Quirky stores for Christmas gifts

Anyone can walk into Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie or Starbucks to buy gifts for the people on one’s Christmas list. But… what’s much more fun is to shop in eclectic stores where the shelves and racks are filled with weird and wonderful items. While some of their offerings may be borederline useless or just outright stupid, many are a) practical, b) hilarious enough to be perfect, or c) just plain amazing.

Here is a list of retail stores I highly suggest checking out during your last minute Christmas shopping trips, because you really never know what you’ll find!

• Twisted Goods – There are three locations in Calgary: Market Mall, South Centre, and Aspen Landing. So regardless of where you live, check out this store full of practical things that are unique but actually usable. They’re the kinds of things that you can live without, but with them, life can be even better :).
• Ten Thousand Villages – I’ve never actually been to this store, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. And by shopping at Ten Thousand Villages, you’re supporting fair trade and a better world! Feel-good shopping 🙂
• Rubaiyat – If you’re walking along 17th Avenue, be sure to stop in, maybe not to buy anything, but even just to have a look, because Christmas time in this store is sparkly and
  magical and unlike any other place.
• Reids – Also located on 17th Avenue, this store is similar to Twisted Goods, and is full of not only stationery but pretty much any sort of gift-like thing you can think of, from games to fancy journals to quirky cooking supplies.
• Of course, another option is to check out farmers’ markets. My favourite are the Calgary Farmers’ Market (Thurs-Sun, 9-5PM), Kingsland Farmers’ Market, and Symons Valley Ranch Farmers’ Market (Fri-Sun, 10-5pm). From food to clothing to candles, you can find just about anything at these markets, plus you get a fun experience (don’t forget to have a wonderful lunch while you’re out).
• Last but not least… I am a firm believer that the best gifts are homemade.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!