Are there still quite a few names to cross off that Christmas shopping list? Are you worried about having to brave the malls with their crowded shops, hundreds of grabby hands clawing at sales racks while your panic sets in? I tell you, the last week before Christmas is not for the faint of heart when it comes to shopping.
But don't fret because we have you covered with this helpful little list that will uphold your status as the coolest gift-giver around, especially for those foodies and spa goddesses in your life.
And the best part is there is no need to work out sizes, shapes or colours -- all you have to do is walk to the counter and proclaim, "I would like a gift card." Plus with the jazzy envelopes and stunning graphics on these gift cards, it's as if all the wrapping is already done for you.
Spa Indulgence
Everybody could use a spa day -- not just the ladies in your life. While Mister was hesitant for his first spa trip, a gift card for the hamam treatment at Ten Spa is now the top of his list because, as he says, "There is no better way to unwind than to have your body massaged, while warm water is poured over your limbs, while laying on heated marble."
While this "manly" info may classify as an overshare at a cocktail party (like Mister did on Saturday -- much to my chagrin), I assure you that my man is on to something.
Winnipeg seriously has some of the most amazing spas in North America, and you can't beat their steamy goodness while relaxing and taking respite from winter's cold. Plus giving a gift card for a spa is a guaranteed double thank you, because after they redeem the card you will always get that call that says, "Oh my my god! I just got back from the spa and I feel so rejuvenated. They have this treatment where they...." Well, you know how it is.
The hamam room at Ten Spa (McFadden Design Studio)
The previously mentioned Ten Spa at the Fort Garry Hotel is an ideal place for a day in the lap of luxury. They sell gift certificates for just about every treatment you could imagine, while the majority of the treatments all come with the ability to enjoy all the spa has to offer -- from relaxing in your white robes while eating tea sandwiches and nori wraps, to taking in the European Thermal Suite (which has some of the best showers we've ever seen).
Riverstone Spa at the Inn at the Forks has deals on throughout December for that special someone who could go for a bit of a stress relief. Has someone been cranky coming home from the office? How about a Jade Stone Experience or a Chakra Balancing Massage to get them back on your side?
Winnipeg's newest luxurious locale opens on January 15th, when Thermëa Spa by Nordik Spa-Nature brings a bit of Scandinavia to the heart of Fort Garry. They offer an assortment of gift cards, including ones tailored specifically for her, for him and for foodies, all of which include access to the steamy thermal pools and Finnish saunas. Because really, what could be better than steaming away in an outdoor pool, surrounded by snowcapped trees?
For Foodies
Tim Horton's or Starbucks gift cards are often the item of choice for your office holiday parties, but doesn't it make more sense to give a gift toward something that is uniquely Winnipeg? If coffee is their vice, tell them to switch up their Tim's for some really good coffee from a local shop like Parlour (who has handsome, scannable gift cards), Black Pearl (which also can be used for great accessories and their vast selection of in-house roasted beans), Thom Bargen, Little Sister Coffee Maker, or Cornelia Bean, who also has a fantastic selection of loose teas for the hot beverage aficionado in your life.
A gift certificate to Segovia is guaranteed to be delicious (Segovia)
While chain restaurants tend to be the go-to spots for gift certificates from parents and grandparents, there are so many locally-owned restaurants like Segovia, Fusion Grill, Amici, and Rudy's Eat and Drink that are ideal for your favourite foodie, while a gift card from WOW Hospitality is perfect for someone whose culinary preferences you're not sure of, as they can use it for anything from dinner theatre at Celebrations, to French casual fare at Peasant Cookery, to the best steak and fine dinning in the city at 529 Wellington.
If there is an all-star chef or budding cook on your list, you can't go wrong with a gift card for d.a. Niels Gourmet Kitchenware. This store has just about every gadget, gizmo and utensil one could imagine, including a great selection of knives from Global and Henckel, to every cook's dream product, the Vitamix. Plus, the knowledgeable staff is great at showing you just what your kitchen needs, all while being budget conscious.
And once they have their new kitchen gear, why not get a pro to teach them how to use it? A gift card for cooking classes at Anna magazine's private event studio ($75 for two hours of tasty times) is the best gift to give because your life is only going to get better when your loved one brings those delicious skills home. And if your foodie is looking to learn Italiano, the cooking classes at De Luca's, Winnipeg's venerable Old World food emporium, can't be beat.
Happy stress-free shopping!
Only in The Peg chronicles the adventures of the Peg family–Missus, Mister and Lil’ Peg–as they discover everything there is to see and do in Winnipeg. Follow them on Twitter at @tourismwpg or visit them on Facebook. For even more info on Winnipeg, visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com. Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest information, contests, and upcoming events!
