Last-Minute Local: Festive Shopping Close to Home

By Kellie Davenport

Hosting a holiday gathering? Stock up on food, decor and gifts in your own neighbourhood. You can even score a deal by showing your AMA card to save instantly or earn reward dollars.   

FLIRT CUPCAKES
Located in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood, the bakery stocks fresh-baked cupcakes—along with cookies, cakes and other sweet treats. You can also stock up on vegan and gluten-free options for guests with food sensitivities. Try a pack of Merry Christmas cupcakes with handmade fondant in fun festive colours with cookie toppers. Pastel-hued donuts and delicate meringues will complete your whimsical wonderland, while a bright green Grinch cake adds some devilishly delicious humour. Save 10% on purchases.  

TROUBLED MONK
Before your holiday party, pop by Red Deer’s Troubled Monk craft brewery for growlers to go. Raise some festive cheer with a pint of Hits Different dry-hopped kettle sour, Santa on the Beach tropical stout or Made in the Shade mango peppers. And if you forgot anyone on your gift list, grab some last-minute stocking stuffers and beer gear from the taproom. Save 10% on regular-price growler refills and merchandise. 

POKO POPCORN
Born in a tiny Calgary kitchen, Poko Popcorn will delight holiday snackers of all ilk, from sweet seekers to salt lovers. A bowl of perfectly popped gourmet kernels will be the belle of the ball. With locations across Alberta, you can grab a bag to go in crowd-pleasing flavours like caramel coconut, spicy jalapeno cheddar or the brightly coloured Poko-Loco. Save 15% on gourmet popcorn.  

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A glob
al-inspired gift guide for the holidays

BLONDIE’S GIFT & GARDEN CENTRE
In Dunmore, Blondie’s is a one-stop holiday shop. Deck your halls with fresh boughs, potted poinsettias of all colours, and tropical-inspired festive planters. Founded in 2004, the shop is also a treasure trove for non-floral decor, including rustic ornaments, traditional nutcrackers and gnomes galore. Last-minute shoppers can also peruse a curated selection of inspired gifts. Save 10% on flowers, gifts and more 

INDIGO
Yes, you can shop local at big national chains! Look for Alberta-made products at Indigo, which stocks a treasure trove of Western Canadian makers. Crafted by Canmore’s Rocky Mountain Soap Co., Everything Wash in vanilla coconut can clean guests’ hands and tidy up spills around the house. You can also order a slew of sustainable décor items to responsibly and stylishly deck your halls, from champagne coupes to garlands and throw pillows. Earn 5% back in reward dollars when you purchase an Indigo gift card from AMA.