12 unique and useful gifts made by NAIT grads

Be this season's most thoughtful gift-giver with these fun, delicious or entertaining (or sometimes all 3) presents made by NAIT alumni

Need an imaginative, unique, possibly tasty and always awesome gift idea? A NAIT grad has you covered.

Here are the books, treats, experiences and more that will make this holiday season one to remember for that special someone. Merry gift giving.

Born to the Wild
by Rob Kaye (Biological Sciences Technology – Environmental Sciences ’76)

"I'm amazed that I'm still alive," says Rob Kaye, retired national park warden and author of a memoir recounting his adventures. Born to the Wild, however, is more than a backcountry diary. The self-published, award-winning book is a call to action to protect our parks, making it a must-read for those who love Canada's great outdoors.

Confetti Sweets cookies

A few years ago, Kathy Leskow (Management ’96) sold her cookies exclusively at farmers markets. Now, the owner of Confetti Sweets hands them out to Hollywood stars. For the past 2 years, she's shared them at gifting suites at the Oscars, making them one of Edmonton's most talked-about cookies. Probably, though, they'll leave whoever gets them at a loss for words about how tasty they are.

Float at Modern Gravity

Who would have thought you could buy an hour of complete peace of mind? Modern Gravity, owned and operated by Matt Smith (Personal Fitness Trainer ’11) and Jamie Phillips (Millwright ’12), specializes in restrictive environmental stimulation therapy, a.k.a. floating all alone in a dark tank of salt water. Give the gift of near-oblivion.

Escape at Escape City

Give a fun and memorable opportunity to exercise problem-solving skills with one of the biggest entertainment crazes to hit Edmonton in years: escape rooms. Co-owned and operated by Pamela Woolger (Finance ’05) and her husband Dave (Architectural Technology ’05), Escape City offers 5 scenarios to test your wits before the time on your adventure runs out. It's a great way to get away from the hectic holidays.

Stories of the Aurora
by Joan Marie Galat (Biological Sciences Technology – Environmental Sciences ’84)

Joan Marie Galat's fifth and latest book in her Dot to Dot in the Sky series focuses on the beautiful and mysterious phenomenon of the aurora. By blending science with the stories cultures have used for millennia to explain the lights, Galat captivates and informs. Though Stories of the Aurora is written for kids aged 9 to 13, adults too will benefit from the author's clear, entertaining style.

Chocolates from the Violet Chocolate Co.

Did you know some of the world's best chocolate bars are handmade right here in Edmonton? Rebecca Grant (Culinary Arts '08, Management '13, Marketing '14), owner and operator of Violet Chocolate Co., has the hardware to prove it. Her unique bars (with flavours including pumpkin spice latte, honey rosemary, and Moroccan spice) regularly earn gold, silver and bronze medals at the International Chocolate awards. Treat your favourite sweet-tooth to something truly special.

Duchess Bake Shop cookbook

Unlock the secrets of Duchess Bake Shop, the celebrated Edmonton bakery co-owned by Jacob Pelletier (Culinary Arts '07), with this handsome volume.

Written for the home baker by Giselle Courteau, the recipes capture the essence of Duchess: French traditions with a distinctly Alberta flavour. The book is made to be used, to inspire, and to be cherished and shared.

Catfish Coffee

If you’re a new Catfish customer, Dominic Ries (Culinary Arts '89) will greet you with one question: “Do you like your coffee edgy, smoky, earthy, or sweet – and interesting or not interesting?” With that, he can set you up with the perfect match from varieties of Catfish Coffee he and his family roast in small batches. buy it online or around Edmonton.

Oilersnation clothes

Know a rabid (and ever-hopeful) Oilers' fan? Chances are good he or she follows oilersnation.com, co-created by local creative economy leader Jay Downton (Finance '02). Help them show their support with hoodies, T-shirts, hats and more designed by the Downton and the gang at oilersnation headquarters.

Stony Plain Records 40th anniversary compilation

This summer, roots and blues aficionado Holger Petersen (Radio and Television '70) celebrated 40 years as co-founder of Stony Plain Records. To acknowledge the milestone - rare among Canadian independent labels - the company released a 3-CD set featuring the likes of Ian Tyson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and more. If your shopping list includes gifts for fans of Petersen's radio shows Natch'l Blues or Saturday Night Blues, this album will be music to their ears.

Meowbox cat treats

Cat lovers, be prepared for your cat to really love you back. Subscribe to Meowbox, owned and operated by Olivia Canlas (Small Business Certificate ’11, Dental Assisting Technology ’12), and your pet will get a box of treats delivered straight to your door. Sign up to receive a box every or every other month. What a purr-fect idea, huh?

A meal out

Edmonton's culinary scene has exploded, producing a cornucopia of choices to suit all tastes, from casual pub fair to upscale dining. Give the gift of your company over a fantastic meal. Use our guide, featuring restaurants owned or staff by NAIT grads, to help find that perfect spot for the special someone.

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