Nottingham Cigars
10390 105 St. NW
nottinghamcigaretteandcigar.com
If you know someone who likes to enjoy a Cohiba with a dram of Scotch after a Sunday dinner, this is the place to pick up cigars or cigarillos from Cuba or from other producers in the Caribbean and the Americas. If you’re not sure which brand of cigars to buy, there are some great accessories that could go under the tree — from pipes to fancy cigar cutters.
Rolling Tales Pop Culture
10219 106 St. NW
rtpop.com
Biff! Bam! Poww! For those of us who lived for comic books— Rolling Tales has a wide selection of new and vintage material. Maybe you can find that 1968 issue of Detective Comics that will finish someone’s collection — or maybe there’s a brand new graphic novel that will make a great gift. There’s superhero stuff, Japanese manga, games and even graphic-novel cookbooks. As well, the shop hosts drawing workshops and acts as a community hub for comic fans and artists. You can drop the kids off for a drawing workshop while you do some Saturday Christmas shopping in the core.
Shop Chop
10265 107 St., #102
How many stores can brag about having a wall filled with decorative suncatchers? It’s been a signature of Shop Chop for years. If whimsy is your thing, or if it’s your Christmas theme, Shop Chop will have you chuckling in the aisles because they go all out for Christmas. From decorative mugs to ball caps with hilarious messages to bathmats shaped like frogs or mushrooms, this store carries home decor, housewares, planters and jewellery for those of us who think that life is far too serious. For Christmas, you can get your host an at-home cocktail crafted with limited edition ingredients. You’ll also find a long list of beauty and hair-care products. After all, the “chop” in Shop Chop stands for the boutique hair salon in the back.
The Artworks
10150 100 St. NW
theartworks.ca
Is it a flower shop, a stationery store, a jewellery seller or an antiques boutique? If you guessed “all of the above,” you know you’re talking about The Artworks. This is the place to go in Edmonton for unique greeting cards. While you’re there, grab the perfect stylish Christmas tree ornament for your bestie like one in the shape of a pickle or hot sauce bottle. If that’s not your thing, you can find a tasteful flower arrangement and a wonderful luxury fountain pen for the Christmas party host, or you can find a vintage, one-of-a-kind item that will win you the “best gift giver” award of the season. Sure, you can get a jewellery box in lots of places, but how many have one that was made more than 100 years ago? Or a mirror that looks like it belongs on the set of Bridgerton?
Obj3cts
10356 Jasper Ave.
objectsedmonton.ca
There’s a reason that there’s a number 3 in the name of this place; because Obj3cts is really three places in one. It’s a coffee shop with baked goods, so you can either pick up something to go like their cinnamon bun, or enjoy it while you shop. It’s a flower shop, with fresh seasonal arrangements — so you can pick up a Christmas bouquet for the home, or as a gift for the holiday-party host. And it’s a store that carries beautiful stationery, books, cards and housewares. So, there’s multiple levels of holiday shopping—all in one spot.
Audreys Books
10702 Jasper Ave.
audreys.ca
In an era when many bookstores have not been able to survive the rise of Amazon, Audreys remains the downtown neighbourhood bookshop. If you miss that feeling of simply walking into a store and browsing, Audreys has an eclectic collection that crosses many genres. If you can’t find that special book, the staff will help you order it for pick-up. As well, it’s a great community space — check the store’s calendar for book launches, signings and the chance to talk about your favourite reads. If you’re looking to buy for kids on your list, you’ll find a fantastic children’s section downstairs, with not only books, but puzzles, games, crafts and, yes, stuffies.
DeVine Wines and Spirits
10111 104 St. NW
devinewines.ca
Yes, you can find liquor stores throughout the city—even the grocery chains have them. But DeVine Wines and Spirits is a spot for those who want something special for the wine rack. Why not share a bottle of special-vintage red with your closest friends or family? At deVine Wines and Spirits, it’s about finding that special bottle, whether it’s a French Burgundy or a Portuguese Tawny Port. You cannot find flabby bottle here. And, if there’s a Scotch lover you need to surprise, that 33-year-old Bowmore will make you the gift-giver of the year.
Wilderly
104, 10331 106 St. NW
wilderly.ca
The indoor gardening craze is real, and it’s not going away anytime soon. There are people who talk to their plants, play music for their plants, name their plants. If you’re that type of person — or you know someone like that — Wilderly has over 900 varieties to choose from. Seriously, some of the plants look like they’ve come from a sci-fi movie — like the blueish, veiny Alocasia. Also, look for planters, pots and even living-wall gardens for beginners. And, Wilderly carries plant-derived skin-care products.
Sage Stone Malas
Edmonton City Centre
10025 102A Ave. NW
sagestonemalas.com
You might walk by and notice the unique, handcrafted necklaces and beads, or the ways that the crystals catch the light. But these are more than just ornaments or jewellery, these are pieces that are meant to connect the wearer to a deeper sense of wellness and peace. A mala is a strand of beads that can not only be worn, but can be counted as the wearer prepares to meditate. They help focus the mind. You can buy beautiful ready-made malas here, or a kit to build your own — which is probably a meditational exercise unto itself. Whether you believe in the power of crystals or not — you can’t deny the beauty of what’s on display.
Sweet Lollapalooza
Commerce Place
10155 102 St. NW, Lower Level
sweetlollapalooza.com
If you’re in Commerce Place, it’s hard to miss Sweet Lollapalooza. The chocolatiers’ workshop is on display for all mall-goers to see. It’s like a Christmas workshop of sweet treats.
And what they make is chocolate that’s not only renowned throughout the city, but has won international awards. You can curate your own box of chocolates, choosing from the colourful menu of bonbons. There’s also ready-made gift boxes of 12, 24 or 36 pieces. Or, you can buy a gorgeous box of salted caramels, or a luxurious chocolate bar, that can go right into a stocking.
Alberta Craft Council
10186 106 St. NW
albertacraft.ab.ca
The mission of the Alberta Craft Council’s shop is simple — to make the wares created by this province’s artists easily accessible to the public. What’s great about finding a gift made by an Alberta artist is that you know the piece will be truly unique. An example of this is handmade, eclectic wallets by an Indigenous/Scottish artist based in the city. Alberta Craft Council has bowls, glassware and art pieces that you truly can’t find anywhere else. And, you know the money you’re spending will go to support Alberta-based artisans. It’s truly a win-win shopping experience.
Edmonton Arts Council Shop
9930 102 Ave. NW
edmontonarts.ca
The EAC’s retail space in Churchill Square celebrates the work of this city’s creators. No two visits will be the same, as the shop has rotating “pop-ups” that highlight the works from different creators. From art to clothing, books to things you can use around the house, there are some real treasures that can be found here. Look for spotlights on specific Edmonton artists –like shirts featured for Orange Shirt Day. These artist spotlights change regularly, so visit often. Follow the EAC Shop’s Instagram page to see some of the latest artworks for sale.
GET YOUR THREADS
Downtown Edmonton has always been a fashion-forward kinda place. And, whether you’re looking for a formal piece, or an accessory to tie a look together, there are a few places that will help you fill your shopping bag.
When it comes to men’s clothing, you are spoiled for choice. The Helm (10176 103 St. NW), offers a range of clothing curated by owner Chad Helm. Look for many of the top designers from American and Europe, from Tom Ford to ZEGNA to Ralph Lauren.
And Henry Singer (10220 103 St. NW), long a downtown mainstay for men’s fashion, has moved into a new showroom in the Ice District. You can shop and also stop at Bar Henry, located inside the store, for Italian delicacies created by famed Edmonton chef, Daniel Costa. Also, it might have the best Negroni in the city. Why not celebrate while you shop?
Blu’s has been a mainstay on the second floor of Manulife Centre (10180 101 St. NWO) for years. The shop began in the 1970 inside of Henry Singer, a small corner for upscale women’s fashion. It now offers a premier shopping experience, carrying many of the designers who are mainstays of runways in Paris, Milan and New York. If you have a lady in your life that is big on functional couture, Blu’s is it.
Edmonton Downtown Gift Card
Let them choose their own adventure with the Edmonton Downtown Gift Card. It can be used at more than 70 downtown businesses so it makes a great gift for a bestie, a fun surprise for your significant other, or a useful stocking stuffer for a co-worker. PLUS right now, when you buy a $100 Gift Card, you can get a FREE $25 Gift Card. It’s like two gifts in one!
Your downtown Christmas shopping adventure can be as easy as a one-stop lunch shop or be a full-pledged weekend adventure. Which ever the route you take, gift shopping from the heart in the heart of the city will come naturally—you’ll know that gift is the one once you see it.