Who you're shopping for decides the stop. Start here when you need something thoughtful by tonight.
A Calgary fixture for more than 25 years, part art store and part party shop. Cards, wrapping, decorations and every art supply you forgot you needed, plus a proper fountain pen and ink counter.
710 17 Ave SW · Map for Reid's Stationers
Not your typical gift store. Handcrafted jewellery, home decor and garden pieces you won't find anywhere else in the city. This is the answer for the hard-to-buy-for mother-in-law, and they'll wrap it beautifully.
722 17 Ave SW · Map for Rubaiyat
A maximalist's dream. Overflowing shelves, warm lighting, and every kitchen gadget, coffee table book, cheeky local card and Jellycat a homebody could want. It feels cozier than a shop this size should.
1010 17 Ave SW · Map for Steeling Home
The stop for Alberta-made gifts, founded by the makers behind Camp Brand Goods. Cozy sweaters, jewellery, natural candles and cocktail kits. Come the week before Stampede for western wear you'll actually want to wear again.
1119 10 Ave SE · Map for Livery Shop
Pens, paper and pencils, many imported from Japan, plus notebooks, stickers, planners and desk organizers. A slippery slope for anyone who loves stationery. Budget accordingly.
1333 9 Ave SE · Map for Recess
Canada's largest carrier of hand-crafted Japanese knives. Once you've cut a tomato with one, everything else feels like a butter knife. They'll sharpen the ones you already own too.
A neighbourhood staple for more than 20 years. Cards, accessories and easy gifts for the baby shower, engagement party or birthday where you don't know the host that well.
A tightly curated mix of apparel, shoes, skincare and objects for the man who already has everything. Make it your first stop, not your last resort.
709 11 Ave SW · Map for Stuff
Kitchen goods, home decor and general gifts. The easy win when you're already at the mall running errands.
A neighbourhood shop that takes the novelty out of gift giving. Locally made products, practical home goods and sustainably made bath and body. Gifts that get used, not regifted.
A bright, beautifully curated lifestyle boutique that feels like shopping by the sea in Italy. Quality clothing and accessories, local home goods and gifts, all chosen by a family that clearly loves what they do. It smells as good as it looks.
1934 34 Ave SW · Map for Sunday State
Possibly the prettiest shop in the city. Artisan ceramics, table linens, books, bath products and clothing, all beautifully displayed, with staff who love telling you the story behind each piece.
1226 9 Ave SE · Map for Faire Living
A family-run home and gift shop with displays that are always changing. Unique décor, seasonal pieces and work by Canadian artists, plus a very soft shop dog.
1223 9 Ave SE · Map for Lemonceillo Home & Gift
Come for the jewellery and claw clips, stay for the clothing. A small, thoughtful edit of pieces that all go together, and staff who help without hovering.
902 9 Ave SE · Map for TUU by CoutuKitsch
A clothing and shoe shop built around personal styling. Book a stylist and they'll have pieces pulled for you, help you build a capsule wardrobe and handle alterations in store.
1009 9 Ave SE · Map for espy
Shaving and grooming done properly: safety razors, brushes, soaps and fine knives, with staff who will walk a beginner through the whole kit.
1222 9 Ave SE · Map for Kent of Inglewood
Calgary's iconic cowboy hat maker. Pick your colour, crown and brim, then watch them shape it for you. Not cheap, but it's a hat for life. Closed Sundays.
914 11 St SE · Map for Smithbilt Hats
A deep, wonderfully cluttered record store with new and used vinyl and CDs, and staff who seem to know the whole inventory by heart. Plan to lose an afternoon. Closed Mondays.
1208 9 Ave SE · Map for Recordland