A seasonal dozen of unique things to read, wear, play, eat and drink
Ho, ho, oh my gosh shopping can be tough sometimes.
Care to cross some names off your list with help from our list? Our collection of things to read, wear, play, eat and drink is entirely local and rooted in the creativity and ingenuity of NAIT grads. (While everyone else offers a partridge in a pear tree, we’re keener on the clever magpie in a stately elm, being from Edmonton.)
From the team at techlifetoday, we wish you all you’re hoping for this holiday season, and a happy, healthy 2026.
A walk on the wild side (of Edmonton)
Know someone who’d enjoy connecting with the city at a grassroots level? This is their guide.
In her new book, Explore the Green Side of Edmonton, author Michelle Harris (Biological Sciences Technology – Renewable Resources '11) points readers of all ages, abilities and budgets toward local green spaces, outdoor activities, gear, resources and more.
A basket of artisanal goodies
NAIT’s Artisanal Food Market is literally a one-stop shop for tasty things made by students or grads. Fill a festive basket for friends and family who have a taste for finer yet still highly accessible treats such as
- Chocolates from Compass Chocolates, by Priya Winsor (Baking & Pastry Arts ’19)
- Mustard and spreads from, Smak Dab, by Carly Minish (Culinary Arts ’11)
- Brownies from Wow Brownies, by (cofounder) Joshua Lavin (Cook '17)
- Smoked salmon from Sgambaro’s Signature Seafoods, by Robert Sgambaro (Culinary Arts ’86)
- Preserves from Twisted Fork, by Debra Poulin (Culinary Arts ’09, Cook ’10)
Visit the market on Main Campus before it closes for the holidays on Dec. 19.
Pining for pins
When not working in health care, Fiona Lee (Respiratory Therapy '19) dreams up things that she can make and others can buy. Many of those things are clever, inventive, quirky and very fun enamel pins. A pair of rolling eyes. A gold star labelled “Very Mediocre.” Various designs lauding “health care heroes.” There really is something here for anyone with a sense of irony and humour.
Spice is nice
Award-winning pitmaster Mel Chmilar Jr. (Welder '03) has made a name for himself on the pro BBQ circuit throughout the U.S. and as far afield as New Zealand. He's also willing to share some of the spices behind his success. Choose from a selection of rubs for your favourite grill enthusiast.
Wood be a nice idea
The skills of Mark Kerkach (Carpenter '11) are on full display at Woodnt It Be Nice If, his wood-crafting company that makes charcuterie boards, ornaments and a great deal more.
The standouts of the collection may be Kerkach’s selection of gameboards. Treat the family to a variety of uniquely made card and dice games, or some “hockey bingo.”
Beer from ’round here
The list of Alberta craft breweries where grads do the brewing is far from pint-sized. For the craft curious, enthusiast or just the buy-local supporter, consider a pack, growler or merch from the likes of
- Analog Brewing, co-owner Bryan Launier (Marketing '09)
- Campio Brewing Co., head brewer Brett Geislinger (Radio and Television – Radio '08)
- Dog Island Brewing, owners and brewers Ben Fiddler (Instrument Technician '01, Electrician '02) and Chad Paulson (Instrument Technician '09)
- The Growlery Beer Co., co-owners Kevin Danard (Landscape Architectural Technology ’97) and Jeff Pollock (Finance ’95)
- Longroof Brewing, co-owner and lead brewer Troy Wassill (Radio and Television Arts '96)
- Omen Brewing, co-owner and brewer Rhys Oswald (Electrician '06)
- Polyrhythm Brewing, co-owner and taproom manager Taylor Wacey (Electrician '19)
- Town Square Brewing, co-owners Brandon Boutin (Steamfitter/Pipefitter ’05), Tyler McNaughton (Architectural Technology ’05) and Sterling Nordin (Heavy Equipment Technician ’02)
Give the gift of a gift to NAIT
For that person who wants nothing more than to give back – and has an appreciation for the impact of hands-on education – consider a donation to NAIT on their behalf.
You can dedicate funds to a variety of causes within the institute, including student awards, mental-health initiatives, and the student emergency food centre (for which gifts up to a total of $10,000 will be matched until the end of the year).
Recipients will be notified of your generosity and thoughtfulness with a e-card of your choice. (Pick one on the second page of the donation process.) The tax receipt stays with you.
Make a gift donation
Carefully curated care packages
Why stop at giving just one thing? Founded by Rima Tabet (Personal Fitness Trainer ’16), Gray Jay Gifts bundles up presents by themes. Choose from boxes bursting with wellness goodies, coffee and accessories, charcuterie delights, household knick knacks, games and much more.
Whole lotta boba
For the uninitiated, boba are pearl-like spheres made from tapioca starch that you find in bubble tea, a drink that originated in Taiwan. Chances are good that you know someone who does not need a boba explainer. Instead, they need a gift card for Tora Bora, a well-reviewed bubble tea shop run by Cao Bao Ngoc Tran (Digital Media and IT-Business Analysis '22) that offers dozens of varieties of the drink, and some snacks.
This is your jam
And your jelly. Since 2021, Monica Strohhaecker (Office and Records Administration '05) has been dedicated to making small-batch vegan, gluten-friendly, low-sugar fruit spreads. Choose from classics like strawberry and raspberry, or get adventurous with black forest cake or “twinkleberry” jam. Or let your giftee choose – gift cards are available.
A most memorable meal
This fall, NAIT’s on-campus restaurant, Ernest’s, resumed its popular Alumni Series Dinners, offering a unique experience for learners and diners. During the academic year, six high-profile culinary program alumni spend an evening with students preparing and serving a wine-paired, multi-course meal. Tickets are available for January and February 2026.
Float your cares away
For those looking for a temporary escape from it all, almost nothing does the job like float therapy. At Modern Gravity (owned by Matt Smith, Personal Fitness Trainer ’11, and Jamie Phillips, Millwright ’12), visitors can float their cares away in a saltwater bath in near or complete darkness and silence. Give the gift of pure rest and relaxation today!
Handmade heaven
Vanessa Antoniuk (Marketing ’00) may have exactly what you need this holiday season – and she doesn’t make a thing! Instead, she creates one of the Edmonton area’s best opportunities to shop from well over 100 local vendors who make all kinds of things. Check out the next Wholly Handmade, the market Antoniuk organizes seven times a year, Dec. 12 -14 in Sherwood Park.