This holiday season, support Carleton University alumni-owned businesses by gifting unique, locally crafted items. From artisanal treats to stylish accessories, discover the perfect gifts that highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Carleton community in the Ottawa region.


Craft Beverages

Dominion City Brewing Co.

Josh McJannet (BJ/07)
Founder

Dominion City Brewing Co. crafts exceptional beer with a focus on quality, creativity and community. Known for their seasonal ales and innovative brews, they’ve built a reputation as a cornerstone of Ottawa’s craft beer scene.

Website: https://www.dominioncity.ca
Instagram: @dominioncity

Two oranges, a glass of beer and a can of beer.

Dominion City Brewing Co.

Ashton Brewing Company

Quinn Hodgins (BA/02, Political Science)
Co-Owner

Since 1975, the Hodgins family has brought their passion for great food and house-made beer to the Ottawa Valley. Tucked in the village of Ashton, their microbrewery blends history and craftmanship to create locally cherished beers.

Website: https://www.ashtonbrewingcompany.com
Instagram: @ashtonbrew

Several canned drinks sitting on the branch of a Christmas tree.

Ashton Brewing Company

Overflow Brewing Company

Bradley Fennell (BA/98, Geography)
Owner

Overflow Brewing Co. is where craft beer meets live music, offering a dynamic and welcoming space in Ottawa. Known for their locally brewed beers and vibrant atmosphere, this brewery has become a favorite destination for beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Website: https://overflowbeer.com
Instagram: @overflowbrewingco

A case of canned drinks to provide an example of gifting ideas

Overflow Brewing Company


Delicious Eats & Treats

North & Navy Restaurant

Adam Vettorel (BA/04, Environmental Studies)
Owner & Chef

North & Navy brings the essence of Northern Italian cuisine to Ottawa, blending Venetian-inspired flavours with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. With its curated wine list and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a destination for exceptional dining.

Website: https://northandnavy.com
Instagram: @northandnavy

A bowl of food.

North & Navy Restaurant

MooShu Ice Cream

Sin Mok (BID/12)
Owner

MooShu crafts inventive, hand-made ice cream and treats – celebrating high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Known for their creative and ever-changing flavors, they’ve become a favourite spot for dessert enthusiasts in Ottawa.

Website: https://www.mooshuicecream.com
Instagram: @mooshuicecream

A cup of ice cream.

MooShu Ice Cream

Hummingbird Chocolate Maker

Erica Gilmour (MA/07, Geography)
Owner

Hummingbird Chocolate Maker creates award-winning, small-batch chocolates with a focus on craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. Their rich, handcrafted chocolates are a true indulgence – perfect for any chocolate lover.

Website: https://hummingbirdchocolate.com
Instagram: @hummingbirdchocolate

A basket of chocolate gifts.

Hummingbird Chocolate Maker

Bread by Us

Jessica Carpinone (MSc/10, Biology)
Co-Owner

Bread By Us is an Ottawa-based bakery known for its artisanal bread and pastries, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and traditional baking methods. Their selection of sourdoughs, croissants and seasonal treats brings quality and flavor to any occasion.

Website: https://www.breadbyus.com
Instagram: @breadbyus

A woman making bread.

Bread By Us

The Merry Dairy

Marlene Haley (BA/91, English)
Owner

The Merry Dairy is an Ottawa favourite known for its hand-crafted ice cream, with both classic and vegan options. Committed to quality and creativity, they offer a range of delightful flavours made from the finest ingredients.

Website: https://themerrydairy.com
Instagram: @themerrydairy

People gathering outside of a store front, as an other example of locally created gifting ideas.

Merry Diary


Stylish Accessories

Victoire Boutique

Katherine Frappier (BA/07, Women’s Studies & Human Rights)
Owner

Victoire is a leading Ottawa boutique specializing in curated Canadian-made fashion. Since 2006, it has showcased the talent of both established and emerging designers, while championing sustainable and ethical business practices.

Website: https://victoireboutique.com
Instagram: @victoirelovesya

The inside of a retail store selling clothing.

Victoire Boutique

Andrea Mueller Fine Jewellery

Andrea Mueller (MA/17, Art History)
Owner

Andrea Mueller Fine Jewellery creates timeless, handcrafted pieces with a focus on quality and design. Each piece combines artistry and craftsmanship, making it a perfect gift for those who appreciate elegant, sustainable jewelry.

Website: https://andreamueller.ca
Instagram: @andreamuellerfinejewellery

Two necklaces with blue diamonds.

Andrea Mueller Fine Jewellery

Vincent Boutique

Amanda Cambareri (BA/07, Linguistics)
Co-Owner

Vincent is a contemporary women’s boutique in Ottawa’s Little Italy, offering unique brands that inspire creativity and conversation. Co-owned by two sisters, the shop supports community initiatives and gives back through charitable partnerships, making it a go-to for both fashion and philanthropy.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/shopvincent
Instagram: @shopvincent

Clothes hanging from a rack, and bags on a shelf above the clothes, as an example of gifting ideas.

Vincent Boutique

The Foxhole

Lucca Verrelli (BA/15, Sociology)
Owner

Founded in 2017, The Foxhole blends premium grooming and menswear, offering timeless, ethically crafted apparel and services like haircuts and straight-razor shaves. Focused on quality and inclusivity, they provide clothing and experiences that improve with age.

Website: https://thefoxholeshop.com
Instagram: @thefoxholeshop

Clothes hanging in a store.

The Foxhole

Krista Norris Collection

Krista Norris (BA/12, Communication Studies)
Owner

Krista Norris offers a curated collection of classic essentials, starting with timeless scarves designed for Canadian weather. Made in Canada from quality fabrics, these pieces blend style and practicality.

Website: https://kristanorris.com
Instagram: @kristanorrisco

Pieces of clothing

Krista Norris Collection


Skincare and Wellness

Shea Butter Market

Gifty Serbeh-Dunn (BA/88, Political Science; MA/96, Canadian Studies)
Owner

Shea Butter Market offers all-natural skincare products made from ethically sourced shea butter, benefiting both the environment and the women of northern Ghana. The company ensures fair wages for producers and reinvests profits to support the Tapko Widow’s Group and sustainable practices.

Website: https://sheabuttermarket.com
Instagram: @sheabuttermarket

Various shea butter related products great for gifting

Shea Butter Market

Enfematic Skincare

Junique Gooden (BCMSH/20)
Owner

Enfematic offers handcrafted, natural skincare products made from organic ingredients, free from sulfates, parabens and phthalates. With a focus on wellness and self-expression, their premium products are cruelty-free, vegan and made in small batches to ensure high quality.

Website: https://www.enfematic.ca
Instagram: @enfematic

Jars of skincare products that are wrapped for gifting during the holidays.

Enfematic Skincare


This season, celebrate Carleton alumni and their creativity by choosing thoughtful gifts from their local businesses. Your support makes a difference!


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Monday, December 2, 2024 in
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