A Holiday Gift Guide for Your Circle
‘Tis the season for good gifts, warm drinks, and pretending we’re not all scrambling for ideas. Somehow, the holidays always sneak up, and suddenly we’re hunting for something thoughtful that doesn’t feel last-minute or like it came from the grocery store lineup.
Instead of guessing what people might want, Kat, our Supervising Archaeologist and Social Media Coordinator, pulled together nine gifts that actually stand a chance at being used. No novelty mugs, no panic candles, no “live laugh love” wall art that will quietly haunt a home office. These picks come from Indigenous makers, local shops, and a few trusted faves we reach for year after year.
Some gifts are practical, some are cozy, and a few might spark a happy tear. They work for coworkers you want to impress, family members who never give you a list, and that friend who says they “don’t want anything” but always has notes once the wrapping paper is off.
We handled the browsing for you. Consider this your permission to skip the stress and head straight to gifting.
Gifts That Give Back
1. Indigenous Box
Thoughtful gifting gets a lot easier when one choice supports dozens of Indigenous entrepreneurs at once. These curated boxes are beautifully themed and filled with gourmet treats, artisan goods, and self-care items — all while directly contributing to economic reconciliation. It is meaningful, easy, and guaranteed to be well-received.
Price Range: $26 – $100+
2. Moonstone Creation Art & Gifts
Some shops sell products. Moonstone Creation sells stories disguised as gifts. With more than sixty Indigenous artists in one small Calgary gallery, every piece — from beadwork to prints to home goods — has personality, craft, and roots. This is where you find a gift that people hold onto, not because it was expensive, but because it feels like it came from somewhere real. And honestly, that’s the best kind of holiday magic.
Price Range: $35 – $1000+
Comfort for Cold Mornings
3. Indigenous Roots Coffee Co. or Tea Horse
Warm drinks are a winter necessity, and these Indigenous-owned coffee and tea brands turn that morning ritual into something genuinely enjoyable. Rich blends rooted in traditional plant knowledge make this a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates a cozy moment (or needs caffeine to function).
Price Range: $12 – $58
4. Motley Woollens High-Performance Socks
Anyone who has lived through a real Alberta winter will tell you: good socks matter. These Okotoks-made pairs blend Merino wool, alpaca, and mohair for comfort that lasts through cold mornings, long walks, and everything in between. They’re practical, warm, and secretly a little luxurious — a surprisingly impressive gift.
Price Range: $28–$36
Self-Care
5. Sḵwálwen Botanicals
Rooted in Squamish Nation plant teachings, Sḵwálwen’s (pronounced Skwall-win) skincare feels as intentional as it is beautiful. Each product brings together cultural knowledge and soothing botanicals, turning end-of-day routines into a moment of actual calm. A thoughtful option for anyone who needs a gentle reset this season.
Price Range: $10 – $180+
6. Kananaskis Nordic Spa Hydrotherapy Pass
Few gifts hit the “you deserve a break” message better than a day at the Nordic Spa. Hot and cold pools, steam rooms, mountain air, and complete relaxation — all an hour west of Calgary. It’s restorative, peaceful, and exactly what most people need after a long year.
Price Range: $119 – $149+
7. The Cave Sauna & Day Spa
Hidden just outside Calgary, The Cave offers a hydrotherapy circuit inspired by ancient European bathhouses. Think Himalayan salt steam, a banya-style sauna, and hot-cold contrast therapy that somehow fixes everything your posture ruined. It’s intimate, indulgent, and a perfect winter escape.
Price Range: $80–$100 per person
For Curious Minds
8. Mammoth Pass at the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM)
A full year of curiosity never goes out of style. The Mammoth Pass gives unlimited access to RAM’s galleries — from natural history to cultural stories — plus express entry and member perks. It’s great for families, students, or anyone who prefers experiences over more “stuff.”
Price Range: Starting at $35
9. Royal BC Museum Membership
For the west coast museum lover, this membership opens the doors to world-class galleries, feature exhibitions, and IMAX screenings with the combo option. It’s thoughtful, educational, and lasts long after the holidays wrap up — the perfect slow-burn gift.
Price Range: $69 – $115
Consider Yourself Prepared
If you made it to the end of this list, you’re already ahead of most holiday shoppers. Whether you choose something handcrafted, something cozy, or something that helps someone fully unplug, we hope it brings a little brightness to your season. And if it also buys you a moment of calm in the middle of December, even better.
SHARE THIS:
