24 last minute Manitoba gift ideas that will look like you put a lot of thought into it

Posted December 18, 2019 | Author Nisha Tuli

The big day is less than a week away and you’re either a) light years from having your stuff together b) just realizing the babysitter’s aunt’s bus driver also needs a gift c) listening to your kids change their mind for the 3,456th time or d) you really love the stress and angst of a tight deadline.

Wherever you fit, we’ve got some ideas for the best places to find the perfect gift in Manitoba that will make it look like you actually put weeks of thought into this.

Treats for tots

If you’ve never been to one of Winnipeg’s two best toy stores, you (and quite frankly your kids) are missing out. Kite and Kaboodle and Toad Hall Toys are both packed to the brim with creative, educational, trendy and must-have toys for all ages. Puzzles, games, LEGO, trains, books, science kits and art supplies can all be found in the loaded shelves and are sure to delight even the most indecisive of kids this holiday.

Relax & retreat

Wellness and self-care were easily two of the biggest buzzwords in 2019. And what better gift could someone get than the opportunity to sooth themselves? Experience gifts (because do we really need more stuff?) are also hot right now, so check off two boxes with a gift card to Nordic spa Thermea, a Turkish hamam treatment at Ten Spa or Gaban-yoku at Poca Poca Spa. If your giftee could really use a getaway, tickets to a wellness retreat like Prairie Snowflake is sure to put some calm in their aura.

Fun not things

On the topic of experience gifts, tickets and passes to attractions around the province are perfect for reducing clutter, all while saying ‘I love you’. Consider passes or a membership to Assiniboine Park Zoo. FortWhyte Alive or the Manitoba Museum. Or, opt for something on the more active side like Stride Place in Portage la Prairie (which includes access to the outdoor water park), arcade credits at Uptown Alley in Winnipeg or a gift card to Just4Kidz in Brandon.

Handmade heaven

As nice as experiences are, something you want things--sometimes because they are beautiful, sometimes because they are functional, or sometimes because they’re just something you need (emotionally speaking). Check out Commonwealth Manufacturing for small-batch collared shirts, dconstruct for modern eco-friendly jewellery, Lennard Taylor Design Studio for gorgeous cutting edge fashion and Coal and Canary for locally-made candles. If you’ve got a lover of all things Winnipeg and Manitoba to shop for, then visit League Label Co, for its Hometown Pride collection.

Oh so yummy

And finally, nothing says love like something for the stomach. Stop in at Forks Trading Company for a huge variety of unique snacks (think whisky popcorn and locally made spreads) perfect for stuffing stockings. The province abounds with bakeries like Arborg Bakery, Chez Angela in Brandon or Valley Bakery in Winkler--all offering up treats that will make you the number one gifter. Blackmarket Provisions and Flora & Farmer also carry a huge variety of locally made food products from jams and mustards to sauces and so much more--make a spectacle of it by gathering them all into a gift basket. If you're looking for more liquid inspiration, the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Ellement Wine and Spirits in The Forks and Banville & Jones will help you select the perfect vintage for your wine lover.

Nisha Tuli

About The Author

Hello! I'm the former senior content marketing manager at Travel Manitoba. I also happen to live in one of the most surprising and beautiful places in the world. I love discovering stories and the things that make Manitoba one of the best places to visit.

Senior Content Marketing Manager