With the holiday season quickly approaching, I teamed up with Travel Manitoba to challenge myself to shop local in Winnipeg for all of my gifts this year! It always feels good to support local businesses (especially during the holidays) so I rounded up 5 of my favourite Winnipeg shops that offer something for everyone on your list!

There is just something about finding the perfect gift for someone you love at a local shop, purchasing it straight from the owner, and then seeing the recipient’s eyes light up when they open up a unique present they didn’t even know they needed…

Whether you are looking to buy something for your sister who has everything, the holiday party host, or your significant other who never knows what they want for Christmas, shopping local in Winnipeg is actually a lot more simple than you might think thanks to so many amazing local stores and boutiques.

While there are MANY local gems in this city, here are just a few of my favourites:

FOR THE ECO-FRIENDLY FRIEND: Generation Green

We’re all trying to make more environmentally conscious decisions, so whether you’re gifting someone who is just starting out with sustainable living or a seasoned vet, Generation Green has the products to help! With natural cleaning and skincare alternatives, zero-waste beauty products, healthy food, and reusable containers/bags/straws to name a few, there are so many great options! Their wide range of products available at multiple price points makes it a great place to grab a Secret Santa gift, too!

FOR THE FASHIONISTA: Mad About Style

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend… I say DRESSES! Mad About Style is a perfectly curated boutique filled with all the trendy styles you want but can never find in the mall. Whether it’s a chunky knit sweater, a stylish blouse or a cute accessory, you’re sure to find something for the fashion-forward lady in your life! Plus, the sweet girls who work there are always willing to spend time helping you find the perfect fit for yourself, or nailing the gift ideas for someone else!

FOR THE GUY’S GUY: North Flag

Stockpiled with “Winnipeg is Good” and “Middle Province” logo’d tees, crewnecks and more, this local gem is full of prairie pride. Featuring their own styles and multiple other local brands, North Flag offers casual lifestyle apparel for guys (and gals), tote bags, prints and even toques! There’s no better place to grab some Manitoba memorabilia that you (or your gift recipient) will want to wear again and again.

FOR THE FOODIE: Black Market Provisions

Chock-full of local Manitoban and Canadian sauces, spreads (my personal fav gift idea – SmakDab Mustard), home decor and other cute items, Black Market Provisions offers the perfect little spot to grab a gift on the go! Whether it’s a batch of fresh of cookies on your way to visit family, or a little jar of goodness for a hostess gift on your way to a holiday get together — there are so many delicious local options just waiting to be added to a pantry and given all the love in a holiday recipe.

FOR THE LOCAL LOVER: Tara Davis Studio Boutique

Not-so-hidden in the Exchange District, Tara Davis Studio Boutique is sure to catch your eye with the bright and glittery window display. As soon as you walk through the doors, you can feel the cheer. Filled with art, jewelry, handmade clothing, knits, candles, hair accessories and oh-so much more, Tara Davis herself refers to her studio as “made with love from 100 Canadian makers” — and she’s right. You really can feel the love and care that went into each individual item, and Tara can recite the maker of each item without batting an eye. It’s one of those shops where you can walk in not needing a thing, and walk out with your hands full — perfect for those who “claim” they don’t need anything… yeah, right.

If this doesn’t help cross a few names off your gift shopping list, then I don’t know what to tell ya! This holiday season, put some consideration into where you spend your dollars and give the gift of shopping local in Winnipeg by checking out some of these awesome shops and boutiques for yourself!

Thank you to Travel Manitoba for partnering with me on this post. As a proud born and raised Winnipegger, all opinions and store selections are my own.