Where to find unique Father’s Day gifts in Calgary

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.

Where to find unique Father’s Day gifts in Calgary
Sarah Sussman By

Mountain Equipment Co-Op

1
830-10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A9

The go-to store for outdoor enthusiasts, Mountain Equipment Co-op is tailor made for the adventurous gift recipient. This outdoor gear shop carries clothing and equipment to suit dads who are into climbing, camping, cycling, running or yoga and much more. What outdoorsy dad wouldn’t enjoy receiving a new tent or camp stove, with an invite to go camping with his kid?

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Shelf Life Books

2
100-1302 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0X8

This independent Calgary bookstore is the place to find gifts for the bookish dad, and its lit-savvy staff are always eager to make recommendations. The shop specializes in Canadian and small-press books as well as an extensive selection of graphic novels, whodunits, science fiction novels and much more. If your dad is more of a non-fiction reader, pick up a biography on his favourite pop musician (Johnny Cash, Prince) or historical figure (Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Winston Churchill).

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Hanson's Fishing Outfitters

3
813 1 St Sw, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2

Specializing in fly-fishing gear and outdoor adventure equipment, Hanson’s Fishing Outfitters is a great gift spot for outdoorsy dads. Get yours a new fly rod or reel as well as a selection of hand-tied flies. Hanson’s also carries one of the best selections of Filson heritage brand clothing and accessories in Calgary. Filson’s duffel and weekend bags make for a practical yet stylish gift that will last for years. You can also treat dad to one of Hanson’s Bow River fishing trips, heli-fishing forays or fly-fishing boot camps.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The UnCommons

4
1325A 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T2

The Uncommons is a locally owned store that carries everything your dad never knew he needed. Featuring a curated selection of contemporary toys, devices, home decor, locally designed clothing and accessories, as well as luxury grooming products, The Uncommons is the spot to go to find Dad a unique one-of-a-kind gift. You’ll find everything from bicycles to artisanal bitters, and from leather wallets to colourful Pendleton beach towels. It’s a Father’s Day cliché, but if you’re going to give Dad a pair of socks, at least upgrade to a pair by funky local designer Friday Sock Co.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Lee Valley Tools

5
7261 11 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2S1

Lee Valley Tools near the intersection of Deerfoot and Glenmore Trail is the place to pick up the perfect gift for the father who’s into woodwork or gardening. This specialty shop carries an interesting array of tools and devices and has a very gracious return policy, so if you slip up and buy Dad the wrong gift, he can always take it back and get himself something that he really wants.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Knifewear

6
1316 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 0T3

This specialty knife store carries many sharp and sturdy blades in a variety of prices. If your father is an aspiring master chef, pick him up a new kitchen knife or sharpening block. If he likes a good straight razor shave, the shop carries these also. For the outdoorsmen, also find hunting knives and axes.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Meraki Supply Co.

7
103-305 10 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1V5

An outdoor and adventure shop, Meraki Supply Co. is the place to go for locally made camping and outdoor activity gear. Treat Dad to a cozy style upgrade with a Camp Brand Goods crewneck or sleek wood-worked iPhone case from Calgary- and Victoria-based Alto. Alternatively, you can gift your father with a woodsy Stanley thermos.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Tea Trader

8
1902 11 St Se, Calgary, AB T2G 3G2

If the man in your life is a connoisseur of steeped beverages, Tea Trader is the place to visit. The Inglewood shop carries a superb selection of teapots and accessories as well as an extensive catalogue of imported loose-leaf teas including black, white, green, herbal and more. If Red Rose just won’t cut it with Dad, treat him to a luxurious imported Assam or Nilgiri.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Kent Of Inglewood

9
1316 9 Ave Se Suite 100B, Calgary, AB T2G 0T3

One of the best Father’s Day gift strategies is an upgrade on something Dad already has and uses. Consider treating him to some fancy new shaving gear. Kent of Inglewood is a specialty men’s store focused on shaving and grooming products. The staff at Kent will help you find Dad a new safety or straight razor that he’ll love (and actually use). Also find luxuriously scented D.R. Harris aftershave, or help Dad tame his facial hair with the Captain Fawcett line of beard oils, beard balms and moustache waxes.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Sarah Sussman Sarah Sussman
As the associate editor-in-chief of HipHopCanada.com and A&R talent scout for the Universal Music Scouting Program, Sarah spends most of her time interviewing and photographing hip-hop artists, checking out new music and scouting live shows. She lives in Calgary.
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