What better way to get into the spirit of giving than by supporting small businesses founded by Western students and alumni.
To help you find the perfect gift or sock filler, Western news has compiled a list of inspiring ideas that are sure to add a little ‘purple pride’ to your holiday season.
Local handmade accessories and decoration
The Spruce Moose offers a variety of gift ideas showcasing the work of local and Canadian artists. (Source: Spruce Moose)
Not sure what to get your loved one? Browse Spruce Moose’s selection of home decor and accessories, featuring original works by more than 30 Canadian artisans. Joel Donkervoort, BESc’12, founded Spruce Moose in London, Ontario. in 2012 selling handmade bow ties and scarves. Spruce Moose has expanded into locally made home furnishings and accessories, and has become a trusted brand in the London community. Part of the proceeds from each purchase is donated to various causes, including ReForest London and the Salthaven Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center..
Remote Worker Fashionista
This pink “Swayzer” is a comfortable combination of a sweater and jacket. (Source: Lex and Ten)
Who says working from home can’t be fancy? Lex and Ten is a sustainable line of home office clothing made in Canada. Founded by Sylvia Cleaver, BSc’10, Lex and Ten products are made from sustainably sourced fabrics and materials and use eco-friendly manufacturing processes with the ultimate goal of zero inventory waste, according to the company’s website. (Use the discount code PurpleAndProud to get a 15 percent discount)
Booch boost
Shannon Kamins, founder of Booch and master fermenter (Source: Booch)
From planting to bottle, the story of Booch Organic Kombucha is as compelling as the drink itself. Founded by Shannon Kamins, BHsc’10, Booch is an organic kombucha and jun drink made from beneficial organic microbes that enhance health and well-being. Both owner and master fermenter, Kamins is passionate about bringing beneficial microbes into people’s bodies and promoting wellness. Being able to integrate that passion into a business venture has been an achievement for Kamins, who was named in the top 20 under 40 in London, Ontario. in 2018. She was also awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in 2017 (use discount code: PurpleAndProud for a 10 percent discount)
Sustainable seed snacks
Sucheta Khurana and Gurveer Bahia are the students behind Arise N ‘Go, a popped water lily seed snack. (Photo sent)
Arise N’Go’s Popped Water Lily Seeds are a healthy snack alternative that is vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and all-natural. Founded by Sucheta Khurana, BA’21 and Gurveer Bahia, BA’21, Arise N ‘Go is available online and in 11 retail stores and two markets in the London area. Popped water lily seeds, also called fox nuts or phool makhana, are known for their medicinal benefits in the Asian region. Healthy and sustainable, they are commonly found at the bottom of shallow water, hand-picked, naturally dried, and puffed by an oil-free roasting process. (Use the discount code: PurpleAndProud to get a 15 percent discount)
Safe scrunchie
Hairstrong hair ties are a great sock filler for your active loved one. (Photo sent)
The innovative adjustable headband Hairstrong, from competitor-turned-entrepreneur Nicole Baranowski, has gained popularity among sports enthusiasts, especially for its ability to securely hold hair up even during the most strenuous workouts. Baranowski, BHsc’19, launched Hairstrong in 2019 and has since generated more than $ 100,000 in revenue. The product has also earned the support of an angel investor with a $ 13,000 infusion this year. (Use the discount code WESTERNHOLIDAY2021 to get a 15 percent discount)
For the baby and for you
Roo and Yoo’s The Joey theater set (Source: Roo & Yoo)
Founded by women and family owned, Roo & You is a parent-oriented small business that creates “fun, innovative” products made in Canada for parents and children. Their exclusive Joey series consists of modular foam gaming sofas and slipcover sets. Founded by Helen Smith, BA’12, Roo & You debuted their original product, Chew Choo Baby Roo, affordable silicone teething products for babies. The company has evolved and expanded its product offering to modular foam furniture and accessories for baby feeding and teething, made from 100% food grade silicone.
The gift of hope
Kenisha and Alisha are HopeSisters, a social enterprise that helps the elderly and children in foster care (photo sent)
Consider making a donation on behalf of a loved one to HopeSisters and become a bona fide HopeSpreader. Each HopeBag, which includes donated items like toys, blankets and essentials, aims to bring joy to children in foster care. This social project, founded by sophomore medical science student Kenisha Arora and her younger sister Alisha, initially started with writing cards for isolated seniors in long-term care during the pandemic. Today, it is a registered non-profit organization with 50 chapters in Ontario, from London to Kingston, including the Western-based London HopeCollective.
Tree pruning gift idea
The Rotary Club of London South’s new ornament is a replica of Western’s iconic University College building. (Photo by Rotary Club of London South)
Give your tree a western touch with the new University College pewter ornament offered by the Rotary Club of London South, a charity that helps children and young people in London and beyond. A miniature replica of one of Western’s most iconic buildings, the ornament is among four in the Rotary Club’s collection of heritage buildings. The ornament sales are the group’s main fundraiser; others in this year’s series are the interior of the Grand Theater and the exteriors of the Marienbad Restaurant and Chaucer Pub and the Grosvenor Lodge. Proceeds support the Rotary Club’s community outreach programs, including children’s lunches, Keep London Warm kits including scarf and gloves for Londoners struggling with homelessness and clean water projects in Kenya.
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For more holiday inspiration, the Western Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship has a long list of unique gift ideas at https://entrepreneurship.uwo.ca/shop-purple/.
The Book Store at Western also has a Holiday Gift Guide, with a wide selection of Western gifts and holiday favorites, including branded hoodies, travel mugs, socks, and hats.