Seven Waterloo-made wonders for your holiday shopping list

Waterloo is Canada's top university for entrepreneurship, fostering ecosystems where students turn big and small ideas into thriving businesses across every industry imaginable. 

As the excitement of the holiday season ramps up, we're thrilled to share seven Canadian companies with ties to the University of Waterloo that offer perfect gift ideas for your shopping list — each with a warm story of passion, creativity and giving back.

Apparel:  

Peace Collective  

Yanal Dhailieh’s (BSc ’12) journey from Waterloo student to founder of Peace Collective began with a simple idea and a self-taught design hobby that grew into a purpose-driven Canadian brand. What started as small batches of T-shirts evolved into a national label known for its clean aesthetic and its commitment to giving back. To date, the company has donated $423,439 with a mission to donate $1 million by 2030, making Peace Collective a gift that carries meaning and purpose this season. 

Arts and Literature

Made of Honour

Made of Honour began as a simple creative side project and has blossomed into a handcrafted stationery and wax-seal brand built by Bernice Ma (BA ’15, MDEI ’18). What began as creating wax seals for her own wedding invitations has grown into hundreds of unique, beautifully packaged seals, wax kits and DIY stamp sets loved by more than 290,000 followers online. Choosing Made of Honour for sealing and mailing or personally delivering your holiday cards and gifts means giving more than pretty stationery. It becomes a keepsake-worthy accent to your thoughtful notes and beautifully wrapped presents. In a season full of mass-produced gifts, these small, artisanal pieces serve as a heartfelt, meaningful gesture. 

Snowball: A Christmas Dilemma

Inspired by his father’s closest friend, Ian White, to study theatre at the University of Waterloo, Tim Gentle (BA ’96) was thrilled to publish White’s new children’s book, Snowball: A Christmas Dilemma. “I grew up hearing Snowball in many forms,” Gentle says. “For more than thirty years, Ian refined every line, sharpening the rhythm, wordplay and the storytelling tradition he loved.” From 2010 to 2017, White shared the story at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, bringing joy to families each Christmas. After reconnecting and working together for years, Snowball is now a beautifully illustrated book — and an Official Children’s Book of the 2025 Toronto Santa Claus Parade, read by Santa himself. Available on Amazon or by arranged pick-up in Toronto. 

Craft and Spirits

Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery 

Nestled on a family farm in Ayr, Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewer is a holiday gift for anyone who appreciates craft spirits with heart. Co-founded by brothers Jordan Vanderheyden (BES ’13) and Nolan Vanderheyden (BASc ’16), the distillery blends tradition and innovation. Their flagship is a barrel-aged amber gin, matured in oak for a rich, smooth flavour, available on the farm and on shelves at the LCBO. Choosing Willibald for a gift means giving more than a drink — it's a story of family legacy, sustainability and Waterloo-rooted craftsmanship.

Foods:

Red Cap Hot Sauce

Looking for a unique gift for the foodie in your circle? Red Cap Hot Sauce puts “flavour first, heat second.” The small-batch sauce is an authentic Trinidadian recipe that uses locally grown scotch bonnet and habanero peppers (when in season) and lemon and lime juices for a fresh taste. No-water added means the sauce will last you longer.  The company was founded by Waterloo alum Sanathan Kassiedass (MES ’16) in 2023, and this season they are giving a meal to someone in need for each bottle sold.  You can pick up a bottle in person at Goodness Me and Nature’s Emporium, and online at Healthy Planet and Amazon, among other retailers. 

SPATULA  

SPATULA Foods makes a thoughtful holiday gift for anyone who craves great food but lacks the time to cook it. Co-founded by Waterloo alum Ian Weng (MAcc ’13), the company was born from his time in France during the pandemic, when he was amazed by the wide selection of restaurant-quality frozen meals not always found in Canada. Partnering with Michelin-trained chefs, SPATULA now offers flash-frozen dishes that heat in minutes without sacrificing freshness or flavour. From rich pastas to chef-crafted entrées, each meal feels like a night out — delivered straight to someone’s home. It’s a practical, premium and comfort-filled gift, perfect for busy families, new parents, or anyone who loves good food made easy. For the holidays, SPATULA’s subscription boxes or Discovery Boxes make perfect gifts. 

Home and Garden

LandscapeDirect 

By tapping into the entrepreneurship ecosystem at Waterloo, Blake Patterson’s (BAFM ’22) path from University of Waterloo student to co-founder of LandscapeDirect reflects the power of a simple idea executed thoughtfully. From pitching the concept of an easier way to buy plants at a Velocity Pitch Competition, LandscapeDirect has grown into Canada’s first fully online garden centre, now featuring Foli, a one-stop shop for your indoor gardening needs. The company brings convenience and quality to greenery for every season. Their holiday collection features fresh porch pots, festive wreaths and winter arrangements delivered right to the door.