Find of the Month: Made in Manitoba
Long-time readers of this blog will probably have picked up on the fact that I move around a decent amount. In fact since starting this blog, I’ve lived in three different Canadian provinces. As of late, I’ve called Manitoba my home, and living here has given me an appreciation of how much homespun goods are valued – not just locally, but across the country. With that in mind, this month I’m doing things a little differently and highlighting a few gift ideas that are made in Manitoba. The lovely folks at Travel Manitoba actually pointed out several brands to me that I didn’t even realize were homegrown! Perhaps some of these gift ideas will inspire you to take a trip and do some shopping for yourself, or at the very least, order some Manitoba-made goods as we celebrate everything that makes Canada extra special this 150th year.
Tall Grass Gin + Vodka – $45.99 – $47.99
We might associate premium spirits with the Nordic / Slavic countries of the world, but given how many folks from that side of the world ended up on the prairies, it’s no surprise that distilleries are starting to pop up here. If you’re shopping for a liquor connoisseur or want to bring back an item that’s truly unique to the prairies, look no further than Capital K Distillery’s Tall Grass Gin and Vodka. These relative newcomers to the Manitoba Liquor Mart shelves are being lauded for their crisp flavour and to be honest, downright uniqueness – how many Prairie-made vodkas and gins can you name after all? Plus it’s available exclusively in Manitoba (for now) – nab a bottle as a souvenir to savour! While you’re at it, be sure to book a tour to try the goods for yourself.
Dconstruct Jewellery – From $14
Minimalist chic and made from earthy-industrial materials like corian and concrete, Manitoba brand Dconstruct is totally on-trend. Plus their price points are perfect – most pieces clock in around the $30 mark, with coordinating sets of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets – and even cufflinks for him! The brand also carries cool housewares and phone cases for those that aren’t into bling. While the brand is HQ’d in a fun Exchange District studio boutique space, they have an impressive list of stockists across Canada (and the U.S.!)
The Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups – From $25
Everyone knows Canadians and maple syrup are synonymous – but have you ever tried birch syrup? Just as delectable as its maple counterpart, this natural syrup is harvested in the wilds of Manitoba, near the shores of Lake Winnipeg’s south basin. With three harvests to choose from – light, medium, and dark essentially – this unique product is a quintessentially Canadian treat; and a perfect gift for your foodie friend that has yet to sample the goods. The Canadian Birch Company also infuses their birch syrup in a BBQ sauce, bacon jam, and a whiskey toffee sauce. Buy it online or check out one of the many Manitoba-based retailers that carry it.
Kal Barteski Prints – From $21
Brush script is having a major moment in the design world right now – and Kal Barteski is the maker of #kbscript, one of the prettiest, most dreamy brush fonts out there. Her devotees have been eagerly snapping up these pretty prints that feature inspirational or intriguing quotes that can liven up any space. Are your walls full? You can also nab creative applications like leggings or order something custom.
Origin Goods Handcrafted Knives – from $140
I’ve written before about how much I value the fancy chef’s knife I received as a Christmas gift one year – and I have to say I am equally intrigued by the possibility of these Manitoba-made knives. Each one is lovingly handcrafted, with details about what it’s suited for, any unique features (the knife you see above was forged from an antique saw mill blade), and a solid wood base that’s been hand-carved into the perfect shape. While most of their knives were sold out as of me writing this, they do plenty of custom jobs – perfect for hunters, chefs, or collectors. Love the woodwork side of things? Origin Goods also carries rings! You can order online, or visit their shop in Roseau River to get up close and personal with these stunning products.
Farmery Estate Brewery Toques – $24.95
Few things are more Canadian than a toque. These quirky retro-inspired toques are right in line with craft brewery Farmery’s rustic, down home aesthetic. In fact, they’re just part of the extended lineup of cool gear proudly worn by Farmery beer drinkers. Of course, becoming a fan starts with enjoying a pint. You can visit the Farmery Estate Brewery to see where the actual grains that go into their beer are grown, as well as their brewing facilities. For a fun expedition while you’re in the prairies, click here.
Smak Dub Mustard – $9 each or $24 for a 4-Pack
I was never a big mustard fan growing up, but the tangy condiment has certainly grown on me as an adult. This is partially because innovators like Carly Minish, the gal behind Smak Dab Mustard, have made this one bland, chemical-laden kitchen staple into a gourmand treat. With 7 unique flavours like Beer Chiptole and Canadian Maple, adding a dash of any of these mustards instantly livens up everything from your burger to a vinaigrette. The individual price point is a-ok, but they also carry two cool gift sets that make perfect thank you or host gifts! Find out where to nab Smak Dab here (including plenty of Winnipeg and Manitoba-based retailers).
Voila Designs Clothing – Prices Vary
Want to shop sustainably? Skip fast fashion stores and purchase high quality items made right here in Canada. Voila is actually a Metis fashion brand, with a studio and shop in Winnipeg that carries a mix of timeless staples, fitness wear, and trending pieces that’ll easily turn heads. Prices are pretty comparable to department stores; dresses are around the $150 mark, fitness gear is under $100, and other items range from $80-$160 (For the most part). With fresh lookbooks arriving on a regular basis, there’s always another item to add to your wardrobe from Voila!
Dogwood Coffee – From $16
This one’s a little unique – the brand started in Minneapolis, sources its beans from around the globe, and opened a Canadian roasting facility in downtown Winnipeg about a year ago. But Dogwood Coffee Co. has already earned legions of fans for its attention to detail and ethically sourced beans. With 8 coffee blends and 2 espressos, you can also pick up sampler or subscription packs that make wonderful gifts for all your java-addicted loved ones.
There are a lot of cool places to explore and shop in Manitoba, well beyond Winnipeg. But in Winnipeg, one of my fave places to take guests and visitors is The Forks. This cultural hotspot is loaded with boutiques, restaurants, and community spaces. Big shout out to Travel Manitoba for helping me to cull this list of incredible made-in-Manitoba gift ideas (many of which are ace picks for Mother’s Day by the by) – and an even bigger one for hooking one of you lucky readers up with a $150 Forks Market gift card, which can be used at retailers carrying some of the items on this list! Want to win it? Here’s how to enter!
1) SUPER IMPORTANT: you must be a subscriber to the Canadian Gift Guide to enter this giveaway. It’s as simple as finding ‘The Gift of Gab’ box in the righthand column and dropping in your email or clicking ‘follow’. Then leave a comment by May 31, 2017, telling me the made-in-Manitoba gift ideas you’re most intrigued by in this post! In addition, you must sign up for Travel Manitoba’s newsletter – just visit their site and scroll down a bit, it’s in the righthand column. Whoever is chosen as a winner will be verified against their email address used to comment below, so be sure to stay honest!
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around June 1, 2017 to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Like Travel Manitoba’s Facebook page and tag a friend in a wall post about what you’d like to do if visiting Manitoba (and if you’re in Manitoba, share something you’d like to do in the province this summer!)
Canadian Gift Guide 
The Smak Dab Mustard looks good! Subscribed to CGG and Travel Manitoba. Thanks!
The birch syrup looks intriguing. I have never tried it before. Has anyone ever tried?
I’m most interested in the Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups
I’m most interested in the Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups
I like the coffee & the jewellery
I think the birch syrup is the most unique item – lots of the others sound wonderful, so many talented folks!
I like the coffee and the birch syrup. I have tried birch syrup and enjoyed it. And I always enjoy trying different coffees. Signed up for Travel Manitoba.
I think there are some really great options here. I love jewellery so the Dconstruct jewellery looks very nice and I am going to explore their site. Birch syrup is very unique and it would be an amazing gift for our U.S. relatives (and Canadian friends and family too) plus I want to try it! Love that yellow dress from Voila Designs clothing too. I am hoping to visit my brother in Winnipeg this year as it has been ages since we have gotten together. If I dont though I will send him the GC if I won it as he will make good use of it. I had already signed up for Travel Manitoba and of course I am a subscriber to your site -I love reading all your interesting articles and have purchased some of the items you have featured.
I never met a mustard I didn’t like. Except honey mustard- that’s the devil
Subscriber to CGG and Travel Manitoba. I’m most curious about Capital K Distillery’s Tall Grass Gin and Vodka! Would like to taste them.
Cheers.
The syrups really interest me! I am a subscriber of yours and of Travel Manitoba
~Jonnie
I’d buy dogwood coffee. I am a subscriber
I LOVE the brushwork prints by Kai. They’re beautiful and full of inspiration.
The prints by Kai are lovely and would like to try the syrup.
I love the DConstruct Jewelry. Gorgeous!
so many great ideas I love the Tall Grass Gin + Vodka – $45.99 – $47.99 one the most
I am most intrigued by the various Smak Dab Mustards and the Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups. Hurrah for Manitoba!
The Original Goods Handcrafted Knives are very intriguing.
The Dconstruct Jewellery is gorgeous!
Birch syrup and the dub mustard is the best 😀
I’d love the mustard, the vodka and the jewelry. Those are all great products. Good things are happening in Manitoba!.
I am especially interested in the Canadian birch syrup. I have never tried it but it sounds very interesting. I have been signed up for Travel Manitoba for quite some time.
definitely most interested in the different kinds of coffee! I lived in Manitoba for 11 years, the forks is a wonderful place!
Vodka, mustard and the dogwood coffee just for starters.
I really love the Kal Barteski Prints but the coffee is a close second
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
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I like the Voila Designs Clothing – especially the yellow dress
I live in Manitoba and buy all these products, but i don’t have Origin Goods Handcrafted Knives – from $140 and would love this!!
syrups and mustards look really good
we just discovered Tall Grass Vodka, very good! Dconstruct Jewlery is a new one for me, their pieces look amazing! I am def gonna have to pick up a few pieces!
The Smak Dab mustard looks exciting, I’ve definitely gotten more of an appreciation for fancy condiments as I’ve aged.
The syrup and the clothes are my favorites
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Iam intrigued by the Kal Barteski prints. 🙂 🙂
I am intrigued by the gin & the vodka, the birch syrup and the coffee.
I like the Origin Goods knives. You can’t go wrong with a good knife!
I’m most intrigued by the birch syrup!
Iam intrigued by the Kal Barteski prints.
I like the birch syrup .
I’m intrigued by the handcrafted knives; my husband would love these. The Birch Syrup also would love to try.
I like the Dconstruct jewellery and the farmery toques!
Smak Dab is my choice because Carly comes from my home town.
I am most intrigued by the Kal Barteski prints. I’m a big fan of her artwork, plus I love that she cares about the environment and donates a portion of her profits to Polar Bear Fund/Conservation. Thanks so much for this chance to win and good luck everyone!
The made-in-Manitoba gift idea I’m most intrigued by in this post is the Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups.
The FORKS is a great place to shop, visit and spend the day. Lots of interesting things to see and do.
Love the fact that the Voila Designs Clothing is a Metis fashion brand with a studio & shop here in Winnipeg. You can always find something interesting to add to your wardrobe.
Who knew that mustard could KICK it up a NOTCH like Smak Dub Mustard with 7 flavours that include a Beer Chiotole and Canadian Maple.
And those Kal Barteski prints are now world famous.
Maples syrup made from birch – who would have even imagined the delicious taste but The Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups made this a unique product that is a quintessentially Canadian treat.
So many intriguing gift ideas that one could spend days at The Forks and fall in love.
Thanks for the wonderful chance to win a gift card to The Forks.
What a fab Made in Manitoba list! I am most intrigued to check out Dconstruct Jewellry & I’m so glad you put Kal Barteski’s work on the list!
Thanks for the chance to win, my daughters and I love visiting The Forks in the summer months!
Of all the items in this post I liked the handcrafted knife the best, would love to win this one…
I am excited to try The Tall Grass Vodka and The Canadian Birch syrup, both of which I would use to mix up a summer cocktail. this is a great list also didn’t know there are locally made knives will be checking out Origin goods as well.
The coffee assortment.
I like the Kal Barteski prints
I like Dconstruct Jewellery products
The Capital K Distillery’s Tall Grass Gin and Vodka looks interesting to me
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voila designs and the Gin! Love!
Dconstruct Jewellery is my favourite.
The Birch syrups look awesome
Smak Dab mustard… we use a lot of different mustards.
I’ve been a fan of Kal Barteski for awhile now! I would love to have one of her prints!
My favourite is The Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrups.
I love the deconstruct jewelry
I’m most interested in the Capital K Distillery’s Tall Grass Gin and Vodka. Nice to have some quality Vodka made here on the prairies
I’m most intrigued by the Birch Syrup & the SmakDab mustards. I subscribe to Travel Manitoba.
The brushwork prints by Kai are gorgeous
I love the birch syrup! Subscribed!
Love the Origin Goods Handcrafted Knives.
I am most interested in the Tall Grass Gin + Vodka and the Smak Dub Mustard.
Smak Dub Mustard and the Canadian Birch Company Birch Syrup look very good.
I subscribed to Travel Manitoba’s newsletter.
I like the gin and vodka and the toques
I luv Origin Goods Handcrafted Knives..
i like the birch syrup, entry pls
Subscribed to both.
I like the gin and vodka as well as the mustard.
i like the SmackDab mustard – even better is exploring all the great stores and eateries at The Forks!
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I really like the coffee and jewelry the most.
I would love to try the Vodka and Gin
I would love to try the Smak Dab mustard