Photo: DiEtte Henderson, Unsplash
With the holiday season upon us, Concordia alumni have you set with a one-stop-shop for gifts. From gourmet foods and desserts to clothing, jewellery and beauty products, our holiday gift guide has something for everyone on your list.
Support local businesses — and fellow grads!
Founded by Rima Libarian, BComm 14
Impress guests at your next holiday party with dessert from Purelynut. The company was created by Rima Libarian in 2019 out of a quest to satisfy her sweet tooth while finding the right diet for her health issues. Offering gluten-free and vegan desserts, the company makes cakes, doughnuts and squares.
Vegan and gluten-free doughnuts, $22 per dozen
Owned by Sofia Cuccia, BA 21
Inspired by all things vintage, Sofia Cuccia specializes in jewellery adorned with freshwater pearls, gold charms and beads. All pieces offered by SC Collection are made by hand in New York.
Owned by Alex Danino, BA 03
Founded in 2006 and driven by a desire to highlight up-and-coming brands, Rooney Shop started with a physical storefront in Old Montreal and launched online soon after. Rooney offers everything from clothing, footwear and accessories to outerwear, apothecary items and publications.
Knit lightweight terry classic crewneck by Reigning Champ, $140
Owned by Kim Parenteau, BFA 93
Following “years of testing so many existing beauty products without ever being fully satisfied with the results,” Kim Parenteau founded Wild Grace, a skincare and beauty line featuring face cleansers, serums, exfoliants, lip care and more.
Body harmony trio, $96
Co-owned by Barbara Vyncke, BA 00
Montreal-based La Culotte à l’Envers offers a wide range of items for children of all ages, from newborns to 12 year olds. Find everything from clothing and footwear to books, games and toys at the physical store on Montreal’s Masson Street or online.
Minicombi trailer by DJECO, $39.99
Owned by Valerie Bachir, MBA 15
Feeling peckish? Head over to Sorella Boutique Gourmande — in person in Kirkland, Que., or online — for a great selection of gourmet food from around the world.
Apéro basket, $45
Co-owned by Gabrielle Labrosse, BComm 12
Bound by their love of fashion, Louise Labrecque and Gabrielle Labrosse created Avec style, an online boutique that sells clothing, accessories and beauty products. The mother-and-daughter duo also offer styling and personalized shopping at their Montreal studio.
Artworks by graduates of Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts
The Art Volt Collection, a juried sales and rental platform, supports emerging talent from Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts, fostering connections between artists and collectors. Discover this year’s cohort of vibrant creations at the online AVC gallery.
Co-founded by Zachary Steinlauf, BComm 19
Freddie’s is a family-run business specializing in premium-quality, 100 per cent Canadian kosher beef jerky. Available in sampler packs, regular size and bulk quantities.
The Original Freddie, $11.90
Founded by Raquel Paredes, BFA 16
Specializing in natural, handmade beauty and skincare products, Mami Creations are all made with certified natural and plant-based ingredients.
Get your caffeine fix by heading over to Concordia’s downtown Sir George Williams Campus for a bag of Stingers Roast coffee beans. Stingers Roast is a collaboration between Concordia Food Services, Manos de Mujeres and Brûlerie Faro. Beans are sustainable, fair trade and each sale helps support women farm owners in La Unión, Nariño, Colombia.
Net proceeds from each bag sold help fund student trips to the cooperative in Colombia where Stingers Roast beans are grown. The trips provide students with the opportunitiy to learn about agricultural practices, co-operatives, export and development.
Founded by Manuela Simo, undergraduate student, biology
After finding that many skincare products for people with sensitive skin or eczema weren’t made with women of colour in mind, Manuela Simo found her own solution by creating Touch Radiance. Through a vegan and organic skincare line, Simo’s goal is to offer products tailored to women of colour like herself.
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