Alumni Holiday Shopping Guide 2025
Support Alumni Built Businesses and share the spirit of community this season.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate connection, generosity and the communities that shape us. Every year, our alumni remind us just how much creativity and passion lives within the UCalgary network from artists and makers to entrepreneurs, coaches, innovators and storytellers.
The 2025 UCalgary Alumni Holiday Shopping Guide brings together a diverse collection of Alumni Built Businesses offering thoughtful gifts, handcrafted products, meaningful experiences and services that brighten the season, reflecting the ingenuity, heart and community spirit that define our alumni family. Among these local ventures might be a new favourite for choosing something special for someone you love.
We are always looking to celebrate our strong entrepreneurially minded community of graduates. There are nearly 200 businesses in our Alumni Built Business Directory and are always looking to expand this community.
If you are UCalgary Alumni with a business, be sure to sign up today to connect with your team about how to get involved as an alumni business owner!
Adventures and Movement
Give the gift of energy, exploration and a little fresh-air magic. Whether it’s hopping on a new trail, trying a fast-growing sport or discovering a hobby that gets people moving, these alumni businesses offer joyful experiences that keep the season fun, active and full of momentum.
TuffHill eBikes
Founders: Brian Hill, BComm’06; Sean Tuff, BComm’16; Stephanie Tuff, BComm'10; Alexandra Contreras, BA'06, BEd'09
Built by a team of four UCalgary alumni, TuffHill eBikes helps riders rediscover Alberta’s outdoors with high-quality electric bikes engineered for performance and adventure. Its lineup ranges from commuter-friendly models to rugged off-road builds, each designed with durability and reliability in mind. Whether you’re looking to explore new trails or give someone the gift of outdoor freedom, TuffHill offers a uniquely local way to experience the landscape.
Website: https://www.tuffhillebikes.com/home
Booking: https://www.tuffhillebikes.com/book-online
YYC Pickleball
Founder: Ivy Chan, BSc (Eng)’01, MBA’10
YYC Pickleball is bringing energy, community and movement to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Founded by dual-degree alum Ivy Chan, the company provides equipment, coaching and programs that make pickleball accessible to all ages and skill levels. It’s the perfect gift for active families, friends looking for a new hobby, or anyone wanting to stay connected through friendly competition.
Website: https://www.yycpickleball.com/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3yhGoD4E4E
10Adventures
Founder: Richard Campbell, BComm’99
10Adventures helps people explore the world with confidence, offering curated travel guides, route-planning tools and adventure resources designed for hikers, cyclists, paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts of every level. Founded by Haskayne School of Business alum Richard Campbell, the platform blends practical expertise with a passion for discovery, making it easier to plan meaningful trips close to home or across the globe. Whether you’re gifting a future adventure or inspiring someone’s next big journey, 10Adventures brings the spirit of exploration to the holiday season.
Website: https://www.10adventures.com/
The Beach YYC
Founder: Elliot Weinstein, BA’06, MBA’11
The Beach YYC brings the warmth, energy and playfulness of summer into Calgary all year long. Founded by Elliot Weinstein, the facility offers indoor beach volleyball leagues, recreation programs and community events that encourage active, healthy and social living. With leagues for adults and engaging programs for kids, The Beach YYC creates a fun, welcoming space to move, connect and shake off the winter chill. It’s the perfect place to give the gift of activity and sunshine (even in December).
Website: https://www.thebeachyyc.ca/
Inside Out Total Wellness
Founders: Marie Nunziata, BSW’19; Christian Velasco, BSc’19
Inside Out Total Wellness is dedicated to helping individuals strengthen their health from, quite literally, the inside out. Alumni founders Marie Nunziata and Christian Velasco have created a supportive fitness studio that focuses on education, empowerment and sustainable lifestyle habits. Their classes and programs encourage balanced well-being, making it easier for clients to move with confidence and build long-term health. As a holiday gift, a membership or class pass offers something truly meaningful: a fresh, energized start to the new year.
Website: https://insideoutcalgary.com/#classes
Chalets at Big White
Founder: Fay Qian, MBA’19
Chalets at Big White offers luxury ski-in, ski-out vacation rentals in one of British Columbia’s most scenic winter destinations. Founded by alumna Fay Qian, the company provides beautifully appointed condos, townhouses and chalets that make it easy to enjoy a cozy mountain getaway. Whether you’re planning a family ski trip, a festive winter escape or gifting an unforgettable holiday experience, Chalets at Big White blends comfort, convenience and alpine charm for a memorable seasonal retreat.
Website: https://www.chaletsatbigwhite.com
Handcrafted and Heartmade
Some gifts aren’t mass produced and ordered off a website; they’re created with care, intention and a whole lot of heart. These alumni makers bring artistry and craftsmanship to every piece, offering treats and treasures that feel just as warm and personal as the holiday season itself.
Two Moons Macarons
Founder: Grace Frehlich, BKin’17
Grace Frehlich brings sweetness and just the right amount of holiday magic to Calgary through her artisanal macarons. Two Moons blends French technique with playful, modern flavours, creating delicate treats that feel special without being overly indulgent. Whether you’re gifting a festive box or surprising guests with something elegant for dessert, these macarons offer a beautiful, handcrafted touch to the season.
Website: https://twomoonsmacarons.square.site
Tuesday Brewing
Founder: Bill Robinson BEd'98
Tuesday Brewing celebrates the feeling of accomplishment, that crack of a cold beverage after a long day, a big effort or a job well done. Crafted with care and a commitment to exceptional flavour, Tuesday delivers a full-bodied, clean, crisp profile that hits all the marks. Founded by Bill Robinson, this Alberta-based brand brings quality and personality to every can. Whether you’re building a holiday gift basket or stocking the fridge for festive gatherings, Tuesday Brewing adds a satisfying touch of craft refreshment to the season.
Website: https://tuesdaybrewing.com
Branded Basics
Founder: Brittney Warner, BA’15
Branded Basics specializes in clean, minimalist apparel that’s designed to feel timeless while still offering a personalized touch. Founded by Faculty of Arts alum Brittney Warner, the brand creates wardrobe staples that elevate everyday comfort. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted and customizable, making it perfect for meaningful holiday gifting, whether it’s a cozy piece for a loved one, or a personalized keepsake that feels truly unique.
Website: https://www.brandedbasics.ca
Lubdub Apparel
Founder: Luz Alvizurez, BSc’08, BN’10
Lubdub Apparel designs apparel with heart, built especially for health-care professionals and teams across Canada. Founded by double-alum Luz Alvizurez, the brand offers stylish, functional scrubs and lifestyle pieces that celebrate the care, dedication and identity of those working in health care. With custom team orders and a commitment to quality, Lubdub makes it easy to gift something that stands out and matters, whether it’s for a colleague, a friend or yourself.
Website: https://www.hellolubdub.com
All Things Cedar
Founder: Andrew Stordeur, BA’02
For more than 25 years, All Things Cedar has transformed sustainably sourced Western Red Cedar into timeless outdoor furniture built to last. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a patio, deck or garden space, each piece blends craftsmanship, durability and an earthy elegance that stands the test of time. As a gift this holiday season or a treat for yourself, All Things Cedar brings the warmth of wood and the beauty of nature home.
Website: https://allthingscedar.ca
Creatives and Storytellers
Laura James Photography
Founder: Laura James, BComm’95
For more than two decades, Laura James has captured life’s most meaningful moments with warmth, artistry and an eye for storytelling. Her photography spans family sessions, portraits and professional branding, shaped by her ability to help people feel at ease in front of the lens. This holiday season, James’ sessions make thoughtful gifts for families wanting to freeze a moment in time or professionals looking to refresh their brand.
Website: https://www.laurajamesphotography.ca/about
Norberg Hall
Founder: Shannon Norberg, BFA’02
Norberg Hall works closely with artists, curators, institutions, collectors and community partners to showcase and champion contemporary Canadian art. Through ongoing exhibitions, artist representation, studio tours and participation in international art fairs, the gallery helps place meaningful work in prominent collections across the country. This curated approach makes Norberg Hall a standout destination for art lovers seeking a gift with depth, impact and lasting beauty.
Website: https://norberghall.com
Slow Burn Books
Founder: Shannon MacNaughton, MBA’19
Calgary's ultimate destination for romance book lovers. Slow Burn Books is a specialty bookstore devoted to providing a diverse selection of books catering to the interests of romance readers. They feature a mix of indie-published and traditionally published titles across an array of romance sub-genres. More than just a bookstore, Slow Burn Books is a community hub bringing together fellow bookworms; check out your loved-one's ‘to read’ list or grab a gift card for them to choose their next read.
Website: https://slowburnbooks.ca
Join our Alumni Built Business Directory!
We want to celebrate our strong entrepreneurially minded community of graduates. The Alumni Business Directory showcases the amazing range of products and services UCalgary alumni have to offer.
Please complete the form to help us learn about your business. In order to be featured in the directory, businesses must be founded, owned and/or operated by a graduate of the University of Calgary. We will review your submission and if you meet the qualifications above, we will be in contact with you shortly.