There’s a silver lining to spending money during the holidays — an obligation to buy a gift is an opportunity to support your community.
Black-owned small businesses were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, as was Scarborough. Spend with purpose this season with these gifts from Black-owned small businesses in and around Toronto’s east end; several are also founded by U of T Scarborough alum.
This list barely scratches the surface of the show-stopping products and businesses around Scarborough. Check out our gift guide for more local businesses, and our gift guide for local Indigenous-owned businesses — the perfect gifts are closer than you think.
This is an editorial piece and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University of Toronto Scarborough.
1. A Scarborough-themed candle
There’s no such thing as dark comedy when your candle’s telling the jokes. These hand-poured candles feature cheeky one-liners instead of the usual scent descriptions (but you get to pick the real scent).
Get it for $25 from Real Talk Candles
2. An organic hand and body butter
‘Tis the season of dry skin, but this chemical-free almond balm locks in moisture for 24 hours. It comes in a stylish reusable tub and a portion of all proceeds go toward planting trees in Toronto — the company, founded by Chevon Riley (UTSC BSc 2020), has already funded the planting of 295 trees.
3. A doll that supports Black representation in children’s products
This doll is part of Kids Swag founder Kim West’s pursuit of mindful representation — the intentional search for images and experiences that give kids a greater sense of self. Kids Swag partners with Black-owned businesses to offer a one-stop shop for kids’ clothes, accessories and toys that feature Black characters and empowering messages.
4. An eco-friendly, healthy chocolate hazelnut spread
There’s no sugar-coating here, Iman Mounib's (UTSC BA 2017) hazelnut chocolate spread is made of only three ingredients: hazelnuts, organic, fair-trade cocoa powder and local honey. There’s also vegan option and its packaging is almost entirely plastic-free.
Get it for $11.69 from Mounib Real Food Only
5. Activewear with African-inspired prints
U of T Scarborough student Ifeoma Amaechi was tired of drab activewear, so she created a line that combines prints inspired by her West African background with contemporary activewear designs. Stay merry and bright with these vibrant looks.
Get bras and leggings from $39 to $65 from Ibuchi
6. A granola customized to their favourite tastes
Kare Granola lets you choose the nuts, seeds, dried fruits, sweetener, spices, oil and texture in your package so you can get granular with your gifts. You can also name the granola after your giftee and have it printed on their bag.
Get it for $13.50 from Kare Granola
7. A tin of handmade assorted chocolates
It’ll be the 12 days of chocolates with these varied treats — all the flavours, from passion fruit and toasted coconut with almond to salted caramel crunch to candy cane, are made from local ingredients. (And can we just admit we’ve all been regifting those Ferrero Rocher packs anyway?)
Get it for $38 from Mary's Brigadeiro
8. A nod to the Scarborough Shooting Stars
Celebrate that the GTA’s first franchise of the Canada Elite Basketball League — and former Toronto Raptor Jalen Harris — landed in Scarborough. And check out the other collections from Live It Wear It, all designed by renowned Toronto-based artist Mark Soddart.
Get it for $44 from Live It Wear It
9. A set of cruelty-free mink lashes
Danni J Beauty has a line of false eyelashes designed for different eyes and vibes, from subtle to striking. They're also reusable with proper care.
Get it for $15.50 from Danni J Beauty
10. A themed gift basket
6ix Baskets makes custom gift baskets based on a theme of your choice packed with food, drinks, toys, flowers, accessories and other goodies that all stay on brand.
Inquire with 6ix Baskets for prices
If you have a suggestion for a product we should feature in a future gift guide, please email marketing.utsc@utoronto.ca. Happy holidays!