Food, drink, art, experiences and more
It’s the thought that counts, right?
Welcome to the 2024 NAIT gift guide. These 12 diverse ideas are sure to show that special someone that you know just what they like – that you really have put some thought into it. There’s something for everyone, from foodies to techies to outdoorsy types and more.
As a bonus, every item represents an Alberta business owned and operated by a grad, and that’s just one more way to show that, hey, you really care.
So spread the love by supporting local – and make short work of your holiday list as you do. Being thoughtful, after all, can also mean being smart.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas from the techlifetoday team!
“B-Ooks” by NAIT grads
Is there a reader on your list? Because there are many writers among NAIT grads, affectionately known as “Ooks for Life” (hence “b-Ooks”). Check out this growing list for a wide variety of novels, cookbooks, memoirs and more.
Plant-based cream liqueur (and other spirits)
Hansen Distillery co-owner Kris Sustrik (Welder ’01) put his trades skills to work in assembling his stills, and applied his distilling talents to creating Edmonton’s first local whisky and other spirits. But when it came to making a plant-based cream liqueur, he got a little help from NAIT Applied Research. Check it out among the distillery’s extensive list of handmade offerings.
Learn how NAIT helped Hansen Distillery make Alberta’s first plant-based liqueur
Handmade chocolates
Impress the sweets lover on your list with the unique creations of Compass Chocolates, owned and operated by Priya Winsor (Baking and Pastry Arts ’19). Winsor works with flavours inspired by international travel as well as classic combinations, producing bars and bonbons ranging from Mexican hot chocolate to apple pie, all using direct trade cacao.
Here’s why Priya Winsor won a 2024 Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award
Seasonal safety
’Tis the season for … housefires. No joke: The holidays bring a spike in residential blazes.
To help stop those caused by Christmas trees and decorations, Dave Murray (Bachelor of Technology ’18, Industrial Heavy Equipment Technician ’08) teamed up with two firefighter colleagues to create the Extinguisher Ornament. When exposed to heat and flames, this pretty bulb will explode in a blast of a powder suppressant.
Learn more about the inspiration for the Extinguisher Ornament
World-renowned art
The work of Jason Carter (Honorary Bachelor of Technology '24, Graphic Communications '01) can be seen in public spots across Alberta. It’s bold, playful, colourful and unmistakably his. It can also be yours! From Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, choose from a wide selection of prints and carvings to brighten your home.
Learn more about Jason Carter’s path to art
For the birds
Backyard Birds, located in Spruce Grove, can get you started on bird watching for "cheep, cheep," so to beak (or speak, sorry). The shop, owned by Jan Tollenaar (Biological Sciences Technology – Environmental Sciences ’87) and daughter Alana, can meet the needs of novice and veteran bird lovers alike with its fun and functional collection of supplies and gifts.
Tour of treats
Instead of visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, maybe it’s doughnuts, cookies, cakes or even cronuts? If so, treat those on your list to a trip to one of these bakeries, each run by a NAIT grad. Alternatively, some businesses on the list offer gift cards to slip into a stocking, or subscriptions for items such as cakes and cookies.
Get real
In 2020, Electrician grads Stephanie and Eric Roberge (both class of ’15) turned their passion for virtual reality into Game OVR, a business dedicated to bringing the technology to the public. (They also wired the operation themselves, incidentally.) Enjoy games, escape rooms and exploratory experiences that immerse users of all ages in vibrant virtual worlds. Gift cards are available.
Eat with Alumni at Ernest’s
This fall, NAIT’s on-campus restaurant, Ernest’s, launched a new series that offers a unique experience for learners and diners alike. Throughout the academic year, six prominent culinary program alumni will spend an evening at the restaurant with students preparing and serving a multi-course meal. Tickets are available for the new year.
Read about the inaugural event and its chef, Meuwly’s Peter Keith (Cook '12)
Alumni arts and crafts
For all manner of unique and unusual handmade knickknacks and household items, OddBird is your one-stop, multi-vendor shop.
Held at Edmonton’s Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, the winter market features a number of NAIT grads, including:
- Anthony Eslava (Carpenter ’20, Architectural Technology ’10), Ace Wood Co.: Cribbage boards, furniture and more
- Zachary Kirinic (Carpenter ’23, Millwork & Carpentry ’20), Drvo Handmade: Elegant, sculptural woodwork pieces
- Fiona Lee (Respiratory Therapy ’19), Sarcastic Shrug Society: Fun and clever prints, pins, stickers and more
- Jessy Sannachan (Millwork & Carpentry ’16), RM&BRD: Sculptural yet functional wooden pieces
Find them at the next OddBird market, Dec. 6 - 8.
Carefully curated coffee
Locally roasted and sourced from small, independently owned farms, Jaguar Coffee specializes in beans from Latin America, regions that owners Keyton (Management ’06) and Greg Wilson (Accounting ’02, Bachelor of Business Administration ’13) believe offer distinct, rich flavours. Your favourite coffee-lover may agree. Give a bag or set up a subscription.
Give the great outdoors
Give the gift of fresh air and amazing scenery with activities such as guided hikes or courses on wilderness survival and navigation. Owned and operated by Heather Davis (Biological Sciences Technology – Renewable Resources ’09, Marketing ’04), Uplift Adventures covers Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Provincial Park and the Crowsnest Pass region. Gift cards are available.