With the countdown to Christmas underway, the good news for Wetaskiwinites is that the no matter the size of your list, the opportunity to check it off is close at hand!
And – even better – you can do so knowing you’ll be supporting your community in the process.
Yes, Wetaskiwin enjoys an abundance of unique small shops, restaurants and services, the very enterprises that help make our community unique, where you can find both national brands without having to leave home and unique-to-Wetaskiwin offerings you won’t find anywhere else.
But beyond these practical gift-giving points, there’s something more at heart of shopping locally at Christmas, and throughout the year.
“At the helm of these shops, restaurants and other outlets are your friends and neighbours – the people supporting your children’s hockey teams and 4H Club, collecting for the food bank and sponsoring the local theatre,” notes Vern May, City of Wetaskiwin’s Manager of Economic Development. “They’re also more likely to support local themselves, redistributing more money back into our Wetaskiwin community, creating jobs, prosperity and economic diversity – and that’s good for all of us.”
So as you consult that list – and check it twice – here are a few ideas sure to keep you in the “nice” column this year:
Shop local: Wetaskiwin’s historic downtown is home to a number of unique, boutique retailers filled with one-of-a-kind creations, including Mickey’s Flowers, Local Roots Floral Design and Finishing Touches – all ideal for gift-giving, for lovely tokens for your host or hostess, or maybe something special for yourself and your home.
The season will sparkle long after the holiday lights come down with a gift from French’s Jewellery, while a visit to the Star Store gift shop at the Wetaskiwin Heritage Museum or the community’s thrift shops offers gifts that give back to your community in multiple ways!
And at the Wetaskiwin Mall, great gift ideas await at Rustic Creations, featuring handmade items from all over Alberta, Treasured Memories, Sage Beauty and Wild West Gallery. Not sure about the right size, or what they may already have? A gift card always fits!
Dine Local: Wetaskiwin is home to more than 60 restaurants featuring a wide range of culinary offerings, from your go-to morning coffee and treats to delicious international cuisine, and you know a gift card for a night out is never a bad choice.
Local producers also share their home-grown and locally produced foods at the Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society’s weekly Farmers’ Market, each Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. Whether you’re finding delicious ingredients for your holiday table, unique treats for the foodie on your list, or maybe just cookies for Santa, you’ll find it here.
Experience Local: More and more, gifts of experiences are topping people’s wishlists, and with opportunities like we have here in Wetaskiwin, those wishes are easy to fulfill. Consider an art class or a night at the theatre, for example, a round of golf or maybe a pass to the Manluk Centre for swimming or a fitness class.
Need more ideas? Find more ways to keep it local this holiday season here.