Keeping it local – your holiday shopping guide for Dal alumni businesses
By Fallon Bourgeois
With the holiday season upon us, many people are looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones. To help you with your gifting, we’ve rounded up a list of local businesses owned by Dalhousie alumni. Shopping local this holiday season is a win win for everyone – supporting small business owners means you’re supporting the community you live in, and fellow Dal grads.
From gift ideas for the foodie in your life to unique items you won’t find elsewhere, we’ve got you covered.
Not in the area? Many of the businesses ship internationally.
Creatively curated
Argyle Fine Art is a commercial fine art gallery showcasing the talents of emerging to established artists. Adriana Afford (BA’95) perfectly curates paintings, drawings, limited edition prints, fibre, sculptures, photography, special services, and also offers a unique art subscription service.
Bonus: Argyle Fine Art ships nationally and internationally and they’ve hand-selected some great stocking stuffer ideas.
From iconic buildings in Halifax to picturesque stops along the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Emma Fitzgerald (MArch’08) creates sketches that leave you feeling as though you could climb inside one of her perfectly created scenes. Whether you’re looking to purchase one of her books, a special print or even a greeting card, you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye.
If you’re looking for a unique collectible, don’t skip a visit to Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles in Lower Sackville. Jay Roy (BA’07) owns the comic shop that is so much more – specializing in comics, toys and games. Besides the fun products you likely won’t find elsewhere, Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles is community-minded and offers a variety of products and events for contributing support, education and fun to the community.
Making spirits bright
The brainchild of Riley Giffen (BASc’16), ColdStream Clear Distillery offers world-class quality handcrafted products at a price that will pleasantly surprise you. With a selection of spirits and liqueurs, vodka and rum, you’ll be sure to find a special gift. Purchase ColdStream products in-store or online.
Located in the heart of North End Halifax, North Brewing Company, co-owned by Peter Burbridge (BSc’06, MBA’09), offers Belgian-inspired craft beer proudly brewed in Halifax and Dartmouth. Whether you’re looking to add a special touch under the tree or a gift certificate, it’s sure to be a hit.
Easy on the pallet
Is your special someone the type of person whose idea of the perfect present is a gift certificate for a foodie experience? Look no further:
The Canteen on Portland is the epitome of a neighbourhood restaurant. Owned by chef Renée Lavallée and her husband Doug Townsend (BComm’04), what started originally as a lunch hot spot two streets over on Ochterloney has morphed into one of the hottest places in Dartmouth. With a fun, family vibe and delectably delicious choices from the brunch, lunch and dinner menus, you can’t go wrong with treating someone to an outing at The Canteen.
If there’s one thing that’s great about Lion & Bright (and there are many), it’s the versatility. Owned by Sean Gallagher (BComm’05), Lion & Bright is a café by day and a wine bar by evening. The menu is guided by local ingredients that are sure to be a hit.
If you have a coffee lover in your life, chances are they’re familiar with Java Blend – Halifax’s original coffee roasters. Jim Dikaios (BComm’86) took over the family business from his father (who bought it in 1971) and has maintained Java as one of the best cafes in the city. Gift ideas for the coffee connoisseur are limitless at Java.
Bonus: You can order through Java’s online shop.
Gifts that keep on giving
Rescue Coffee Co. offers fair-trade, organically-grown coffee roasted in the Maritimes. Founded and owned by Claire Vaughan (BMgmt’09), Rescue Coffee Co. doesn’t simply produce delicious coffee, it donates 10 per cent of proceeds to its partnering animal shelters.
By making the choice to purchase Rescue Coffee, you’re also making the choice to give farmers fair wages, support local businesses and give a rescue animal a second chance at life.
Paper Hearts Halifax
From prints and maps to inclusive greeting cards, Paper Hearts Halifax believes in cultivating closeness through the written expression of love, celebration, encouragement and grace. Stefanie MacDonald (BMgmt’11) and her team produce simple, quirky, contemporary note cards. And while you’ll feel great about giving these cards to your loved ones, it’s also nice to know that each year Paper Hearts Halifax donates a portion of the proceeds from sales to a local charity.
Stylish finds
When Michele Giffin (BSc’13) decided to branch out and open her own boutique, she wanted to offer a space where customers felt transported to a magical place – the result is OZ Shoes Ltd. A new addition to the downtown core on historic Granville Street, it’s a contemporary boutique focused on the latest fashion in women’s footwear.
Twigg & Feather is a sweater and knits line that encompasses laid back, bohemian style. Jenn LeBlanc (BComm’06) designs pieces that are easy to wear and easily layered to create effortless outfits that have great style. There are chunky, cozy sweaters that you want to curl up in, and flattering, soft tunics and dresses.
Fresh and local
If you’re looking for a unique gift with a large impact, consider gifting an Afishionado Fishmongers subscription. Hana Nelson (BSc’08) and her team provide fresh seafood that’s sustainably harvested by small scale fishermen every week.
Made with Local products are the perfect stocking stuffer. Besides fresh local ingredients sourced by local farmers, Sheena Russell (BSc’09) and Kathy MacDonald put love into every product – something they believe is an essential nutrient.
Get moving
Aerobics First has been a Halifax favourite of runners for over 34 years, but you’ll find much more than a new pair of sneakers at the Quinpool Road store. Margaret Amour (BA’66) and her team offer shoe fitting expertise that is unparalleled in Eastern Canada. And on the second floor you can find everything from gear to accessories that will get you through the chilly weather.
Sarah Craig (BComm’10) opened I Heart Bikes on the Halifax waterfront in 2014 and it’s quickly become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. I Heart Bikes incorporates rentals, a service shop and promoting the best-kept secrets of Halifax with guided city tours.
If you’re looking to pair something with your gift tour while you’re waiting for the warmer months, you can shop I Heart Bikes apparel online.
Are you a local business owner and Dal alum? Tweet us @Dal_Alumni so we can share the local love!