Shop NSCC

2023 Shop NSCC Alumni Gift Guide

Want to be known as a thoughtful gift giver that supports local business and finds unique items? Our annual Shop NSCC Gift Guide makes that easy with a curated list of cool gift ideas from talented alumni in your community. Get your holiday shopping done with style and feel good about it.

Artisanal Accessories

Fun handmade small batch items from local artists are the hallmark of Fae Curio Artisanal Collective, co-owned by Christene Gittens (Social Services '18), Rachel Colford (Business Admin '18) and Jillian MacLellan (Baking and Pastry Art '19). Creative stickers, art prints, jewelry and home décor are just a few of the things that we love from their store.

Baby Boutique

Rochelle Simmons (Public Relations '16) offers quality, chic products for parents and infants at her business Sawyer + Sunny Boutique. Shop the site to find some real gems for the young families in your life. All products are ethically produced.

Cool Confections

Ready to up your candy gifting game? Candy Frost offers a new twist on your favourite classic candies – freeze dried! Owned by Candice Mugford (CCA '11), this must-try candy business turns traditional gummy candy into irresistible crunchiness, makes sticky candy into melt-your-mouth goodness and transforms ice cream into shelf-sustainable yumminess.

Crafted Cocktails

Want to shake up your cocktail offerings while entertaining family and friends over the holidays? Barkeep Cocktails, co-owned by Anisa Francoeur (Graphic Design '16), has innovative flavours that redefine the art of canned cocktails. Check out their website to find a retailer near you that sells their cocktails which are crafted by bartenders.

Customizable Candles

Scented candles with the option to personalize them with herbs, crystals and glitter? Yes please! Visit My CentrePeace to order your customizable hand-poured candle made with 100% coconut soy wax and essential oils. Co-owned by Kara Beals (Continuing Care '09), this business uses products that offer a luxurious experience that is gentle to both you and the environment. 

Delightful Drinkware

Two things make all beverages taste better, good company and the drinkware you use. As a co-owner of New Scotland Brewing and New Scotland Clothing Co., Scott Saccary (Architectural Engineering Technician '07) knows this very well. Check out the New Scotland Clothing Co. site for great drinkware options to go with your favourite drinks. We love their ceramic camp mugs which are perfect to curl up with by a cozy fire.

Exquisite Earrings

A piece of statement jewelry is always a great gift idea. If you’re shopping for earrings this holiday season, check out Queen Bee Kreations Co. on Etsy for stunning options. Owned by Métis artist Elaine Shukys (Human Services ’13), who makes beaded earrings using the highest quality products like Miyuki or TOHO beads, genuine gemstones and Swarovski crystals.

Local Lit

Looking for a fun, engaging and informative book for a little one in your life? Check out Sweetgrass and The Sharing Circle: Stories About First Nations Culture by Mi’kmaw children’s author Theresa Meuse (Dining Room Services ’74, Cosmetology '77). Sweetgrass was illustrated by alum Jessica Jerome (AMCA '14, Graphic Design '16). These page-turners are the perfect books to read as a family. Available at Nimbus Publishing and Chapters.

Marvelous Moss

Shayla and Nathan Simon (Business Admin '08) co-founded Simon Sea Moss to educate others on the health benefits of sea moss. Give the power of vitamin sea this holiday season with products that use 100 percent wildcrafted sea moss from the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Place your online order for their delicious wellness shots and gels or sensational skincare.

Mystical Minerals

Want a unique gift for someone who has everything? Head to Third Eye Avenue Crystal Shop & Lounge's website to order brilliant raw and carved stones which we love for accent décor pieces. Owned by Alicia Parrish (Business Admin '23), this shop has beautiful pieces that are sure to stand out.

Popular Prints

The art lover in your life will love the work of visual artist and graphic designer, Jayme Burns (Applied Communications Arts '03, Photography '04, Photography II '05) Her business Jayme Burns Creative Studio offers a variety of creative pieces, from unique greeting cards to beautiful prints capturing the breathtaking Cape Breton scenery. Check out her work online.

Superb Soap

Ryan Costelo (Electrical Construction and Industrial '04, Apprenticeship '09) and his wife handcraft natural and luxurious soap and lotions for their business, Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company. Fresh goat milk from their family farm is the special ingredient that makes the perfect recipe for ultimate relaxation. Visit their store on the Cabot Trail or browse their products online.