The51 Team’s 2020 Gift Guide

 
 

How is it December already? No wait. How is it the MIDDLE of December already? Ah well, whether we're ready for it or not, and pandemic or not, 'tis the season for giving and gifting. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already interested in maximizing the positive and feminist impact of your gift giving. And we applaud you! Keep that energy at the forefront of when making your holiday shopping list and direct your dollars to businesses that align with your financial values. Influential and thoughtful consumerism is one of the easiest and most immediate ways to advocate for the changes you want to see in our economy. 

For us at The51, that means supporting women-led and local businesses. Read on to find out where The51 team is doing their holiday shopping this year.

Lisa Oldridge, Investment Director

I’ve thrown in the towel on eating “clean". We’re in lockdown, we can’t really socialize, and I’m working in stretch pants anyway. Bring on the Holiday Carba-gheddon! The Cookbooks Co. Cooks is THE place to stock up on obscure ingredients, imported provisions, and thoughtfully curated gadgets. Owner Gail Norton, the slightly shy and mischievously grand dame of the Calgary food scene, has curated this local foodie institution for over 30 years. This year, I’m asking her to put together a gift basket containing treats from local businesses, together with a bottle of wine from the expert folks at Metrovino next door.

Carina Ludgate, Marketing Lead

I’m a big fan of the beautiful prints by Lynsow Creative, Vancouver-based artist and designer Dorcas Markwei. I purchased a couple earlier this year and can’t wait to hang them in my condo, which seems to be a never ending construction zone. While we’re all working from home and looking to spruce up our spaces, perhaps gift a few of these brightly coloured prints for everyone’s new home office? 

For all the green beauty lovers in your life, Edmonton-based Pura Botanicals has some pretty luxurious products, and the owner, Lane Edwards, is an absolute gem of a human and a badass business owner. I highly recommend trying the Overnight Watermelon Mask—everyone I have ever gifted this product to has loved it!

While you’re gift giving to all your friends and family, might I suggest giving to someone you might not know but who could really use a sense of connection right now? Isolation among our seniors population was a pre-pandemic issue, but I think we can all agree it’s even worse now. At a time when visits to nursing homes or seniors communities has been drastically reduced, I can’t think of a better time to participate in London Drugs’ “Stocking Stuffers for Seniors” program.

Heidi Conrad, Finance Manager

I’m looking forward to supporting YYC Growers. They’re a Calgary-based, direct-to-consumer project connecting farmers to consumers. I’m already a subscriber to their weekly Harvest Box Program and will also be picking up their Christmas Dinner Kits. It’s a great something to gift your close family all while supporting local and saving a shopping trip.

Monica Somerville, Director of Content

This year, I’ll be supporting:

Fieldstudy because they have the MOST beautiful, wonderfully curated things, and the holidays give me an excuse to buy them all (ok, ok, yes, for other people...)

Purr: Because I go there all the time anyway and I can't see myself stopping just because I'm now buying for others... Also, their protocols have been FANTASTIC since March and I'm grateful for all the extra effort the staff have put in. (Also pro-tip: if you've never heard of Pennies by Purr look it up. Right now.)

Cold Garden: Because who doesn't want a growler of Canada's BEST IPA? No seriously--they won the award. And, of course, the neighbouring Ol' Beautiful: Because of the incredible "Okami Kasu" (Japanese rice-ale).

Maddie Alvarez, Marketing and Events Coordinator

I’m one of those people who starts their Christmas shopping in September, so I picked up body butters and scrubs from Toria Skincare at the Inglewood Night Market. I love that founder Sarah Akinfenwa started the brand in honour of her grandmother, and the products truly feel like they’re made with love. Calgary is DRY in the winter so my giftees are happy to dig into her creamy-dreamy formulas. 

Many of my friends and fam said that they weren’t interested in gifts and would prefer a donation in their name. Listen, I love socks and scented candles as much as the next gal but I totally understand the desire to forgo the stress of gift-giving to fund something good in this garbage fire of a year. A few faves: the National accessArts Centre, Calgary Public Library Foundation, Sankofa Arts and Music Foundation, and Emma House. 

Courtney Dragani, Director of Operations

Lately, I seem to spend half my days wearing Madame Premier. Sarah makes fantastic political clothes for all the political people in your life - including the littlest ones. Pro tip: don’t miss the Home & Accessories section on her website. You’re welcome, in advance.

I started a paint by numbers canvas during lockdown, and although it remains 34% complete, it got me onto the idea of artistic endeavours to pass the time. Colour it Forward produces beautiful colouring books and calendars that highlight Indigenous artists’ work. To top it off, a portion of proceeds are directed back to programs that benefit Indigenous art initiatives.

Want to maximize the impact of your holiday shopping dollars but don’t know where to start? Here are our top tips for scoring great gifts and supporting women founders along the way. 

Oh, and one more thing…

Still looking for the perfect gift for the Financial Feminist in your life? We have you covered. Give the gift of financial literacy, investment in Canada's economic future, and access to entire community of like-minded folks with a Financial Feminist membership. 

Pre-sale runs until Dec. 31 and we can’t wait to show our Financial Feminists what we’ve been working on. 

-The51 Team

 
 
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