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 and passes
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, and at 395 Main Street on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Whether you’re looking to get a head start on New Year’s resolutions, or do some early holiday shopping, now is the perfect time to consider a recreation pass. Passes can provide a significant savings over daily rates with regular use and there are several options available.
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
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 will help support Animal Services initiatives through the year, including adoptions, kennel improvements, and caring for sick and injured animals.
Pet licences also make a great gift for your beloved dogs and cats! Pet licensing helps protect your pet, while providing funding for all the programming at Animal Services.
The Winnipeg Police Canine Unit and their dog partners are also raising money through their 2026 calendar. You can pick up the calendar for $20 at several locations across the city. All money raised benefits the Winnipeg Police Service Canine Fund
You can also consider donating directly to the Canine Fund. Money raised goes towards protecting K9 unit service dogs will working. The fund also support the dogs in retirement. Official donation receipts for gifts $25 and higher will be issued.
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.
Fun experiences
Why not make a gift this season? We have several craft-themed activities planned through December at our library branches. You can drop in to the Holiday Family Art Afternoon, register for Paint It!, or make a card at the Craft Circle.
You can also get into the holiday spirit by attending the Cozy Stories session with your family.
If baking is more your thing, stop by the Cookie Cutter Swap at Osborne Library. You can trade your cookie cutters for new-to-you ones all December.
Other holiday-specific events are held at libraries across the city. Check out the Winnipeg Public Library calendar 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 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!
Make sure to 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