As we move closer and closer to the festive season, now’s the time to start building up that gift list for loved ones… and throw in a few surprises for yourself, for good measure.
However, in our current climate it’s more important than ever to put your hard-earned cash into the hands of local, Calgary-based businesses and not the greasy palms of an American conglomerate.
Lucky for you, Fourth Street will have you spoiled for choice ahead of the season’s festivities, with everything from books and beauty products to sound systems and the latest fashion finds.
Whether you’re hoping to brighten up a friend’s holidays or just want to treat yourself, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s face it, it’s getting frosty out here. That’s why DUER has everything you’ll need to brave the Albertan weather, from scarves and sweaters to tech-savvy denim designed specifically to keep you warm during the winter months.
Fieldstudy also has a wide variety of amazing gifts, including candles and other apothecary items to keep your home looking warm and cosy during those long nights. It’s also home to cardigans, sweater vests, scarves and more, alongside hats and balaclavas to add an extra layer of savvy style to your wardrobe.
Likewise, Without Co is home to completely sustainable goods such as bath and body products, kitchen goods, high-end toiletries and even nail polish. Cuticle oils, sugar scrubs and floral botanicals can also be found at Fourth Street staple Frilly Lilly, alongside a range of services across waxing, nails, lash, brow maintenance and facials.
Speaking of services and merch, Steel Needle is the newest tattoo and piercing studio in Mission, housing a bunch of cool piercing services - as well as titanium hardware to keep your piercing looking pristine and healthy - as well as house-made merch from as cheap as $15. Wanna be the coolest kid on the block? Steel Needle’s DIY approach to fashion has you covered.
As cool as the underground aesthetic may be, there’s something for everyone at your local thrift store. Kept Clothing Collective has tonnes of furs, leathers (which is their speciality) and retro relics to upscale any wardrobe. While also being a vintage and thrift hub, Article Apparels is also home to kitschy and cool accessories and home items to make your home look truly unique.
Another element of a home (and a healthy brain) which everyone needs in their life is books. Shelf Life Books is known as one of the best book stores in the city, with loads of local artists, niche genres and eclectic accessories to upgrade your intellectual journey. It was also recently visited by Teagan of Calgary’s own Teagan and Sarah. Cool, huh?!
One thing you’re not going to want to go second-hand with, though, is your underwear. That’s why Knix is home to wireless bras, leakproof underwear, sleepwear and shapewear to make you as comfortable as possible while smashing through your daily routine.
However, not every member of the family is an adult or teen who will appreciate a cool knick-knack or a comforting candle. Find toys, trinkets and accessories for the young ones in your life at Maude Kids Decor, or if you’re little one happens to be furry and four-legged, stop by PAWSitively Natural Pet Food & Supplies for a bone, treat or something fun to play with.
On the more tech-savvy side of the gift spectrum, K&W Audio has all your futuristic needs covered, stereo systems to installing your very own home theatre. Unsurprisingly, their staff are all tech wizards, so they’ll be sure to steer you in the right direction as you figure out what fits your home best.
Wherever you’re shopping this festive season, be sure to say hello to some of your homegrown hotspots on Fourth Street!
