UTE 12 Days of Startups
Discover a collection of one-of-a-kind gifts and support emerging U of T startups
Every day from December 1-12, we’re featuring one of the following 12 startups on Instagram, bringing fresh ideas, exclusive offers and giveaways— just in time for the holidays!
- Follow @uoftstartup on Instagram to stay up-to-date with latest startup spotlights, and to participate in our contests for your chance to win one of three prize packs including gifts from the following 12 startups.
- Browse our curated startup gift guide below and find exclusive discount codes to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Radiant Living
For brands that focus on personal care, skincare, and enhancing well-being:
Three Ships Beauty
Three Ships offers a range of natural skincare products, including cleansers, serums, toners, masks, and lip care. Their formulations are 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, utilizing plant-derived ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, and green tea. Their entire product line is clinically tested for proven efficacy.
Co-founded by Laura Thompson & Connie Lo
Affiliation: Alumni
Mamas Life Products
Mama’s Life Products offers innovative, eco-friendly wellness and personal care products designed to support a natural, healthy lifestyle. Their commitment to sustainability and quality ensures that every item is safe, effective, and kind to both people and the planet.
Founded by Ahmed Bawah
Affiliation: SICIEEIL
Natural Organic Matters (NORM)
Made in Canada with nothing but natural ingredients. NORM’s almond balm is handcrafted with natural ingredients making it the perfect go-to product for locking moisture. Their products work great for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Promo code: UOFT2024 for 30% off
Founded by Chevon Riley
Affiliation: Black Founders Network and SICIEEIL
Artful Gifting
The Aesthetics Studio
Aesthetics Studio specializes in unique and artfully crafted products such as sticker sheets, greeting cards, die-cut stickers, bookmarks, and washi tapes. Their designs add a creative flair to planners, gifts, and everyday life, making them a perfect choice for anyone who loves beautiful, functional stationery.
Founded by Hannah Grace Wang
Affiliation: U of T Student & ICUBE UTM
Cozy Comfort
Mave & Chez
Mave & Chez designs luxury ergonomic slippers tailored for women who seek a perfect balance of comfort and style. With features like arch support, temperature control, and premium materials, our slippers not only alleviate foot pain but also enhance body biomechanics, making them ideal for women navigating life’s busy moments.
Promo code: Use code UTE30OFF for $30 off your first purchase at Mave & Chez
Co-founded by Dani Kagan and Victoria Marshman
Affiliation: ICUBE UTM
Sleepout
The safest blackout curtains, 100% blackout, Greenguard gold certified & Oeko-tex certified.
Sleepout was founded to create the first safe blackout fabric that blocks 100% of light. Boosts – a daily reminder of your hypes, your goals and motivational messages to keep you going.
Co-founded by Mark Coombs and Hannah Brennen
Affiliation: Centre for Entrepreneurship & Alumni
Bespoke fashion
Afijjio
Afijjio is the premier North American destination for discovering African-founded fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. With products sourced from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and plans to expand to even more African countries, Afijjio connects consumers to the vibrant creativity of African designers.
Promo code: UOFT10 for 10% Off Everything on our website
Founded by Doyin Amao
Accelerator affiliation: Black Founders Network
Little Juniper
Little Juniper is a small jewelry business that creates unique, nature-inspired pieces by handpicking and pressing fresh flowers, then carefully preserving them in resin to create delicate, one-of-a-kind necklaces.
Promo code: JUNIPER10 for 10% off your order
Founded by Ethan Tang
Affiliation: U of T Student
Delicious Delights
Naza’s Bakehouse
Naza’s Bakehouse specializes in a variety of delicious baked goods, with a focus on moist and delicious Banana Bread. They also offer a range of cake loaves including carrot, lemon, and coconut, alongside a variety of muffins and Bundt cakes. Their customers enjoy the unique experience of building their own treats with customizable add-ons and toppings, ensuring every treat is crafted to their liking.
Promo code: UFE12 for 10% off on all products up until Dec 31, 2024
Founded by Chinaza Mekah
Accelerator affiliation: Black Founders Network
For your Furry Friends
ALT-PRO Advantage
No holiday shopping list is complete without a treat for your furry friend! HOPE is an alternative protein pet food company that uses nutrient-rich and eco-friendly ingredients from insects, algae and fungi to create meat- and fish-free pet food formulas that deliver nutrition while protecting the planet.
Founded by Sofia Bonilla
Accelerator affiliation: ICUBE UTM & UTEST
Future Explorers
Higgzfield
Higgzfield is dedicated to supporting children’s mental and emotional well-being through storytelling. Our three-part book series, Higgzfield Tales, combines engaging narratives with vibrant illustrations and relatable characters to captivate readers ages 6 to adult. Designed to spark meaningful conversations, the stories teach essential life skills such as empathy, communication, and coping strategies.
Founded by Marissa Higgins
Affiliation: ICUBE UTM
InduSpace
Indus Space hosts products and programs that introduce youth to the wonders of space exploration and its connections to Science, Tech, Engineering, Math. Our products include stationary, plush toys, puzzles, books, paper model templates, and 3D print models.
Promo code: STARTUP20! for purchases above $50
Founded by Dr. Bhairavi Shankar
Affiliation: InnovEd & ICUBE UTM
Looking for more? We have a variety of U of T startups selling products that would make perfect holiday gifts! Visit our Startup Marketplace to browse the collection.
Happy holidays from U of T Entrepreneurship!