Looking for a way to support Growclass community members and small businesses? Here are 18 ways to do just that this holiday season!
This holiday season, swap the big box stores and huge online retailers with something that’ll warm even the Grinch’s cold, cold heart: small and sustainable local businesses!
Our Growclass alums are behind some seriously cool and inspiring side hustles, businesses, and passion projects—and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Below, you’ll find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list (including yourself!) while supporting real dreams and real people. Now that’s what we call holiday magic. ✨
1. Three Ships Day + Night Serum Duo
Skincare can feel overwhelming—12-step routines, $300 eye creams, and vampire facials, anyone? Enter this serum duo from Three Ships, a women-founded B-Corp (shoutout to Growclass alums Connie Lo and Laura Thompson!). It simplifies your routine with two serums: vitamin C for day and bio-retinol for night.
They’re both cruelty-free, vegan, synthetic-free, and hypoallergenic. 🐇
Who is it for? Your busy friend who wants to take better care of their skin but doesn’t know where to start—and honestly doesn’t have the time to figure it out.
2. Chaos Calling—The Xenthian Cycle: Book 1 by E.M. Williams
Move over, ACOTAR; there’s a new story about strong women fighting monsters in town. Check out Chaos Calling, the debut novel from freelance author (and Growclass alum!) E.M. Williams, for a dose of heroes, Sky Worms (yes, you read the right 🪱), and heart-pounding action.
Psst…this is part one of a series, so you’ll have perfect follow-up gifts!
Who is it for? That fantasy-obsessed, bookish friend who’s always updating her Goodreads, scrolling through BookTok, and talking about the bat boys. If you know, you know.
3. Blume’s SuperBelly Starter Kit
Bring some balance back into your belly with these gut-building hydration packs. They’re tasty (but sugar-free), good for you (filled with prebiotics and probiotics), plant-based, organic, made in Canada, AND women-founded and owned. I mean, what could be better?
Featuring Growclass alum Lauren Ryan.
Who is it for? That one friend whose stomach always hurts. If that friend is you (because, same), then just get it for yourself!
4. Tainted Love Bracelet from Maria Tuca
Ethically-sourced gemstones? Crafted in limited batches? Designed by a local Canadian artist? Check, check, and check. This bracelet combines good vibes with style, beautiful stones, and premium sterling-silver finishes.
P.S. According to the most reliable source out there (the internet), lepidolite soothes anxiety!
Featuring Growclass Alum, Roberto Faria.
Who is it for? Your gemstone-obsessed friend who’s all about astrology charts, healing energy, and cosmic balance.
5. A Duck Amuck Art Studio’s Piles of Crab Print
Now come on, who wouldn’t want this pile of crabs? This high-quality print is based on an original ink drawing made by real-life human Erwin Ong (suck it, AI). It’ll bring a touch of magic and happiness into any space in your home because, well, it’s cute crabs in a pile! 🦀
Featuring Growclass Alum, Erwin Ong.
Who is it for? Your whimsical friend whose house is filled with unique trinkets and decor.
6. RaiseHerCo. Crown Crew
Stay warm, cozy, and empowered with this sleek black crewneck. RaiseHerCo. was founded by a couple of mother-daughter duos in pursuit of ensuring all women have access to leadership opportunities. The crown on the front represents a commitment to advocacy, and the message on the sleeve, “I know who I am,” reminds you to stick to your true self.
Featuring Growclass Project Lead Talitha McKloskey.
Who is it for? All the strong women in your life who love a meaningful gift. 💗
7. The Self-Care Bucket List by FlowJo
Bubble bath not giving you the stress relief it used to? Reach for this little gem of a box, filled with thoughtful self-care activities that’ll help you slow down and build a more playful, generous, and overflowing life.
Founded and created by Growclass instructor Tiffany DaSilva, who wanted to feel a little deeper, love a little harder, and connect to people and the world around her. 🫶
Who is it for? Your overworked and overscheduled friends who could honestly use a breather.
8. Mama Earth Organics Produce Box
Hey, everyone has to eat! Produce boxes are a tasty way to get fresh, local, and organic fruits and veggies delivered right to your door. They’re great for farmers because they have an easier time planning their crops in advance, and they’re great for you, as you’ll get way more variety than you would in a regular grocery store.
Featuring Growclass alum Micheal Ly.
Who is it for? For that friend who already seems to have everything, food is always the answer.
9. Moshfit Multi Storage Shaker Cup
Up your protein intake in this dishwasher-safe (our favorite words), 100% BPA-free shaker cup. Founded by Growclass alum Samira Khan, Moshfit combines badass style with handy workout accessories that’ll make you finally use that gym membership.
P.S. It has both oz and ml, so it’s good for all your friends, no matter where they live. 🌍
Who is it for? Your gym rat friend who never truly let go of their emo phase. ‘Cause tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again 🎶
10. Field Notes Suntan Cap
Perfect for both sunny rays and bad hair days, this cap gives off extremely cool vibes. Field Notes is a distillery based in Edmonton, Canada, that’s a partnership between Faaiza Ramji, a South Asian Canadian entrepreneur (and Growclass alum!), and Lindsey Good, owner of a 100-year-old farm in the Canadian Prairies. I mean, come on, that’s super cool.
Who is it for? Your friend who is just that it girl in the chic trench coat and pristine white sneakers.
11. The Human Being Journal
This isn’t your typical journal—it’s filled with mindful prompts and practices designed to reduce stress and enhance your well-being. Inspired by founder Sheba Zaidi’s life experiences and the spiritual teachings of Eckhart Tolle, The Human Being Journal helps you reflect on your life and explore the full human experience.
Fun fact: It was included in last year’s Oscar and Grammy gift bags!
Featuring Growclass community member Laura Gabor.
Who is it for? Your burnt-out friends who want to take a stab at mindful and intentional living.
12. Love Your Suds Orca Sunset Artisan Soap
This handmade soap isn’t just gorgeous—it smells incredible, with notes of lemon, rosemary, sandalwood, and vetiver. It’s made with a premium, palm-free, vegan blend of shea and cocoa butters, coconut milk, and kaolin clay, making it gentle, effective, and all-natural.
Love Your Suds works with Growclass alum, C Denton! Together, they're dedicated to creating trustworthy, nourishing products you can feel good about. 🥰
Who is it for? That friend who you just know had a collection of those ceramic dolphin figurines in the '90s (and yes, we know Orcas are whales, but trust us—they’ll love it).
13. MAG Corset Style Tunic Top
This fun top isn’t just cute but has an awesome backstory to boot. While working in his family’s clothing business in Egypt, Growclass alum Mahmoud Gaber was troubled by the amount of fabric waste produced daily. So he founded MAG Clothing to empower people to make eco-friendly choices without sacrificing comfort or affordability. 👏
Who is it for? The friend who would appreciate a modern, sustainable twist on her once beloved peplum tops.
14. Taylored Granola Starter Pack
This Taylored Granola Starter pack packs a punch.
It features three flavors to create a morning trifecta: Maple Pecan Pie, Hazelnut Berry Bliss, and Coconut Super Seed. All three granolas (made from all-organic Quebec Oats) are gluten-free, vegan, and contain zero refined sugars. 💃
Founded and created by Growclass alum and London-trained chef Taylor Pogue.
Who is it for? Your friend with chaotic mornings (kids? workout routine? hectic job?) who doesn’t have time to fuss over a complicated breakfast.
15. Over The Moon Geode Studs
These beautifully mismatched geode studs feature druzy crystals, believed to enhance imagination and creativity. ✨ Handmade, hypoallergenic, and tarnish-resistant, they’re crafted with sustainably sourced gemstones and metals, which means they pass the vibe check 1,000%.
Designed and created by Growclass alum Layla Rocher.
Who is it for? The Phoebe of your friend group—charmingly quirky and a lover of all things cottagecore.
16. Muse and Mate Practice Journal
Yep, it’s another journal, BUT this one is totally different from the other two on our list! It’s essentially a practice buddy for playing your instrument. It helps you hone your skills, build sustainable habits, and rekindle your love for music.
Founded by cello player (and Growclass alum!) Winter Wei and her co-founder/cello teacher Amber. 🎼
Who is it for? The musicians in your life. They deserve a gift, even if you’re secretly jealous of their skills.
17. Air Purifier by Ecologicca
Sleep is vital to having a great day. And a big part of that is being able to breathe in clean air all day and night. But sometimes these purifiers can be big and clunky and really just don't fit the overall vibe we're trying to create in our bedroom or office spaces.
Enter: Breeze. It's a compact air purifier with two filtration speeds and a super quiet fan (so it won't be a bother during work calls or podcast recordings!)
Founded by Growclass alum, Laura Gabor.
Who is it for? Anyone who breathes in air. But extra nice for those with seasonal (or year-long) allergies!
18. Couth Studios Double Duty Dress
We’re ending our list with this stylish, unique, and just straight-up cool blazer dress. It’s essentially the mullet of dresses (in a good way!)—business in the front and party (a.k.a. shorts) in the back. Plus, it has pockets and is both designed and made in Toronto!
Couth Studios is founded by one extraordinary woman: Growclass alum Sajna Massey.
Who is it for? Your friend who loves going all out for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve. 🪩
19. Homemade snacks by BiteWise
If you're looking for a special treat without all of the bad side effects (like post-halloween sugar hangovers), then give BitWise snacks a try! They're a Mississauga-based small business focused on creating organic, sugar-free, and vegan healthy snacks for your entire family to enjoy.
Founded by Growclass alum, Rajbir Achoriwala.
Who is it for? Your friends and family who love snacks and are health-conscious.
20. Illustrated family portraits by Ameer Ali
Thoughtful gifts are the best gifts to receive. It shows us that people are thinking of us. What better way to do that than to get a custom illustration of your favorite picture together that they can hang up in their home? Enter: Ameer Ali illustrations.
Plus, you'll be supporting Growclass alum, Misbaah Sayani!
Who is it for? Your friends and family who love a sentimental gift.