Wish List Ready: Staff Picks from the Alumni Gift Guide

Super Natural Facial by Pure + Simple (founded by Kristen Ma, Retail Management ’12)

Haweya’s Thoughts: I’d love to receive the Super Natural Facial from Pure + Simple as a gift. I appreciate that it’s personalized, combining natural products with advanced treatments to really care for my skin. It feels like both an investment in my skin’s long-term health, and a chance to enjoy some relaxing, restorative me-time.

Hand bag by ELA (founded by Ela Aldorsson, Fashion ’05)

Rivi’s Thoughts: I have admired ELA designs for many years. She has combined environmental concerns with a flare for design and practicality. I own many of her colourful purses and wallets.

Modern, nostalgic jewelry by Biko (founded by Corrine Anestopoulos, New Media ’05)

Laura’s Thoughts: I love Biko jewellery. It’s unique, modern, but goes with any outfit.

Holiday Collection Tea Gift Set by Cup of Té (founded by Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Radio and Television Arts ’17)

Jen’s Thoughts: The holiday season can end up feeling so stressful and rushed … there is absolutely nothing better than sitting down to a warm cup of tea with someone and getting a moment’s rest. Peppermint tea is my favourite … it’s seasonal, but also soothes any stressed out stomach aches! And if this tea’s good enough for Oprah, it’s good enough for me!

Against the Grain: Defiant Giants Who Changed the World by Terry O’Reilly (Radio and Television Arts ’81)

Meredith’s Thoughts: I’ve long admired Terry O’Reilly’s storytelling through Under the Influence and We Regret to Inform You, where he shines a light on people who overcome setbacks with creativity and grit. His new book, Against the Grain, promises that same spirit — spotlighting mavericks who push past obstacles and challenge the status quo. With two daughters, plus nieces and nephews starting to find their way in the world, I’m drawn to stories that offer hope, resilience and possibility. Terry’s work always delivers that sense of inspiration, which is why this book made my staff pick.

On the Ground: My Life as a Foreign Correspondent by Brian Stewart (Journalism ’64)

David’s Thoughts: Brian Stewart is a journalism hero and a great storyteller. He was among the first western reporters to bring attention to the famine in Ethiopia in the ’80s, and he was also an important voice on the genocide in Rwanda. Stewart was a hands-dirty, in-the-mix reporter for 35 years at CBC — when newsrooms had foreign correspondents stationed around the world and competed for eyeballs through the integrity and intelligence of their reporting. He is also someone who looks to the next generation and has been a valued volunteer at TMU. Time in his company is time well spent.

Adventures in the Radio Trade: A Memoir by Joe Mahoney (Radio and Television Arts ’87)

Kieran’s Thoughts: Having met Joe a few years ago, albeit briefly, I can tell you he is a very talented and thoughtful individual with a meaningful career in radio. His novel, A Time and Place, and this memoir have both been on my list for quite some time now. Perhaps it will reach my Goodreads log by the end of the winter break! Not to mention, the RTA connection is one of the strongest among alumni.

Fine Artwork by Melanie Cheung Studio (founded by Melanie Cheung, Fashion Design ’08)

Erin’s Thoughts: One of my favourite pastimes is collecting artwork — nearly every wall in my home has a story hanging on it. When I came across Melanie Cheung’s work while putting together the Alumni Gift Guide, I fell for it instantly. The colours, the movement, the softness of her technique — everything about her pieces brings a sense of calm that I can’t help but be drawn to.

Birch Branch by SOMA Chocolatemaker (founded by Cynthia Leung, Architectural Science ’97)

Ruane’s Thoughts: I enjoy gifting Soma chocolate to friends as a thank-you or in celebration of the holidays. Decadent, thoughtfully crafted and unique — those are the words that come to mind when I think about Soma. Where else can you find dark chocolate filled with hazelnut praline and sour cherry jam, in the surprising shape of a birch branch?