Support Local: Ward 9 Gifts-That-Aren’t-More-Things Holiday Giving Guide
Did you know small businesses make up a large amount of the retail sector in Calgary? Local businesses generate about four times more economic activity than larger corporations. And support for local businesses means support for local jobs.
Ward 9 is home to so many of the absolute best local businesses and organizations in our city. As the holiday season approaches, we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas that support local Ward 9 businesses and create happy memories and opportunities for connection in the process.
Purchase passes and plan a date to TELUS Spark (check out their adults-only nights)
Sign up for a workshop at Fuse 33, Plant Shop, or Mud Urban Potters (just to name a few!)
Reserve a spot for you and your favourite pal to experience an Around the World Food Tour on International Ave
Gift a coupon good for coffee and walk around the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Beaverdam Flats, or Elliston Park
Sip your way through Highfield or Inglewood/Ramsay with your own self-guided brewery crawl (hot tip- a bunch of the breweries around town have outdoor fire pits to keep you extra cozy in the winter!)
Snag a gift card to your favourite local restaurant and head out for a delicious meal (Ward 9 has SO MANY to pick from!)
Buy a day pass and go check out the new polar bear habitat at the Calgary Zoo - opening Dec 1. (Also be sure to check out the two baby gorillas- they will completely make your day!)
Plan an ice skating and hot chocolate date at one of Calgary’s outdoor community rinks (opening soon!)
Purchase tickets for an upcoming event- Block Heater, East Town Get Down, or Global Fest are all great Ward 9 standouts.
Check out a movie at the old-timey Burnswest Theatre inside Fort Calgary. (Ticket price includes museum admission and free popcorn)
Support in-depth, independent Calgary journalism by making a donation to The Sprawl (or Canadaland if national coverage is more your thing)
Buy Huggabowl tokens from No Fixed Address and provide a few hot meals for a neighbour in need.
Make a donation to a local charity in their honour
Plans for a round of disc golf at the Forest Lawn Disc Golf Course
Reserve a fire pit at one of The City parks and pack a cozy picnic
Pickup a 28-day cheese advent from Say Cheese or sign up for the cheese of the month club from Bridgeland Market
Order a bundle of all four of our Ward 9 maps! They are totally free and make a perfect stocking stuffer!