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Undergrad student Esther Vlessing models one of her fur trims for parka hoods (photo courtesy Esther Vlessing)

Holiday gift-giving suggestions with a οtheme

Last-minute holiday shoppers, under pressure to make impressive selections quickly, have been known to fail in spectactular fashion. But those deadline-driven woes might just be a thing of a past, thanks to University of Toronto students, staff, faculty and alumni.

Looking to make a literary impression?
The list of books available from οwriters this year includes something for everyone. From the poetry of Ken Babstock to the first non-fiction work by Michael Winter, writers who teach at U of T's School of Continuing Studies have you covered. Shopping for children or young adults? No problem: you can find Mariko Tamaki's award-winning This One Summer or the latest from acclaimed author Cary Fagan at any bookstore. 
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What about the well-read family member who just happens to be tongue-tied in social situations? Two οstaff members have created an aesthetically appealing solution called : a package of clever conversational gambits to see you through everything from awkward family dinners to stressful cocktail parties. The best part? .

Fashion and style icons on your list?
There's a new clothing option in town. Why not combine the warmth of alumnus Dani Reese's iconic Canada Goose parka with a new fur trim for its hood, created by undergrad Esther Vlessing?

“There’s nothing like actually applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world,” says third-year Faculty of Arts & Science student Vlessing, who credits an introduction to entrepreneurship course at οwith helping her launch her company. Her brand of products hit retail stores in Ontario December 15 and will be available nationally and internationally through the Sporting Life retail chain.

Vlessing produces a line of different fur trims for Canada Goose jackets that allow cold-weather fashionistas to customize their beloved parkas: . All are locally produced and manufactured with materials primarily sourced from small Toronto vendors.

And, for tech-oriented family and friends, . For the person who keeps forgetting passwords, how about a biometric wristband? The Nymi, from startup Bionym, allows users to remember passwords and unlock devices, by recognizing the unique signature of the wearer's heart.  

Why not give someone a night on the town?
Gift your sports-loving friend or family member a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with tickets to one of the many . Watch high stakes competitions in the fields of swimming, track and field, gymnastics, rugby, cycling, soccer, fencing and other sports.
 
For the more artistically-minded, , running January 16-31, will help you kick off the new year with a groovy 70s vibe.
 
Or, for a gift that doesn't cost a thing, you could always sit by the fire with your loved ones and and then explore the city through its stories:
 
  • Adventure through High Park and the Green Belt after listening to οPhD candidate and author Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer discuss how .
  • Walk through downtown Toronto's concrete jungle and imagine how may someday result in a lush forest of grass-covered skyscrapers.
  • Or simply throw on your boots and stroll through the landscape of the University of Toronto's . 
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