If you are looking for unique gifts this holiday season, we have a few options to help make your search a little easier.
Gift cards
We offer recreation gift cards that can be used for a wide range of activities in the Leisure Guide, facility admission or memberships, equipment rentals, and rental permits. The cards can be loaded with any amount from $5 to $500. They can be purchased at our indoor pools, Fort Rouge Leisure Centre, Freight House Recreation Centre, Peguis Trail Health and Fitness Centre, and at 395 Main Street on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
While you can’t play a round on the course right now, you can buy one as a gift for next season by picking up a Golf Services gift card. It’s redeemable for green fees, rentals, and golf merchandise. You can purchase them in person or order them online and pick them up at our office. Please call 204-986-3781 to arrange a convenient time.
Unique gifts
For a gift that’s environmentally friendly and long-lasting, consider our Park Bench Donation Program. Made of high-density polyethylene consisting of 90 percent post-consumer waste, the bench resists fading and will be enjoyed for many years.
A donation of $2,000 covers materials, installation, and comes with a tax- deductible receipt at the end of the year. You can also add a bronze plaque for an additional cost.
Another way to leave a legacy is through the Winnipeg Police Canine Memorial. Your donation will be recognized on a memory stone inscribed with the message of your choice. They range in price from $150 to $300 or you can contribute a standard, monetary donation.
The stones will be installed as part of the entrance sidewalk leading up to the memorial on the grounds of the Winnipeg Police Canine Unit Building. The memorial will honour the beloved and devoted working dogs for the Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg residents.
Dog lovers can also pick up the always popular Animal Services calendar which features photos submitted by licensed pet owners. They are $5 each. Visit Animal Services at 1057 Logan Avenue or contact 311 to get yours.
The money raised through this calendar will help support Animal Services initiatives through the year including the adoption program, kennel improvement projects, and the care of sick and injured animals.
The Winnipeg Police Canine Unit and their dog partners are also raising money through their 2025 calendar to benefit K9 Advocacy Manitoba.
You can pick up the calendar for $20 at several locations across the city.
Pet licences also make a great gift for our beloved dogs and cats! Pet licensing helps protect your pet, while providing funding for all the programming at Animal Services.
If you’re feeling crafty, why not make a gift this season? You can make a felt ornament, a recycled book wreath, or a gift bag or greeting card. You can also get into the holiday spirit by attending a Winter Wonderland story time session with your family.
Other holiday-specific events are held at libraries across the city. Visit the Winnipeg Public Library website for more information.
The gift of literacy
A library card is also a great gift to give yourself. You can use it to borrow items at any of our 20 branches and to access our digital catalog with audiobooks, eBooks, and even movies. Best of all, cards are free to anyone who lives or pays taxes in Winnipeg!
You can also explore the programming and events calendar for our library branches. Everything is free and registering for them can make a fun family gift idea.
Originally published December 1, 2021