I Went To A Magical Holiday Market In The Middle Of The Rocky Mountains, And Here Are 16 Local Brands I Discovered That Make Great Gifts
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I Went To A Magical Holiday Market In The Middle Of The Rocky Mountains, And Here Are 16 Local Brands I Discovered That Make Great Gifts
I’m an Albertan and I approve of this gift guide!
Hi I’m Liza, a BuzzFeed producer! I currently live in Ontario but I’m a born and raised Albertan. Now, the Canadian Rockies aren’t just for skiing… turns out they’re great for shopping and full of talented local vendors.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
This past weekend I was visiting the Banff Christmas Market for some holiday shopping and I came across some unique Alberta brands (and one from Manitoba) that I just had to share.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
A holiday market in the middle of the Rocky Mountains with live music, yummy food and drinks, local vendors, AND horse rides? Sounds pretty magical!
Here are 15 brands from Alberta (with 1 from Manitoba) to support this holiday season:
1. A box of Earl Grey Tea from Jolene’s Tea House that is the perfect tea to sip on this holiday season (or anytime of the year!). It comes in the cutest teahouse box that’s a replica of the actual storefront in Banff and includes 15 teabags.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Jolene’s Tea House is locally owned and operated by Jolene Brewster and has been hand-blending organic teas in Banff National Park since 2005. Her mission is to share the stunning beauty of the mountains through the simple, authentic experience of tea. Mission accomplished!
Shop Jolene’s Tea House here.
2. A beautiful pair of hand-beaded moccasins from IronStar Co that will keep your feet cosy and warm all winter long. The moccasins come in a variety of colours and unique designs.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Amy Der-Ironstar is the young, Indigenous entrepreneur who owns Ironstar Co. in Winnipeg. At Ironstar Co. you can find puppets, blankets, body care, and beadwork amoung other beautiful hand-crafted items.
Shop Ironstar Co. here.
3. A Skoki cocktail from Park Distillery thats a pre-made maple rye old fashioned so all you have to do is open, pour, and enjoy it.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Park Distillery is Canada’s first and only distillery located inside a National Park. It’s a restaurant and bar that distills all of their products in Banff with glacial waters. Can’t get any purer than that!
Shop Park Distillery here.
4. A Mountain Handmade cute toque for your little one. It’s adjustable and grows with your child so you don’t need to buy a new one every winter season.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Based in Canmore, Mountain Handmade creates handmade grow-with-me children’s clothing. Every piece is super cute and functional!
Shop Mountain Handmade here.
5. Some soft beef jerky from Medicine Hat Meat Traders that’s smoky maple in flavour so its the perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Medicine Hat Meat Traders Ltd. is a family-owned business located in S.E. Alberta that has been making award winning Craft Jerky since 2006.
Shop Medicine Hat Meat Traders here.
6. A pair of Joelle Design Co. earrings made from resin and REAL pine leaves.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Joelle Design Co. creates handmade, resin jewelry crafted in Canmore, AB. Every piece is inspired by Alberta’s beautiful landscape and nature.
Her online store is currently on pause but check out her Instagram in the meantime.
7. Some paw balm from Washboard Soapery that will protect your furry little friend’s paws all winter (and summer) long.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
WashBoard Soapery & Such, located in Airdire, is all about self care and counscious living for him, her, and fur babies. With grooming products to natural deodorants to home ambiance, there’s a little something for everyone!
Shop WashBoard Soapery & Such here.
8. Some duck and fig rillettes from Epicureans, which is a delicious addition to any holiday charcuterie board.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Epicureans Canmore creates culinary experiences and adventures with dishes made from family recipes. Their products include jams, mustards, pickles and can be combined to create the ultimate mouth-watering gift box.
Shop Epicureans Canmore here.
9. A unique Bryony by Design holiday ornament that will be the perfect addition on any tree.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Bryony by Design specializes in wood pyrography which is the art of decorating wood or leather by burning a design on a surface with a heated metallic point. Bryony then incorporates paint in her art to capture the beauty of her surroundings.
Shop Bryony by Design here.
10. A Feeling Allyve Rise & Shred Tote Bag to hold your holiday shopping and everyday items.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
At Feeling Allyve, vulnerability is welcome and they invite everyone to come as they are. Their clothing is non-binary and ranges from sizes XS to 3X.
Shop Feeling Allyve here.
11. A hockey-themed wooden notebook from Pudu for the hockey fan or writer on your holiday shopping list.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
PUDU is on a mission to support the environment through products made with low ecological impact. Their customizable products are made from bamboo and other reused woods.
Shop PUDU here.
12. A True North shampoo and conditioner bar that is both eco-friendly and plant based. Each bar lasts up to 80 washes and replaces up to three plastic bottles!
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
True North is based in Edmonton and creates handcrafted old fashioned soaps, bath bombs, soy candles, premium shave bars, and more! They also give back to the community by donating $1 from every gift box to a local charity.
Shop True North here.
13. A wooden firetruck from WildRose Toys that will help develop your little one’s imagination and creativity.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Behind WildRose Toys is a young family living in Banff National Park who aim to create an environmentally friendly play experience through their wooden toys. They use recycled natural pine, non-toxic, child-safe paints and finishes.
Shop WildRose Toys here.
14. A bottle of Congo Calypso Hot Pepper Sauce from Hungry Volcano that will add a hot kick to any dish.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Hungry Volcano is a Calgary-based maker of small batch hot, wing, and barbecue sauces with a passion for fiery foods. They are on a mission to spread the Gospel of Fire across Canada… and around the world!
Shop Hungry Volcano here.
15. A D’or Delights floating pearl necklace that will elevate every outfit.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
D’or Delights is a small business located in Calgary that creates premium quality jewelry with freshwater pearls from the Philippines. Their pieces are simple, elegant, and timeless.
Shop D’or Delights here.
16. And finally, an Alberta Is Home Crew Neck Made By Megii thats proudly created for Albertans or for people who call Alberta Home.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
Made By Megii, based in Calgary, creates Alberta inspired apparel for all Albertans (or anyone who considers themselves Albertan at heart!).
Shop Made By Megii here.
Your friends and family opening these gifts:
NHL // Giphy
If you’re in the area, you can find all these vendors at the Banff Christmas Market which truly reminds me of a Hallmark holiday movie come to life! Otherwise feel free to support these local vendors online and through social media.
Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed
The Banff Christmas Market only runs one more weekend this December 1-3.
