Your (Not So Secret) Regina Gift Guide

I love giving gifts. Like, a lot. If I won the lottery, I think I might quit my job and become a professional gift-giver. It’s a combination of things that make it fun for me… the thrill of the hunt for the perfect thing or experience to match with each unique person on my list, plus the anticipation of wrapping it up and waiting to see their reaction adds to the excitement. Not to mention I have the cutest helper!

When it comes to shopping in SK, I like to try to find things in my neighbourhood, and support the local businesses in my community when finding the perfect gift for my family. Here are some of my local go-to’s for some of the people on my list:

Something we can do together is one of my favourite gifts for my niece – like a mini and me pedicure at Coco Nail Lounge: this sweet spot is right in my neighbourhood and offers facials, manicures, and pedicures – oh my! It’s great for a date for two and a nice way to treat our toes in the middle of winter. Oh, and they are licensed, so you can enjoy a glass of wine with your spa treatment – don’t mind if I do!

For my sister-in-law – Whit + Park Home & Garden (formerly WP Inside) is my go-to for unique finds and some of my favourite gifting (and receiving ) brands like Alex + Ani, Lampe Berger and Lug. I can add to her collection and get something I know she’ll love.

For my sons, I have a couple stops around Regina – Dutch Cycle Repair, which is not just a repair shop. They carry tons of accessories, clothing and gear that my mountain-biker obsesses over. Then there’s Royal Sporting Goods for my Nike loving football player and Adidas loving soccer player, so I can load up on hoodies, hats, socks and shirts I know they’ll love. I can also find entertainment that is NOT video games for the whole family to enjoy like darts, foosball, and Table Tennis.

For my husband, who happens to be a Chef, my go-to is KitchenGear for specialty knives, Le Creuset Cookware, and all kinds of cool kitchen gadgets that I have no idea how to use. He gets cool kitchen toys, and I get amazing food at home, so it’s really a gift for both of us.

For the Grand-folks, a unique, hand-made gift is best, and I can always find something perfect at the MacKenzie Art Gallery Shop or the popular Holiday Bazaart, which features dozens of amazing artists in one spot. Check it out on November 24 this year

And of course, I can’t forget my fur-babies! Lily, Maggie and Eddie love treats too and it’s so much fun to watch them sniff out the dog bones and cat-nip in their pint-sized stockings on Christmas morning. For these three rascals I can always find something squeaky, chewy and yummy at Bone + Biscuit Co.

What about me? Oh well, thanks for asking… I love just about anything from Crocus and Ivy – Sophie Conran, Tokyo Milk, and Rifle Paper Co. are a few favourite brands for myself – not to mention the amazing Canadian brands of clothing they carry. But to me, the holidays are about spending time with family and friends; cooking, eating, drinking, sharing and enjoying the comfort of a warm home and family traditions.

During the holidays (and at any time of year) it’s important to remember that it’s really about the act of giving, and not the gift itself – which is probably why I get so much satisfaction out of the entire process. “The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” – Pierre Corneille.

I couldn’t agree more.

– Nicole Westerlund is the Marketing Manager responsible for Brand & Advertising at Directwest.