Transit is free, the guide is done, and Amara is waiting

Good morning, Calgary!

I cannot believe I actually finished the gift guide. But I did, and it is gems on gems.

Everything is Made in Calgary (okay, there is one Italian exception, but their HQ is here and they are super cute, so I made an executive decision).

Also, everything on the list is either something I have personally tried & loved, or it comes with a gazillion raving reviews from friends and neighbours. I am confident you’ll find something good.

Besides the ginormous gift guide, we have the latest community updates and some amazing events for the pre-Christmas lull. Plus, the latest live music and we found a dog named Amara who might just steal your heart. 

Let’s get to it.

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For The Homebody (Cozy & Self-Care) 

Black Sheep Mattress Co. Wool Duvet Handcrafted using ethically sourced wool. This natural material regulates body temperature, so you stop freezing (or sweating) at night. Shop here

Kindred Glow & Co. Small-batch luxury perfumes and fragrances. Get the scent

CleanO2 Soap Soap made from captured carbon emissions. The technology turns CO2 into potassium carbonate, which gives the bar a silky lather. Scrub up

Stunn Co. Plant-based skincare for the high-altitude lifestyle, perfect for our dry climate. Get glowing

AM Cleaning Products Plant-based cleaning products that work. They use essential oils like peppermint and clove, so your kitchen smells like a spa, not chemicals. Here is the link to my absolute favorite All Purpose Cleaner: Clean up

Routine Cream The natural deodorant loved by many in Calgary and around the world. Made with clean ingredients and scents like "Superstar" (Sage & Cardamom) that replace your cologne. Smell good

For The Foodie (Pantry Upgrades) 

Silk Road Spice Merchant Fresh, potent blends mixed in Inglewood. Spice it up

Urban Calm Coffee This local roaster blends functional mushrooms with premium coffee beans. Wake up

Canadian Heritage Roasting Co. Organic, fair-trade coffee roasted right here in the foothills. For every bag sold, they plant a tree on Canadian soil. Get beans

Hammer & Chip Small-batch specialty coffee roasted in Calgary. Drink up

The Sip List (Drinks & Mixers) 

Wild Folk Non-Alcoholic Botanical cocktails that mimic the bite of spirits without the booze. Drink up

Porter’s Tonic Small-batch tonic syrups designed for gin. The Hibiscus blend adds a floral tartness and a deep pink colour to your highballs. Mix it

Annex Sodas Crafted in the Manchester industrial area using simple, natural ingredients. Shop soda

Burwood Distillery Small-batch spirits made with honey from their own local hives. Sip it

For The Design Snob (Decor & Art) 

Baby Tree Woodworks Geometric wood wall art handcrafted from reclaimed timber. See the art

Touching String Hand-woven textiles created on a frame loom. Check the weave

ChopValue They recycle chopsticks from Calgary restaurants into furniture and decor. See the process

Kopr & Co. Modern western jewelry for the urban cowgirl. See the collection

For The "Hard to Buy For" (Wildcards) 

Friday Sock Co. Known for their mismatched socks (same theme, different pattern). They are fun, high-quality, and designed in Calgary (though made in Italy). Get socks

Crochet Wildlife Guide A guide by local artist Phillip Ha on crocheting anatomically correct wildlife. Get the book

Washboard Shaving Classic shaving kits featuring handcrafted handles. Stay sharp

Ulla-Viggo Handmade leather soft-sole shoes for the little ones in your life. See the shoes

Bon A-Pet-Treat! A dedicated pet bakery using human-grade ingredients. Treat them

I’m sorry, have you ever seen a sweeter face? This is Amara. She is a 2-year-old Shepherd/Collie mix with a gentle soul and excellent manners—she sits on command and takes treats like a lady.

The shelter is a bit loud and overwhelming for her right now, so she is looking for a calm, adult-only home (16+) where she can decompress. She isn't the dog park type just yet; she prefers structured leash walks and a quiet backyard. If you have patience and a quiet home, she’s ready to be your loyal sidekick.

How to adopt: Call 3-1-1 to book a meet-and-greet with Animal Services. See her profile

Thursday

Wranglers vs. Firebirds | The farm team hits the ice at the Dome tonight (7:00 p.m.). Get tickets

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live | It’s the final night for this jazz nostalgia trip at the Engineered Air Theatre (Arts Commons). Last chance tickets

A Christmas Carol | Theatre Calgary’s annual production is running daily at the Max Bell Theatre. It’s the classic Dickens tale you know, but the production value is always top-tier. See show

The Wizard of Oz | Follow the yellow brick road to the Martha Cohen Theatre. Alberta Theatre Projects is putting on the musical classic all month long. Get tickets

Friday 

CPKC Holiday Train | The Barenaked Ladies are playing a free show on a train car at Anderson Station (7:00–7:30 p.m.). Bring a food bank donation and dress for the weather. It will be packed. See schedule

Market Collective (Fri–Sun) | The big holiday market returns to the BMO Centre (Hall D) all weekend. It starts today at 4:00 p.m. Expect 150+ vendors, food trucks, and DJs. Plan your visit

The Nutcracker (Fri–Sun) | Alberta Ballet’s masterpiece returns to the Jubilee Auditorium tonight at 7:00 p.m. It runs all weekend, but opening night is always the most electric. Get tickets

Dillon Francis at The Palace | If you want to sweat out the stress of the week, this is the spot. The electronic heavyweight hits the stage on 8th Ave at 9:00 p.m. Check availability

Saturday 

Christmas with New West | A massive choir, a full orchestra, and high energy at the Jack Singer Concert Hall (7:00 p.m.). Get seats

Wranglers vs. Canucks | Saturday night hockey at the Dome (6:00 p.m.). Game info

Bowness Christmas Market | The Bowness Community Association is hosting a cozy local market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their Main Hall. Free entry and super local vibes. Details here

Pet Photos with Santa (Sat & Sun) | Bring your furry friend to Cold Garden Beverage Company (Inglewood) from 1–3 p.m. for a pint and a pic with the big guy. It’s free, but arrive early. Check the event

Sunday 

Once Upon a Christmas (Sat & Sun) | Heritage Park is open both days this weekend (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Check hours

Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.