YXE gift guide: 11 locally-owned businesses for holiday shopping
It’s no secret that YXE is home to some amazing local businesses. Shopping local not only supports the Saskatoon community, but it also means you’ll be giving a unique gift this holiday season. If you’re looking for books, stationary, outdoor gear, clothing, home decor, coffee and everything in between, check out these 11 Saskatoon businesses, which are perfect for all your gift-giving needs!
Photo via Hardpressed
Hardpressed is a local store known for their SK-inspired clothing and apparel. A t-shirt with “Land of the Living Skies” on it? They have that. A hat with the Saskatchewan flag? They have that, too. And their latest Saskatoon Berry Pie gear is a must-have for any YXE local. In addition to their own brand, Hardpressed also carries other clothing, apparel and home goods.
Photo via Those Girls at the Market
The Little Market Box is a farmers’ market retail hub, carrying goods from many producers province-wide. They have gifts perfect for the holidays, like honey, preserves, body products, coffee and tea and more. As a bonus, Chocolate by Those Girls at the Market is also located in the same storefront and makes incredible handcrafted raw chocolate (seriously, this chocolate is unreal — try the cranberry and sea salt, my personal favourite). Come the holiday season, they offer specials too, like their Advent Bar and gift box options.
This independent bookstore has everything you’ll need for the book-lover in your life. Offering a fantastic selection of both fiction and non-fiction titles, they also carry cookbooks, kid’s books, graphic novels, magazines, puzzles and games, and have a great selection of books by Saskatchewan authors.
Photo via Clay Studio Three
Just off Broadway, Clay Studio Three is a pottery collective where you can find gorgeous pieces by Saskatchewan ceramic artists. Shop for mugs, bowls, plant pots, dishes, wine goblets, home decor and more.
Photo via Prairie + Pine
Located in Lawson Heights Mall, Prairie and Pine sells goods made-in-Saskatchewan by over 80 local artisans. They have everything from clothing and jewelry, to drinkware, candles, bath products and even gifts for your fur baby.
Photo via Wanuskewin Gift Shop
The Wanuskewin Gift Shop on Broadway Avenue offers a curated selection of beautiful gifts from First Nations, Métis and Inuit artisans across Canada. With a focus on traditional and handmade items, they carry jewelry, apparel, candles, home goods and more.
If you have anyone on your list who loves to cook — or eat — then be sure to visit SaskMade to stock up on locally-made food products, like syrup, jam, honey, chocolate and so much more. SaskMade also has a large selection of gifts like books and souvenirs, and they make gift baskets, which come in all sizes and varieties, featuring a range of Saskatchewan goods.
Photo via The Better Good
This Broadway shop is dedicated to all things sustainable living, whether it’s natural body products, kitchenware or home goods to help with overall waste reduction. If you have a gift exchange coming up and need a gift that anyone could appreciate, gifts like their reusable straws, cloth produce bags and beeswax candles are all a great option.
Photo via Hen & Chick Studios
Located downtown, Hen & Chick has a well-curated selection of Canadian-made gifts, including candles, puzzles, bath products, accessories and more. They also sell a number of different themed gift baskets and seasonal goods.
Photo via Outter Limits
This local outdoor store has it all, including apparel and footwear, hiking and camping gear, travel essentials and specialty equipment like snowshoes. Outter Limits also has an excellent selection of Yeti items like water bottles, tumblers and coolers, plus they carry hats, toques, mitts and more.
Photo via Soul Paper
If you’re looking for art and craft supplies, greeting cards, journals, writing instruments or anything to do with stationary, then Soul Paper has what you need. Be sure to check out their seasonal holiday collection too for cards and wrapping ideas.
Want more YXE gift ideas?
If you want to give local spirits, cider or beer, YXE is home to many distilleries and micro-breweries where you can buy their products on-site. If you have someone on your list who loves vintage, check out these Saskatoon thrift and antique stores. Another great option is to purchase a gift card for a favourite local restaurant, cafe or bakery. Or you can give the gift of an experience with tickets to local happenings like the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, an event at TCU Place, a show at Persephone Theatre, tickets to a sporting event and more.
Naomi Hansen
Naomi Hansen is a writer and editor based in Saskatoon, SK. Her first book, Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes & Stories from the Province’s Best-loved Eateries, was published by TouchWood Editions in spring 2022. Find her on Instagram @onlyinsaskatchewan, Twitter @naomihansen_ or at www.naomihansen.ca.