A Red River Christmas

Whether we care to think about it or not, Christmas is not far off. And once again, we face the dilemma of gifts. We may not like to admit it, but we are a spoiled society. What do you buy that person who has everything? Instead of looking in the big box stores, muscling through crowded shopping malls, or buying from a picture on Amazon, why not check out the unique, one-of-a-kind shops right here in Red River North?

After looking around the area, I am convinced shoppers can find something special for that someone special, avoid the crowds, but still be able to see, touch, and closely examine many perfect gifts, right here locally. Here are just a few fine examples:

Wishme is an interesting little store on Eveline Street operated by Inclusion Selkirk, a wonderful organization which works with families and self-advocates with intellectual disabilities. You will find dozens of unique gift ideas throughout the store, many from local crafters and artists from the Selkirk area, Manitoba, or Canada. Books by local authors, beautiful paintings from Lake Gal Art, metal art from renowned area artist Jan Dornian, or Gordon Boyd of Lake Winnipeg Glassworks are just a few other ideas.

On Main Street in Selkirk, you can check out Three 6 Tea. Maybe you would like a gift set, featuring a beautifully boxed collection of teas, or the Sampler Collection, a favourite gift for teachers or hostesses. Or put together your own handpicked collection for that tea lover on your list. Not sure what to choose? The helpful staff are happy to suggest something in the store that will please that “hard to buy for” someone and suit them “to a T”.

Further south on Main in Selkirk you can shop For Keeps, another gift shop with a variety of classy items. This store has a full line of toys that are gorgeous keepsakes for toddlers through to school age children. For the “bigger kids” they have necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and crystal and a selection of Espee purses, scarves, and sport bags. For the house, there is a range of home décor, from coasters to Kitras art balls, pottery, and trinkets. Yes, your recipients will want to keep any gift from For Keeps.

At the corner of Main and Manitoba, The Gwen Fox Gallery gift shop is a great place to visit. They sell items produced by Gallery members, all local artists and artisans – pens, paintings, books, cards, earrings, jewellery, tree decorations, and much more. Truly a different shopping experience.

Do you have a hunter or fishing enthusiast to buy for? Harvester Outdoors on Mercy Street is a full outdoor sporting goods store with a focus on affordable, quality, family-friendly products. So if you’re looking for hunting gear, angling supplies, or even commercial fishing products, they have you covered.

If you would prefer to shop online, how about the wide selection of soaps, lotions, creams, and bath bombs, handmade by local artisan, Christina Barr, of Barr Soap. Or check out Steel Your Art Away, featuring metal art for your home, yard, or garden, all handmade by local artist Jan Dornian.

In the very unique category would be a gift certificate for a weekend getaway at Hook & Tassel B&B, a real “away from the everyday” getaway.

Another unique idea would be to buy some Selkirk Biz Bucks, gift cards made available by Selkirk Biz (the area chamber of commerce), usable at over 50 Selkirk district businesses.

And I’m not done yet. The gift shop at The Selkirk Regional Health Centre carries a delightful selection of items, including some clothing, Big Dollar is crammed full of all sorts of unique gift items, and Gypsy Trader has some unique collectibles and vintage items in the store.

Of course, Selkirk isn’t the only place in Red River North for unique Christmas shopping. In the East Beaches area, we have Carol’s on Leon, a unique gift store nestled off Highway #59 at Traverse Bay. Carol’s carries a variety of items that would delight many on your gift list. There are games for all ages, one-of-a-kind jewellery items like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Kitchenware, skincare products, apparel and accessories, a variety of beautiful paintings, Manitoba made gourmet baked goods, and so much more. Wherever you live in the region, Carol’s on Leon is worth the trip.

And to the south of Selkirk, how about The Shops of St. Andrews? They specialize in all sorts of lovely Christmas décor and gift items at this time of year.

A trip into St. Andrews Heritage Centre’s Holiday gift shop is sure to surprise and delight. In addition to their diverse selection of local coffee and honey, this community museum nestles tables of unique gift items among their history exhibits. Vintage items, antiques, collectibles and handmade goods abound.

Explore this website for more info on these and other businesses. Contacts for artists and artisans can be found under the Arts Afficionado section of Explore and other members are listed on the About page.

For something really different, check out the Friends of Fort Garry Holiday Market on November 19th and 20th from 10 to 5, where you can peruse local makers’ wares inside the warm visitor’s centre at the fort.

And on Saturday November 26th and Sunday November 27th, there is the Makers Craft Market at the Gordon Howard Centre during the Holiday Alley festivities.

I know there are likely some places I have missed, and for that, I apologize.

However, I think that the ones I have talked about support my claim that there are plenty of wonderful gift shopping opportunities right here in Red River North - all year round!

I will close with a bit of a twist on my usual line:

  “For unique gifts this season, there are plenty of reasons, To shop here in Red River North.”