Livres, cadeaux et passe-temps à Calgary, AB

Whether you’re training to be a cocktail connoisseur, or just want to learn to make a great drink, here’s where to get everything you need from recipes and bitters to syrups and gadgets. [Image credit: iStock.com/LiliGraphie]

Colourful knit sweaters embossed with stitched snowmen, pom-pom-adorned Santas and jingly bells have become a seasonal wardrobe staple, and ugly-Christmas-sweater parties are all the rage. So, if you want to celebrate Christmas with the most festive sweater you can find, here are some places you can find truly ugly Christmas sweaters. Photo courtesy Holiday Rejects.

Secret Santa gifts are most often meant to be cheap (or relatively so) and cheerful. Purchasing these Christmas tokens is an act of making the thought count. But sniffing out a suitable anonymous something for a friend or colleague can be tricky. Don’t let the assignment stump you, browse these gloriously gifty shops for the perfect present.

Whether you’re looking for a one-off vintage turntable or a whole new home stereo set-up, you’ll be able to find the music gear and sound advice you’re after at one of these audio shops. While some offer the latest and most innovative in sound technology, others curate sweet selections of vintage analog audio electronics.

Dads can be notoriously difficult to shop for, but these city stores carry abundant gift ideas for your old man. Options include everything from books and loose-leaf tea to outdoor gear and specialty knives, as well as locally made loungewear. Image credit: iStock.com/pamelamoore.

Great baby shower gifts can be fun and practical or simply a treat for mom at a thrilling and stressful time when she could use a little self-indulgence. At these gift shops, baby-gear spots and maternity boutiques you’ll find toys and clothing as well as bed and bath gear for newborns, but also thoughtful treats for the mom-to-be.

Rock and gem shops are like art galleries for one of nature’s very own art forms, and the pieces on display can be just as beautiful and diverse as any art collection. Whether you’re an admirer of gems, a rock collector or a believer in the mystical powers of crystals and semi-precious stones, these shops carry a menagerie of minerals that’ll rock your world.

Whether you’re looking for the latest Gibson guitar, a sweet vintage drum set or cables and microphones, Calgary’s music stores carry loads of gear for both hobbyists and professional musicians. While some stores specialize in new instruments and accessories, amps and stage equipment, others carry vintage instruments as well as songbooks, sheet music and more.

You’d be surprised at the places where you can pick up a cute greeting card or stylish office supplies. From Harry Potter-esque gift shops to full-blown stationary chain stores, there are numerous locations to obtain paper products for every purpose. Chances are, you’ll leave some of these spots with much more than just the birthday card you were looking for.

Don’t leave your photos and artwork packed away. If it’s worth keeping, it’s worth framing and displaying in your home. Whether it’s a Picasso or your child’s first finger painting, these framing shops have the know-how to make it stand out.

A handful of established comic shops and independent bookstores offer an extensive selection of new comic book releases and back issues as well as presenting comic-themed events and artist meet-and-greets. Whether you’re a rookie comic enthusiast or a seasoned collector, here’s where to find graphic novels and comic books, memorabilia, collectibles and more. Image credit: iStock.com/Brendan Hunter.

Of course we should show our moms that we love them year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect time to spoil our favourite ladies a little bit extra. These shops carry a wide and unique selection of gifts that are worthy of your favourite mom. Image credit: iStock.com/promicrostockraw.