Five Unconventional (Calgarian) Gifts

It's that time of year. Whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, people are either busting out sparkly ornaments or basking in the brief, collective exhale we get between December 25 and January 1. To make your holiday shopping a little less hectic –– or perhaps gift yourself a reprieve from the chaos of the season –– here's a list of unconventional gifts that'll make stuffing that stocking a heck of a lot easier for you, your friends, and your mental health. You're welcome. 

Yes, Chef!

What better way to get toasty on a frosty evening than by busting out the skillet and your favourite spices? And if you're like some (me) who, at the mere mention of preparing an elegant meal, puff out your chest and awkwardly announce that you "just aren't that good at cooking," then let us introduce you to The Cookbook Co. Cooks. 

Found on 11th Ave, this Bistro Kitchen offers a range of cooking classes for all levels. From date nights for two to group classes, it's the perfect gift for the kitchen-averse in your life. 

Scared of the spice rack that's been gathering dust on the kitchen counter? Give their Turkish Meze class a try. Miss the warmth of your Baba's homemade dishes but never picked up the craft? Then the Pierogi Making Workshop is for you. Can’t make the trip south but still want to feel the heat? Enter: New Orleans Cooking. And if that's not enough to pique your interest, most classes provide two complimentary glasses of wine. 

Classes typically range from $125-$150 per person, with private bookings available for both larger groups and one-on-one sessions. Bon appetite!

Love this? Then you'll love An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi in the Jack Singer Concert Hall on February 24th.

All That Space

Perhaps, like me, you were brought up on constellations and stories of mythic monsters and Greek heroes in the stars. Or perhaps the twinkling lights above get you into the festive mood. Or maybe you just enjoy gazing into the void and contemplating your finite existence.

Whatever your flavour, Space Nights at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory are bound to spark curiosity and feed your wonder for that great beyond. A working science facility that only opens to the public for special events, you can marvel at black holes, meteor showers, and our solar system. Telescopes are provided, and instructors are University of Calgary doctors who really know their stuff (at least, I assume they do. I have an art degree). 

Events are held at the Observatory and run for around three hours in the evening. Tickets start at $10/person and sell out fast, with all proceeds going towards the RAO's educational programming.

Love this? Get your science on with our National Geographic Live shows, taking you from the oceans to the skies to the Antarctic. 

Get Crafty

Winter nights are long in Calgary, so for those especially affected (or for the beer-lover in your life), take them to Crafty Mondays at Cold Garden in Inglewood. A different craft each week, Crafty Mondays provides you with all you need to get creative, plus a pint of your favourite brew. From pumpkin carving in the fall to candle pouring, clay nights, wreath making and more, it's an excellent way to kick off the week. 

Tickets are normally $20+/person. Best of all? Dogs are welcome.

Love this? Then check out Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here for the best album recreation a rock (or beer) fan could ask for.

Paint Your Heart Out

Because we like to keep it artsy, why not dive into watercolour, clay, embroidery, or good ol' fashioned doodling? At Canopy Studios Art & Wellness, there's a workshop for almost everyone. 

Located on 9th Street SW just off of 17th Ave, you can drop off kiddos 7+ for Afterschool Art Café, explore the tonal breadth of landscapes in Watercolour Workshops, Zen out with Mindful Mandala Colouring, or just grab a friend and pick your own adventure for Art Bar Happiness Hour on Thursdays (just remember which glass you're dipping the paintbrush in and which one you're drinking out of. Trust me). 

Costs range from $10 for Art Bars to upwards of $100 for some workshops, so there's something for almost every budget.

Love this? Check out our galleries, with rotating exhibits year-round that'll get those creative ideas flowing.

Friday Night Hype

We can't talk about the greatest things to do in this city without calling out one of the best night-outs you've probably never heard of (unless you read our blog, in which case you know we love this series). TD Amplify brings unparalleled local artists to the Engineered Air Theatre stage for an intimate evening of your greatest eclectic art fantasies. Think: country dream angel cowboys, live experimental art features, out-of-this-world talk shows, and horror drag to rad piano riffs. Don't understand anything I just said? Well, you'll just have to come check it out for yourself. 

This year's season is crafted by TD Incubator Fellow Kenna Burima alongside returning director Steven Conde, both of whom are setting the stage for a premiere during One Yellow Rabbit's iconic High Performance Rodeo festival. It's a night of music, good vibes, and a free afterparty to really get you in the HPR spirit (if you know, you know). 

And the tickets? $10/person. Not bad for a full Friday night out. 

Love this? Apply to be a part of the 2026-27 TD Incubator program or check out this year's cohort.

The best part about these gifts? They're year-round. Grab a cold one at Cold Garden in July, hit the town with TD Amplify in April, or embrace your love of gas giants under autumn leaves. These gifts provide flexibility in a way your Aunt's turducken never will. And that, my friends, is the true miracle.