclamation and repurposing. Elisse has personally known one of the founders, Dan Hallett, for a long time and is not surprised by the awesome creativeness that he and his partner bring to the craft. They do amazing lighting and home decor using unconventional materials. Pick up something interesting for your home or as a gift. These pieces are anything but generic, so at the very least, you need to see some of the work they do. You can check it out on their Facebook or Instagram accounts. They also do custom work if you’ve got something else in mind.
The Colombian Mountain Coffee Company
Coffee! What’s better than that? Coffee with a story. This beautiful couple, Kristin & Santiago Lopez, is bringing their family tradition to Canada and as result of their hard work, we get to enjoy this incredible coffee. We first met them in the salsa world and we are so excited for what they are bringing to the Edmonton coffee scene. The coffee is roasted here in Alberta and if you’ve been lucky enough to encounter this company, you know how good it is.
But, it’s not just about the coffee. It’s more purposeful than that. In addition to visiting the farms that source their roastery, they work to ensure that those farms and co-ops are paid fairly. It’s pride and hard work resulting in a product that’s easy to get behind. Keep a lookout for these two in the coming year including the launch of their new “brick and mortar” location right near Vi’s for Pies.
You can also catch them around town various weeks, be sure to check out their online here.
Edmonton Made
Want to find more local businesses doing great work in Edmonton? “Edmonton Made strives to enhance the exposure of locally based businesses and to make it easy to shop local and find distinctly Edmonton products and experiences. Edmonton Made helps local entrepreneurs tell their stories, grow their audiences, and connects them with the resources they need to be successful.”
Visit the gift shop online at EdmontonMade.com
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