My husband is ridiculous to shop for. He buys everything he needs all year long; he has enough hoodies, and sadly DVDs are no longer a thing. Wives of a certain vintage will appreciate the annual hoodie, DVD box, and candy stocking stuffers for the hubby. Every once in a while I would throw in an Oilers collectable to step it up.
We have now spent the better part of 5 years ‘decluttering’ (we are of ‘that age’), and we are trying to be more intentional in our purchasing.
If you are like me, want to be intentional, focus your purchasing power on shopping local and supporting small Canadian businesses - for all the right reasons - consider this your holiday gift giving inspo. If you want to find a beautifully unique gift - sourced local - this year’s guide is packed with thoughtful ideas
Fair Winds Trade
This charming boutique shop in Fort Saskatchewan has very unique gift ideas. In 2023, they launched the business with the vision to make Canadian goods more available, sourcing new products weekly. The products they retail are as diverse as fresh frozen seafood from the Maritimes, Maple Syrup from Quebec, and a variety of products from the Prairie Provinces and northern Territories, along with local jams, syrups, pickles, bison meat and desserts.
They have some great options for stocking stuffers, including their best-selling ‘THOSE PRETZELS’, made in BC from a secret family recipe; or delight coffee lovers with the award-winning, “ocean-air infused” ‘SALTWINDS Coffee’ from New Brunswick. They also carry slippers, hats, tallow skin care, blankets, jewellery, dog treats and more.
- W: No website, but they have a Facebook page
- Address: 9806 - 104 St, Fort Saskatchewan
Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
Our favourite distillery has put together some clever baskets that are sure to be well-loved. Great for gift giving, as a host gift, or something really lovely for a beloved blog writer! Prices range from $41.99 - $146.99 and are available for purchase on their website while they last - Hawke Prohibition. *Pick up in store. Need a stocking stuffer? Gift certificates available for pick up in-person or online order if you want to slip a little something in with that digital Christmas card.
- W: https://www.hawkeprohibition.com/
- Address: 426 Kaska Road, Sherwood Park
Choco-licious
Since 2012, this local chocolatier has been serving up unique and delicious treats, they are best known for their chocolate covered licorice. Their products are perfect for stockings, business gifting, or to combine into a basket with some other little delights. The option to purchase is in store only, but there are many great options to choose from. Here are a few of their popular items:
Salted Caramel Turtlicious Licorice - Red Licorice / Milk Chocolate / enrobed with our house made salted turtles - $15.00; Bedrock Crunch Chocolate bar - Handcrafted White Chocolate and Fruity Pebbles - a nostalgic twist! - $10.00; 6 piece Gift Pack of Handcrafted Clusters - $24.00
Fem Haven Boutique
Fem Haven is a women's boutique, located in Sherwood Park, featuring Canadian made clothing & goods. They strive to be size inclusive, ranging from XS - 3X for all body types. Owner, Alyson Schofield, does an exceptional job sourcing local Canadian products that will look good on all body shapes, and she also designs some of her own clothing lines. We asked her to submit a few of her favourite things this holiday season... and this is what she picked.
1) Super fine powder soft feel - recycled polyester crew socks. 1 Pair Gift Pack / One Size $9.49
2) Top handle petite handbag - buttery smooth vegan leather finish. Dimensions: 8.5'' x 6.5'' x 3'' $112.00
3) These Aurora bootie slippers are lined with Berber, a curly fleece that holds its shape & softness - S/M & L/XL $56.00
If none of these options work for you gift cards are available - shop online or in person.
- W: https://femhavenboutique.ca/
- Address: 321 Kaska Road, Sherwood Park
The Makers Keep
We are big fans of The Maker’s Keep not only because they are a local business, they support over 500 other local makers! And their Makers support local, and so on, so the trickle effect is incredible! If you are seeking something truly unique, one of a kind - this is your shop. We asked owner, Katie, to send us a few gift ideas for the 2025 Gift Guide - these are her picks for what's hot this season.
- Photo 1 - BUDGET: $75 - $170 - World Map $170; Silk pillowcase $65; Everlasting candle set (3pc) $82+ depending on vase; Stained glass book $75; Resin Alberta sign $95; Hat $140
- Photo 2 - BUDGET: $23 - $45 - Art print $45; Ceramic mug $28; Magnesium lotion $40; Candle $40; Earrings $38; Shampoo bar $23; Conditioner bar $23; Animal cutout decor $34; Blown glass cup $30; Puzzle $32
- Photo 3 - STOCKING STUFFERS $5 - $24
- W: https://themakerskeep.com/
- Address: 112, 2755 Broadmoor Boulevard, Sherwood Park
You Need a BBQ
They're on a mission to make you a world class griller at home! They want to help you take your BBQ to the next level. They focus on premium grills, ingredients and meat. If you've got a BBQ lover to shop for - you can get spices or BBQ accessories for stocking stuffers; buy a BBQ experience with one of their BBQ classes; or if you have a little more spending money, splurge on that smoker. Traeger Woodridge Smoker $1199 (ranked by Food & Wine magazine as best pellet smoker) on sale for $999!
- W: https://youneedabbq.com/
- Address: #50, 100 Broadview Drive, Sherwood Park
Gem Gallerie
Established in 1984, Gem Gallerie Jewelers is the longest standing, independent jewelry store in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Its owner, Jacqueline, cherishes the opportunity to help people find that perfect piece for life’s special moments. We asked to submit a couple of ideas for the gift guide and these were her picks. They also carry luxury brands - Charriol, SteelX, Maserati and Sherwood Sparkle, and some unique vintage pieces. Shop in store only.
- W: https://www.gemgallerie.com/
- Address: 800 Broadmoor Blvd #370, Sherwood Park
Other Ideas...
For the Adventurer
Skydiving Experience at iFly Calgary - typically $199.99, on sale for $139.99. Learn more.
Make it a romantic getaway - pair it with Pair with hotel + breakfast for two at a local hotel in Calgary. See packages.
Find another Epic Experience for something a little more adventurous.
Written by Jennifer Hillmer, November 2025. Jennifer Hillmer is the founder and primary blog writer for ExploreStrathconaCounty.com and Hillmer Design and Creative. She has been a resident of Strathcona County since 2006.