Expand to find great local gifts

Holiday shopping guide

This holiday season, make your gift-giving meaningful by supporting local businesses in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County. Our local holiday shopping guide highlights some of the incredible makers, shops, and experiences that make our community unique. From handcrafted goods and gourmet treats to unforgettable activities, choosing local helps strengthen our economy, create jobs, and keep our community vibrant. Explore the full guide and discover how easy it is to shop local and spread holiday cheer!

Ways to support local

Local businesses have always been there for our community. They’re supporters of our sports teams, community and cultural events. 

Now, it’s our turn to support them. Here is a list of how you can support local. Look for our support local posts on Facebook and Instagram #supportlocal #shpk #strathco, and share your favourite ways too! 

• If you choose not to shop in-person, try curbside pickup and shop local online. 
• Be kind: Local gifts of kindness for your friends and neighbours can be delivered to their door - a gift card or something special. 
• If you are postponing a personal service, support the business now by buying a gift card to use later. 
• Say thank you to your favourite local business by leaving a positive review or sharing their posts on social media. They’re your neighbours, too! 
• Use social media to see if you can buy something made locally.
• Artwork from local artisans make unique gifts. Reach out to local art societies to find one-of-a-kind gifts. 
• Charities are businesses too – continue to support them through donations or volunteering value-in-kind. 

---

Why supporting local matters

Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. Strong local economies depend on thriving small businesses, and communities rely on entrepreneurs to drive growth and resilience. Here’s why your choice to shop local makes a big difference.

Your dollar stays local

• 66 cents of every dollar spent at a Canadian small business stays in the community, compared to just 11 cents when spent at a multinational. 1
• 79 per cent of Canadians say supporting local matters more than last year, and 53 per cent are willing to pay extra to do so. 2

Jobs and economic strength

• 98 per cent of Canadian businesses are small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 3
• SMEs (1–499 employees) make up 98 per cent of businesses in Canada. 4
• SMEs account for 35–50 per cent of Canada’s GDP. 5

Environmental benefits

• Local sourcing reduces transportation emissions and carbon footprints. Studies show shorter supply chains can cut emissions by up to 50 per cent and save millions annually. 6
• Choosing local often means fresher products and less packaging waste. 7

Reviews matter

• 88–92 per cent of Canadians read online reviews before buying, and 68–70 per cent rely on them when choosing local businesses. 8, 9
• Share the love! Posting a review helps your favourite local shop reach more customers.

Community impact

• Local businesses recirculate money through local suppliers and employees, boosting tax revenue and attracting investment. 10
• Supporting local means supporting your neighbours, friends, and family, which builds a vibrant, resilient community.

---

Find local

The Strathcona County Business Directory, is another helpful resource for sourcing companies, products, services and expertise located in Sherwood Park and the rural areas of the County. 

The restaurant map provides a listing of all local restaurants. Give your local restaurant a call and deal with them directly for ordering some curbside pickup. You might even find out they have delivery services available!

---

Local business success stories

We are proud of those who have chosen our municipality as the base for their business. With the numerous opportunities found in the municipality, from lower taxes to a location that can’t be topped, there are endless possibilities for industries to grow and find success. Our local business community is celebrated and supported by our residents with an emphasis on shopping local and reinforcing those within our community. Learn about our local entrepreneurs who continue to find success in Strathcona County and find your place among them.