Shop NSCC

2025 Shop NSCC Alumni Gift Guide

This year marks the 10th Shop NSCC Gift Guide, so you know we’re featuring incredible alumni makers and business owners that will ensure you keep the title of best gift giver! This year’s guide is packed with unique finds perfect for everyone on your list.

The best part? Every purchase supports local alumni businesses. Get ready to give gifts that wow and make this holiday season unforgettable!

Beautiful Beadwork

Handcrafted beaded earrings, pins and other work from December Reign Creations are vibrant, timeless pieces infused with story and tradition. Artist Jessica LeBlanc (Deaf Studies ’12, ASL/English Interpretation ’14), a bi-racial Mi’kmaw artist with roots in Wasoqopa’q First Nation, named her business after her son. Each pair is made with positive intentions, letting the beads “speak” to guide her colour choices. Discover these stunning creations and shop December Reign Creations on Etsy!

Caribbean Cuisine Collection

Need a gift for a food lover in your life? You have to check out Gloria’s International Grocery in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Owned by Shawn Montique (AMCA ’18), this specialty store offers the most sought-after Caribbean and African products — from vibrant spices and fresh produce to flavorful sauces, drinks and snacks. Pick up a must-try ingredient, a tasty treat, a bold condiment, or even a gift card from Gloria’s International Grocery for a delicious gift.

Chic Cotton Creations

The stylish simplicity of Forest Home’s handmade 100% cotton rope décor makes the perfect gift for that person who has everything. This rural-based business is nestled in the wooded outskirts of Chester, where owner Beth Bulger (NRET ’15) lovingly creates each piece at her family’s kitchen table. Her trays and bowls are versatile, functional and fit beautifully with any home style. Explore Forest Home’s website or visit a local retailer that carries her products.

Classy Crystal Candles

Stephany Pinhorn (Welding ’16) is the creative force behind Wicca Waves, a Cape Breton-based company specializing in luxury crystal and botanical candles. Each hand-poured piece is crafted with nature’s findings from across Canada and features crackling wooden wicks blended with 100% coconut soy wax. These candles don’t just look stunning—they smell incredible too! Explore Wicca Waves on Instagram or Facebook, and pick up your favourites at Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia in Halifax and select local retailers in Cape Breton.

Cozy Cafe

Nestled along the fogbound shores of St. Margaret’s Bay in Glen Haven, Labour Day Picnic Cafe is the perfect escape from everyday busyness. Co-owned by alumni couple Kate Melvin (AMCA ’07, Graphic Design ’08, Baking & Pastry Arts ’13) and Gabe Beale (Recording Arts ’07), this cozy spot is loved for its house-made caramels, espresso, local beer and wine, lunch fare, baked goods, and Lure Caramel Co. chocolates. Stop by Labour Day Picnic Cafe for a relaxed date with a friend—or gift one of their fun shirts, bags or a gift card. 

Grateful Greeting Gifts

Find unique gifts and creative greeting cards, gift bags, and tags to go along with it all at hi, love. greetings. This Indigenous (Inuk) woman-owned small business features a collection of handmade gifts designed with eco-friendly materials for real-life moments by Melanie Sampson (RTA ’05). Based in Auburn, NS, Melanie offers a range of fun, cheeky gifts that you can buy online from hi, love. greetings and at a few retailers.

Lasting Leather Legends

Alumni duo Jacob Davies (Electrical Construction and Industrial ’14) and Cody Gorman (Industrial Mechanical ’15) are the founders of Worx Industry, a business crafting premium leather goods and timeless collectibles. From wallets and belts to dog collars and leashes, every piece is designed for durability and style. Explore Worx Industry’s website to find the perfect gift for someone special—or even your four-legged friend.

Perfectly Poured Pewter

Amos Pewter is a family business, co-owned by Jacob Sheehan (Business Admin '14), that offers handcrafted original designs of jewelry, ornaments, home décor and tableware. Their stunning pewter pieces make meaningful gifts, each designed to capture a special sentiment or memory. Skilled artisans craft every item in Mahone Bay, blending tradition with artistry. Find the perfect gift at one of their studios and online, or make the gift an experience with a hands-on tour or a visit to their Pewter Museum with loved ones.

Pottery Paradise

Jessie Wright (Boulanger & Baking Art ’11) creates modern, functional pottery for your home from her small-batch ceramics studio based in Halifax, JAW Pottery. From ceramic mugs and dinnerware to charcuterie sets and custom wedding gifts, every piece is thoughtfully handcrafted and wheel-thrown. With earthy tones and timeless design, her pottery is made for daily use —and to be loved for years to come. Find your favourite pieces on JAW Pottery’s website.

Precious Paper Art

Are you shopping for an art-lover this holiday season? Paper artist Merrideth MacDonald (Library and Information Technology ’14), owner of Hunky Dunky Dory Paper Art, creates precious collages that consist of hundreds of little pieces of magazine paper. Her work focuses on nature, especially flora and fauna. Peruse her website for the perfect print to gift.

Serene Skincare and Soap

Looking for a natural self-care gift that makes someone feel great in their skin? The Soap Company of Nova Scotia Ltd. has you covered with handcrafted soaps, skincare and cleaning products — all gluten- and nut-free, available unscented or gently scented with essential oils. Founder and CEO Leigh McFarlane (CCEDP ’03) takes pride in creating small-batch products using high-quality, natural ingredients. Shop The Soap Company of Nova Scotia Ltd. products in person or online.

Wonderful Wines

Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday hosting or earn a reputation for exceptional taste in gifts, L’Acadie Vineyards has you covered. As Nova Scotia’s first certified organic vineyard and winery (Pro-Cert Organic Systems), they’ve been committed to organic farming practices since day one. With over 30 years of expertise, winemaker and owner Bruce Ewert (Adult Education Foundations ’22) crafts an impressive selection – from sparkling wine and rosé to cider, including vegan options. Order from L’Acadie Vineyards online for bottles that are sure to impress and delight!