Take advantage of Calgary's awesome sales while you refresh before the season begins.

As we approach the holidays, our social calendars become jam-packed with office parties, weekend socials and family get-togethers. But wouldn't it be nice to get away from it all (and get all your shopping done) before the chaos ensues? 

This fall, round up your family or friends and take a road trip to Calgary! Spend a day or two exploring and gain some serious bang for your buck on deals at the chicest malls and outlet stores in the province. If you book a room at certain hotels, you can even get a $75 gift card to redeem at Calgary's three major malls: The CORE, CF Chinook Centre, and CrossIron Mills.

More than a good place to complete your holiday shopping, Calgary is a bustling city with diverse restaurants and a robust arts and culture scene. In the evenings, hit up the city's famous 17th Ave to relish in their award-winning foodie scene and get a little rowdy at some of the city's bars and social hot spots. The next morning (after a couple cups of java at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters), lace up your most comfortable sneakers and get ready to buzz through these malls and check off everyone on your shopping list.

GIFTS FOUND AT THE CORE

The gift of giving

Christmas is about sharing your time and love with people who matter most in your life. Made in Kenya from rose quartz, semiprecious stones and 24k gold-plated brass beads, this choker or bracelet is a fashion statement that speaks louder than words. Every purchase from the ME to WE collection gives the gift of health care to a woman so that she too can continue a proactive role in her community and provide for her children. 

Haute hands

Exclusive to Simons, their top-stitch elongated gloves in an eye-catching mustard yellow (also available in classic black and merlot) are made with supple genuine leather. A sure way to add a pop of colour to compliment any coat, the best part of these gloves is the soft fleece lining that keeps hands warm and comfortable even in the harsh outdoor elements.

Cozy toes

Saks OFF 5th may be the cherry on top of your trip to Calgary, housing a collection of haute couture designers like Zac Posen and Balenciaga. Cross your dad off your shopping list with a pair of moccasins with a rubber enforced sole that trap in body heat and allow moisture to escape. His toes can keep warm when he steps out the front door to collect the Sunday Times. 

GIFTS FOUND AT CF CHINOOK CENTRE

Clean slate

Scalloped White Marble Cheese Board, $45, williamssonoma.ca.

This scalloped white marble cheese board is a lovely gift for any friend or family member looking to add to their collection of serveware. This white marble board is so elegant that it can be displayed as a tabletop centerpiece every day of the year.

Velvet touch

It's so important to have an extra pair of shoes at your desk at work, especially during winters in Canada! The next time your friend sits down at her desk at work, she'll be so relieved to take off her bulky winter boots and slip in to her emergency pair of flats. These velvet loafers from Zara are stylish, comfortable and suit a wide range of outfits.

Diamond flourishes

These studs have been a consistent best-seller for years, and they're a steal for under $30! Simple and classic, these earrings will never go out of style and will be a glam accessory to any outfit, from bohemian to evening soirée. 

GIFTS FOUND AT CROSSIRON MILLS

Compact companion

A purveyor of finely crafted goods, Herschel's compact leather wallet is a neat fixture for everyone's change purse. That also means ladies wishing to store ID and credit cards in a small case for nights on the town. Your wallet will match your cowboy boots when you're two-stepping at Ranchman's!

Santa's little helper

Beards are still in and going strong! Help the man in your life have a clean, soft and bushy beard with the all-natural Kalamazoo beard and facial cleanser from LUSH. The creamy texture has a conditioner-like consistency with a light citrus pineapple scent, and the sweet almond oil sinks into the skin for deeply saturating softness. 

Fireside cookery

Aside from fashion, the holidays are all about the food. Bring cooking to life with this Lodge cast-iron, which creates robust and earthy undertones for a sumptuous Christmas dinner the whole family will remember. The depth and dimensions of flavour will make it seem like you paid significantly more for this expensive material. Thank you, outlet mall discounts! 

Every year, Calgary's major shopping centres are transformed with elaborate Christmas trees and jolly decorations to celebrate the magic of the season. And in a city like Calgary, there are plenty of opportunities to gallivant around town. Have some fun before the season truly arrives.