Part 2 Our Small-Town Saskatchewan Gift Guide is Here –– Happy Holiday Shopping!

Who needs the city when there are so many great local shops in our rural communities? If you’re looking to support local and shop sustainably, your own backyard might be the answer! This holiday season, Saskatchewan Blue Cross is excited to share a handful of our favourite small businesses to support this holiday season.

Northern Saskatchewan has so much to offer!

• Fresh Air Experience – Prince Albert
  You’re sure to find everything you need for your next adventure! From Stand Up Paddleboards, camping and hiking gear, summer and winter bikes, and more, Fresh Air Experience is a great place to stop if you need a gift for an outdoor lover!
• Body Mechanics Salon & Spa – Prince Albert
  Whether you treat yourself or treat someone else, with the extensive menu of self-care treatments at Body Mechanics, you’ll find just what you need.
• Austin’s Saddlery – North Battleford
  If you have a country-loving person on your list, Austin’s Saddlery is your place for all things western wear, tack, custom work and saddle repair, and handmade saddles. If you’re not a local, they have a great website so you can shop online!
• The Allen Sapp Gallery – North Battleford
  This gallery is focused on the life and work of Indigenous artist Allen Sapp. With a great gift store, programming, and gallery, Allen Sapp is a great place to visit and support. Pick up a gorgeous piece of Indigenous handcrafts or a beautiful print for an art enthusiast on your list and support Indigenous cultural programming in the Battlefords!

Why not stop to shop in Central Saskatchewan?

• The Painted Parasol – Lumsden
  This toy and gift shop in the heart of the Qu’Appelle Valley is a great place to find treasures for anyone on your list! There are seemingly endless local gift options to choose from toys, puzzles, decor, and apothecary. It’s always a beautiful drive into the valley! Why not reduce your holiday stress by planning a great outing?
• Polinsky Honey – Theodore
  The small hamlet of Theodore might look unassuming, but it is home to delicious honey! The Polinsky honey farm, which has been in business since 1977, offers delicious raw honey, beeswax candles, ultra-cute and sustainable beeswax food wrap, and apothecary products.
• Alexander’s Men’s Wear – Yorkton
  For a well-made and practical gift for your father, husband, or son, Alexander’s is the place to shop. With 35 years in business, their great team will be able to help you find something to put under the tree this holiday season.
• The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery
  The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery is a wonderful destination in eastern Saskatchewan. Every Christmas, they transform the small gallery into the best place to find locally made crafts, art, jewellery, and cards. Stop in, view the current display work, and pick up something special from the Parkland region.
• Hansen Ross House – Fort Qu’Appelle
  This historic artist residency is also a great place to find fantastic artwork and locally made artisanal objects. If you’re making a day trip out to the valley, be sure to make this a stop.
• Nokomis Brewing – Nokomis
  This local brewery is a staple. If you need a host gift or a last-minute addition to a holiday potluck, Nokomis brewery is a must. While it’s stocked all over Saskatchewan, popping by the brewery is a special treat. You can shop Nokomis merch, glassware, and gift cards online if you need a great stocking stuffer for a local brewery lover on your list.
• Wolf’s General Store – Craven
  If you need a beautiful bottle of wine for a small-town dinner party, look no further than the extensive biodynamic and natural wine selection here. Plus, grab a snack or two! Wolf’s is a great local shop with everything you need for a relaxing holiday.

Say hello to Southern Saskatchewan this holiday season!

• Bud’s BBQ – Ogema
  Why not make a new Christmas tradition and meet your loved ones for a delicious Texas-inspired meal? The locally owned and operated Bud’s BBQ is a must-eat destination in Ogema!
• Solo Italia – Ogema
  You might already love their delicious frozen pizzas that are stocked throughout the province, but if you haven’t made a trip out to Solo Italia’s little yellow restaurant in Ogema, you are missing out! Wood-fired oven pizza goodness with a generous helping of traditional Italian bread and pasta. Why not have an Italian feast this holiday season?
• The Flats – Estevan + Moose Jaw
  Quality food and hometown service. Whether in Moose Jaw or Estevan, The Flats Restaurant offers delicious food to warm you and your family on a cold winter day.
• Buffalo Brewpub – Swift Current
  A great place to meet your friends while visiting your family in Swift Current or get some tasty snacks catered for your holiday meal! Check out Buffalo Brew Pub for tasty pub-inspired comfort food.
• The Sputtergotch Toy Company – Swift Current
  Sputtergotch is the ultimate local toy store with a huge selection of engaging and alternative toys for the little ones in your life. Started by two parents who found it frustrating to find sustainable and quality toys for their children, this shop has become a kid’s dream! With Lego, arts and crafts, models, and engaging educational games that are sure to delight, you can shop local and be the Christmas hero.
• Ballycumber Books – Maple Creek
  Created by local bookworm and senior high English teacher Kara Frey, this is the ultimate cozy place for the bookish type on your gift list. Ballycumber Books stocks all the latest good reads and essential accessories for any reading aficionado.

Happy Gifting to all our Small-Town Members!

Supporting local businesses is the best way to find a little gem in your RM and build entrepreneurship in your community! If you want to stay well this holiday season, read our wellness weekly to get our best tips and tricks.