Is that gift list growing day by day as we creep closer to the holidays? Have no fear, The Forks Market is here to be a one-stop shop for every person you want to treat this holiday season, plus its cozy, you can go skating before or after you shop, and perhaps best of all, you can enjoy a libation or two from The Common while you stuff your shopping bags with stocking stuffers.
Take a peek below at some of our suggestions, ranging from stocking stuffers and items worth a splurge to potluck must-haves and awesome ideas for that one person who is almost impossible to buy for (you know who you are).
Stocking Stuffers:
What better gift to give than a book? For the young minds in your family, acquaint them with a piece of Winnipeg history and toss a copy of A.A. Milne’s classic, Winnie the Pooh ($8.99), from McNally Robinson Booksellers into their stocking, perhaps along with a ticket to see House on Pooh Corner over at Manitoba Theatre for Young People?
Keeping with the theme of repping Winnipeg, the new Lonely Planet Best In Travel 2019 ($25.99) features a section on Manitoba as one of their choices of top regions to check out.
Over at Dragon House, there are tons of little treats that will bright up anyone’s stocking. They have beautifully packaged tins of traditional green tea ($10.99) and jasmine tea ($12.99) that offer a variety of both physical and mental health benefits, making it the perfect gift for anyone who really feels that holiday stress. If you’re after something a little sillier, check out their keychain rack. It may sound corny, but the tiny bowl of dim sum ($4.99) is absolutely adorable.
Speaking of food, tasty treats are always a great option for a quick little gift. The Almond Tree offers some pieces of locally made fudge, which run from around $5.60-$6.50 per piece, and this shop also carries the classic boxes Nutty Club popcorn for just over $1.
Great Gifts under $30:
Is there jewellery-lover on your list? Take a peek at the Flora Lune Creative collection in the Forks Trading Company; she has earrings and necklaces on display in the shop that are well under the $30 price point (the ones pictured are $13-$18), making it a stunning gift to give while minding your budget.
Himalayan salt lamps are all the rage right now, and Gilbert’s Stones is well stocked with all sizes and prices. The smallest ones hover right under that $30 mark, proving that it doesn’t have to cost a lost to be on trend.
If fair trade and products made from natural ingredients is a priority, take a peek in Distant Caravans; they have pure essential oils ($20 each) for those who can’t live without their diffusers, and absolutely beautiful scarves from Northern India (for only $10) that will please anyone on you list.
And who doesn’t love to be cozy? Two Rivers has a selection of Arkimports slippers made from 100% New Zealand wool ($24.99) which will keep your tootsies toasty all winter long.
Worth the splurge:
Sometimes, you just need to drop some dough to on that perfect gift. Shekman Furs has a selection of super warm mittens that will keep fingers safe from frostbite while shovelling those huge dumps of snow that are undoubtedly in our future. The mitts — which range in price from $75-$110 — are locally made, and have soft fur on the wrist.
Speaking of warmth, Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique has dozens of pairs of authentic handmade moccasins with beading on the top and rabbit fur along the opening. These little babies will set you back around $80, and other styles in the shop go as high as $379.99.
Art is always a good investment, and Aida Crystal is not short on options to choose from. Particularly stunning are the hand-carved soapstone and alabaster framed pieces ($199). The detail work is sure to make this a talking piece in any home.
dconstruct is the newest shop upstairs at The Forks market with nifty jewellery, apparel and housewares at a variety of pricepoints, surely you'll find something for that stylish person on your list!
For the host with the most:
Buying host gifts can be a pain, especially if you don’t know them personally. Coal and Canary has a few excellent options to avoid this headache. They have two collections of wintery seasonal candles — the Sweater Weather collection and the Holiday collection. The full-size candles run for $30 and have a burn time of about 50-60 hours, while the votives come in a set of five scents for $50 and have a burn time of 25-30 hours.
Pro-tip: The votives in the set come in festive individual boxes, so break them up and give them individually as host gifts all season (and make sure to keep one for yourself as well!)
Sweet treats are also a wonderful item to bring to any holiday party, and you won’t get prettier packaging than Jenna Rae Cakes. They have both a 6-pc and 12-pc macaron box ($15-$30), as well as a bunch of other tasty treats, that will be sure to impress.
And if you prefer the classic option of alcohol, Ellement Wine + Spirits has you covered. They are offering two-bottle gift packs; there are some made up in store, but you can also choose which wines you’d like to include. These sets range in price from around $50 upwards and are just the perfect gift for any wine-adoring host.
For the potluck party:
When time has evaporated before your eyes while doing holiday prep, instead of stressing about which dip to make for the office potluck, the best thing to do is admit defeat and buy something delicious to share.
There is something just so comforting about a warm, fruity pie, and Tall Grass Prairie Bread Co. has plenty on hand to send home with you. For $24.95 (plus a $5 pan deposit) you can still get that homemade feel and taste without all the work.
If something more snackable is on your list, Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen has numerous varieties of homemade salsa for just $8.75 a jar (don’t worry, they have mild options too if spice isn’t your thing). Grab a couple bags of La Cocina thin tortilla chips (made in Blumenort, Man.) and you’ll be on your way.
For the person who has everything:
Did you know The Forks has merch? Well, we do! We have cozy things, we have comfy things; we have practical things and things to help make your home just a bit more Winnipeggy. These items make awesome and unique gifts if you’re sending some presents away to former Winnipeggers, or for anyone that just loves coming to The Forks and celebratie their city.
And at The Forks we are all about shared experiences, so for the person who has everything, try a Forks Market gift card; it can be used anywhere in the market, including The Common and gives you the perfect excuse (not that you need one!) to head over and spend the day together enjoying not just the market, but the river trail, Johnston Terminal — which also has plenty of shops ready for gift hunting— the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and everything else The Forks has to offer. Turn it into a whole day of winter fun your friends or family won’t soon forget.