For anyone who attended the recent two-day Third + Bird market at the Transcona Country Club knows, Winnipeg has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to local designers, craftspeople, and everyone else under the artisanal rainbow.
Hundreds of peeps flocked to Third + Bird, but don't worry if you think you've missed your chance, as they have teamed up with The Forks Market throughout December to ensure you can buy local so everyone on your shopping list receives something truly unique this holiday season.
On December 1-4, 8-11, and 14, you can find cool stuff from the likes of Indigo Arrows -- whose pillows, towels and textiles would be a welcome addition to any home; Cloverdale Forage -- which features ironwork by Winnipeg blacksmith Matt Jenkins; luxurious knitwear by Hook & Barrel; the stylish clutches from Hoshii Designs; or perhaps the whimsical, one of a kind notebooks by Dreaming Tree Paper Co. during the Third + Bird Pop-up at The Forks.
Of course, this being The Forks Market, you can also grab a glass of wine or beer from The Common and do your holiday shopping while sipping away (seriously, how sophisticated is that). Plus, The Forks already has over 40 unique shops like the Forks Trading Company.
And say what? There's another one-day only market coming your way on December 17th that will be filled to the gills with amazing local gifts.
The Lucky Girl Pop-up Shop is at 300 Ross Avenue (the HutK gallery space) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and always features darling items for everyone on your list from peeps like mud + stone studio, who make the most gorgeous ceramics around -- you can find their plates under some of Winnipeg's best dishes at places like deer + almond and Forth -- while, as another fun gift idea, you can also take pottery lessons with owners Lynne Mulvihill and Jenn McCurry. Coal and Canary -- the greatest, best-smelling candle makers around will also be there, as will The Peg Authentic Brand clothing, so you can let everyone know where it's at this holiday season (hint: THE PEG). This is just a sampling of the amazing artisans whose works are ready to go under the xmas tree.
Of course, our neighbourhoods all have their very own impressive locally owned shops, so please feel follow these guides by Cordyon Avenue Biz, Exchange District Biz, Downtown Winnipeg Biz, Osborne Village Biz, West End Biz, and West Broadway Biz for a listing of all their stores.
Or how about the spa?
If you are reading this thinking, "well, I don't want to go through the trouble of attending trendy markets while talking to people," (introvert guys, were are looking at you) why not just give the gift of spa indulgence -- a gift that almost everyone will enjoy (which you can order online or pickup at the desk).
Ten Spa at the 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 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). Of particular note is the hamam, a throwback to the Ottoman spas of old where one of the treatments will have you laying down in a steamy room while someone slowly pours water over your limbs. We tell you, it is heaven.
Riverstone Spa's signature Jade Stone Experience (Brian Gould for Inn at the Forks)
One step into Riverstone Spa at the Inn at the Forks and you'll quickly realize why enRoute has called it one of "11 Great Hotel Spas Across Canada." It's a dandy of a spot if you are looking to give someone a unique treatment to melt away that stress. Their Jade Stone Experience, Chakra Balancing Massage, and Indigenous Hot Stone Massage are near legendary for their all out awesomeness.
Thermëa by Nordik Spa Nature is an outdoor spa brimming with pools, steam rooms, saunas, a waterfall, and so much more providing the ultimate environment for relaxation. For just $46 (or $51 Fridays and weekends) you can spend all day here working through the hot to cold to hot rejuvenation cycle, making it a perfect getaway for couples. They also have an amazing onsite restaurant where dining in robes is mandatory, along with a fine roster of massage and body treatments.