excelHR Gift Guide 2021

GIFT GUIDE 2021 FROM YOUR RECRUITMENT PARTNERS, ALL YEAR LONG

TABLE OF CONTENTS A LETTER FROM US TO YOU

NEW PARENTS + BABIES

HOW IT WORKS

FOR KIDS

SHOP LOCAL

GIVE BACK

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

GIFTS UNDER $30

TRAVELER

FOR TEENS

PET LOVER

DECK THE HALLS

COMFORT AT HOME

THE BOOK NOOK

HEALTHY LIVING

FOODIES

BEAUTY + SELF CARE

NEWLYWEDS

THE HOST

LUXURY LOVE

TECH TAKEOVER

RECIPES

TO THE OUTDOORS

IN THIS GUIDE INDEX OF ALL GIFTS

EXCELHR.COM

PURCHASE WITH PURPOSE As 2021 comes to a close, and we turn the page to a new year of possibility, we send our heartfelt thanks to everyone in our community for choosing us as your partner—whether to help build a meaningful career or assist in finding the best talent.

To help you end the year with brightness and joy, add a bit of sparkle to your home or a touch of sweetness to your table, we’re delighted to share this collection of our team's favourite treats. With so many great suggestions to choose from, we used three words to help us make the final cut: Listen, Involve, Support.

Listen In listening to our community, we learned how aligned we are in valuing diversity, equity and inclusion. We intentionally included as many Canadian small businesses as possible, nearly 50% of which are owned by women and/or BIPOC founders.

Involve We involved many of our own team members, each with wide-ranging hobbies, preferences and tastes, to develop this guide. They’re tech lovers, book fans, hikers and fitness fanatics, beauty afficionados, pet owners, travelers and new parents. We included the full gamut of their suggestions!

Support As a company founded by two young, determined entrepreneurs with big dreams, we know firsthand how important it is to support small business owners, especially this year. Many of the products in this guide are lovingly made by a Canadian business owner. We encourage you to help keep their dreams alive and their businesses thriving by purchasing with purpose.

This guide is our team’s gift to you. We’re grateful for your continued support and look forward to working together in 2022. All our best to you and yours!

- The Excel Human Resources Team

HOW IT WORKS LOVE, CLICK, SHOP

1.

Pick a product that you would like to learn more about.*

2.

Hover over the product so that the picture is highlighted in blue.

3.

Click to be redirected to the store’s website and shop!

*FOR PRICING INFORMATION, SEE THE INDEX (P.28)

SHOP LOCAL

GTA

OTTAWA

clothing inspired by the founder's Ghanaian roots and produced in Toronto.

PURE HEART a Canadian-based skincare ESSENTIALS brand offering natural,

THE PETAL POP-UP

an interactive flowerarranging experience and shop for beautiful plants.

OH SO GOOD an award-winning coffee and

GET FRESH COMPANY

an apparel boutique with fashion-forward designs and unique prints.

FLOWERS TALK TIVOLI

a one-of-a-kind plant shop with DIY planters, pots and succulents.

COCKTAIL EMPORIUM

a place to elevate your athome cocktails, with glasses, bar tools, and more.

MILK

a boutique offering clothing, accessories and stationery founded by sisters.

KAELA KAY

VANCOUVER

effective products.

dessert house with pies, cakes, custom treats & more.

CALGARY

MAISON COTE

a spice boutique with over 480 products all handmade with care.

GROOVY HANDBAG

GOOD BOY COLLECTIVE

a dog-friendly store that focuses on modern & ethical leashes, toys and more.

MOTHERLODE the first female and LGBTQ2+ coffee roaster in Calgary with COFFEE

NUSNUS

a high-quality children's clothing brand with options from newborn to age 6.

CHOCOLATE LAB

chocolate created by hand by the world's finest chocolatiers with fresh ingredients.

UWI TWINS FASHION

a street-style brand founded by twins who escaped the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

THE SILK ROAD

a family business inspired by the senses to deliver flavourful spices and herbs.

individually designed vegan backpacks with bold, unique prints.

one-of-a-kind flavours.

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL THE MORE THE MERRIER

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL THE MORE THE MERRIER

TRAVELER

PET LOVER

COMFORT AT HOME

HEALTHY LIVING

BEAUTY + SELF CARE

THE HOST

TECH TAKEOVER

TO THE OUTDOORS

NEW PARENTS + BABIES

FOR KIDS

GIVE BACK

For those looking to give the gift of giving back, here are some suggestions:

DONATE A HYGIENE KIT TO A LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTER Shampoo and conditioner Bar of soap Toothpaste and toothbrush Razor Deodorant

DONATE A CARE PACKAGE TO A LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER New or gently used dog or cat bed Blankets Toys Treats Harness / Leash

DONATE NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS TO A LOCAL FOOD SHELTER Baby food / formula Canned vegetables or fruit Dried pasta and jarred sauce Cereal Cereal (not sugary) Peanut Peanut butter

BRING HANDMADE GIFTS TO A LOCAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Blankets Pillow cases Hats and mitts Slippers Slippers Finger Finger puppets

GIFTS UNDER $30

FOR TEENS

DECK THE HALLS

THE BOOK NOOK

FOODIES

HEAR THE BELLS FOR THE HAPPY COUPLE

LUXURY LOVE

MALASADAS

BY KRISTINA MONIZ, TEAM MEMBER SINCE 2014

DETAILS Malasadas (traditional Portuguese donuts) originated from the Azores island Sâo Miguel, where my mother was born. This recipe was passed down from my grandmother, who used to make these doughnuts on holidays such as Easter, Christmas and New Year’s, as well as family gatherings.

INGREDIENTS 10 cups all-purpose flour 8 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons sugar 1 cup water 1 cup butter (either salted or unsalted) 2 tablespoons active dry yeast 2 lemons, zested 1 lemon, juiced 5 cups milk Vegetable oil (for frying) Sugar (for sprinkling) Cinnamon (for sprinkling)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a pan over medium-low heat, warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts.

2. Let cool for 5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt with an electric mixer on high for one minute.

4. Add the warm milk and butter to the egg mixture and beat for one minute.

5. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast and 1 cup of warm water. Stir well and let the yeast rise for about 10 minutes. You should see bubbles form and the mixture rise. You can also cover the bowl to speed the process up.

6. Add the flour and the yeast mixture to the large bowl with the egg mixture. Mix and then knead very well in the bowl (about 15 minutes).

7. Cover the bowl completely with a towel and let the dough rise until doubled in size (at least 2-3 hours).

8. Fill a large pot about half full of vegetable oil (about 8 inches in my pot) and heat over medium high until hot. Note: Oil is hot when a small drop of dough bubbles and rises to the top of the oil.

9. When the oil is hot, take a handful of the dough (about the size of a peach) and lay it carefully in the oil.

10. When golden brown, flip it over to cook the other side. When golden brown, remove it from the oil and place on a tray lined with paper towel.

11. Repeat for remaining dough.

12. When all doughnuts are cooked, roll them in sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

BY PRIYA ADUVALA, TEAM MEMBER SINCE 2020

DETAILS

These cookies are delicious in ALL seasons! This is the recipe that I first learned to bake on my own as a kid and it marked the beginning of my passion for baking. To this day, it’s one of my all-time favourites to enjoy, no matter what time of the year.

Recipe makes: Around two dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS 1 cup pure pumpkin (not sweetened) 1 cup white sugar ½ cup vegetable oil 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more if you’d like)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mix by hand pumpkin, sugar, oil and egg, and then set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, sift all dry ingredients together (flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt).

4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, mixing by hand to combine.

5. Add the vanilla extract and chocolate chips and mix to combine.

6. Place dough by the tablespoon on a greased baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes and ENJOY!

IN THIS GUIDE P6. FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

1. KOTN, Half Zip Sweatshirt, $95 2. Bohten, Exstel Tortoise Sun, $150 3. Casca, Kor Knit Shoes, $168 4. Kombi, Waterguard Gloves, $39.95 5. Kiel's, Facial Fuel Men's, $28 6. GV, Mountain Train Spin Snowshoes, $194.99 7. Harricana, Recycled Cashmere Beanie, $89 8. Franklin Barbecue, by Aaron Franklin, $33.88 9. Better Threads, Bamboo V-Neck Tee, $55 10. Native Northwest, Backback, $42.99 11. Miansai, Rope Bracelet, $115 12. Educated Beards, Beard Wash, $30 13. Hathaway, Bocce Ball Set, $64.10 14. Arrinew, Tool Kit 108pcs, $59.99 15. Nathon Kong, Tie and Mask Set, $206

P7. FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL 1. Veja, Rio Branco Ripstop, $140 2. Marquest, Orbit Sunglasses, $80 3. Vitae, Sports Bra, $39 4. Selfish Swimwear, Nicole One Piece, $160 5. Biko, Galina Studs, $85 6. Jenny Bird, Willa Choker, $110 7. Bouswari, Belt Bag, $200 8. Raycon, Earbuds, $79.99 9. Viens Avec Moi, Shoulder Bag, $80 10. Matt and Nat, Vegan Coat, $315 11. Totally Brides, Slippers, $17.99 12. Cook This Book, by Molly Baz, $42.08 13. Aritzia, The Super Puff Mitten, $45 14. Sancia, Elysees Belt, $99 15. Corey Moranis, Wrap Ring, $65 16. Mary Young, Oli Robe, $122

P8. TRAVELER

1. Monos, Kiyo UVC Bottle, $70 2. Tanto, Jewelry Organizer, $22.99 3. Aritzia, Linen Face Mask, $10 4. Monos, Carry-On, $220 5. Glow Recipe, Sleeping Mask, $45 6. Duo Lingo, Language Lessons 7. G.F.C., Mammoth Hoody, $119.99 8. Gray Malin, Escape Book, $45 9. Happy Tears, Wander Bag, $65 10. Blissy, Sleep Mask, $49.95 11. Raycon, Earbuds, $79.99 12. Hides, Gym Bag, $229 13. Mindpusegner, Travel Bottle Set, $16.99 14. Forest Nine, Journal, $15.60 15. Wood Craft Cie, Scratch Map, $22.77 16. Ultimate Ears, Wonderboom, $99.99 17. Le Petit Laser, Luggage Tag, $9

P9. PET LOVER

1. Vogue Paws, Custom Pet Poster, $39.95 2. Stop Ink Pot, Cat Mug, $16.85 3. Dog Threads, PJs, $42 4. Plow & Hearth, Birdhouse, $99.95 5. Wild One, Rinseless Shampoo, $14 6. Bright Light Craft Co, Leash Holder, $37.96 7. Funny Petz, Bunny Portraits, $27.96 8. NOCS Provisions, Waterproof Binoculars, $95 9. Puppy Riot, Dog bandana, $13.88 10. Urban Outfitters, Printed Rag Rug, $39 11. North Legends, Pet Phone Case, $33.73 12. Plenty By Judi, Cat Tree Tower, $68.23 13. Omlet, Dog Beds, $54.99

P10. COMFORT AT HOME

1. Indigo Paper, Lap Desk, $14.50 2. Ember, Smart Mug, $283.13 3. EEIEER, Video Lighting Kit, $25.99 4. iHomey, Mini Bike Trainer, $69.99 5. Crosley, Bluetooth Record Player, $99 6. Garneau, Women's Sheepskin Slippers, $115 7. Revolve, 3-Pack Face Masks, $28.59 8. Click and Grow, Smart Garden, $194.96 9. Mini Tipi, Everyday Blanket, $125 10. Roots, Sweat Socks, $12 11. Moon Pod, Chair, $299 12. Casper, Night Light, $126 13. ColorOki, 2-Pack Paint By Numbers Kit, $21.98

P11. HEALTHY LIVING

1. Bala, 10-lb Power Ring, $111.99 2. Adidas, Ultraboost 5.0 DNA Shoes, $250 3. lululemon, Men's Hoodie, $128 4. Oat of the Ordinary, Oatmeal Pack, $27.98 5. Wattne, Deep Tissue Massager, $144.48 6. Healthish, BPA-Free Bottle, $32 7. obé fitness, Fitness Classes, $19/month 8. Supported Soul, Resistance Band Set, $48 9. Ricardo Larivee, Vegetables Cookbook, $31.68 10. Holt Renfrew, T-Shirt, $110 11. Saint Lyon, Leggings, $68.50 12. Selfish Swimwear, Bike Shorts, $105 13. Nike, React Infinity Run Shoes, $160 14. Manduka, Yoga Mat, $73 15. Two Wheel Gear, Bike Seat Pack, $74.95

IN THIS GUIDE P12. BEAUTY + SELF CARE

1. Province Apothecary, Face Serum, $76 2. Rose City Goods, Shampoo Bar, $18 3. Freon Collective, Reusable Cotton Rounds, $35 4. Queenfidence Cosmetics, Matte Lipstick, $25 5. Temi, Thai Buttercream, $37.26 6. Sephora, Blow Dry Brush Set, $130 7. Satya, Moisture Stick, $29 8. Cheekbone Beauty, Mascara, $32 9. Odacité, Skin Contour Crystal, $45 10. Revolve, Hair Mask, $90.95 11. Flawless, Skincare Mini Refrigerator, $89.99 12. Sephora, Vitamin C Serum, $27 13. Supergoop!, Unseen Sunscreen, $45 14. Prados Beauty, Makeup Brushes, $56.67 15. Lumin, Skincare Products, $ - variable 16. Luxcey, Cleansing Oil, $95

P13. THE HOST

1. Favuzzi, Crushed Lemon Olive Oil, $16.99 2. Fortessa, Steak Knife Set, $127.99 3. Urban Outfitters, Coffee Server, $54 4. Calhoun and Co., Tea Towel, $23.24 5. Lindsay Anderson, Canadian Recipes, $34.65 6. Mary Young, Bubble Candle, $42 7. ThermoPro, Meat Thermometer, $29.99 8. Cuttingboard.ca, Personalized Board, $39 9. Medylon Gifts, Salt & Pepper Shaker, $42 10. Fairmile Home, Ceramic Vase, $39 11. Chefman, Electric Wine Opener, $29.98 12. Vintage Retro Cupboard, Fondue Set, $49.06 13. PaperGala, Personalized Ring Dish, $19.15 14. A La Mode Decor, Decanter Set, $40.49

P14. TECH TAKEOVER

1. Hydrate Spark, Smart Bottle, $79.95 2. Coravin, Wine Preserver, $130 3. Wemo, Smart Plug, $38.97 4. VOBAGA, Cup Warmer, $55.05 5. Apple, AirPods Pro, $329 6. Govee, LED Strip Lights, $16.14 7. Apple, HomePod Mini, $129 8. MVMT, Retro Wristwatch, $290 9. DRONEEYE, Kid's Drone, $99.98 10. Ring, Video Doorbell, $129.99 11. preciousNpink, iPhone Case, $20.99 12. Bruush, Electric Toothbrush, $79 13. Popov Leather, iPad Sleeve, $69 14. Revive Studio, iPhone Case, $19.95 15. PhoneSoap, UV Phone Sanitizer, $79.95

P15. TO THE OUTDOORS

1. Woods, Heritage Sleeping Bag, $101.99 2. Homesick, Summer Camp Candle, $34 3. Woods, Bucket Camp Chair, $85.99 4. Woods, Rechargeable LED Flashlight, $21.93 5. MEC, Camping Drip Coffee Maker, $11.95 6. CUSIMAX, Portable Grill, $83.68 7. Woods, 3-Person Tent, $276.99 8. Better Threads, Hoodie, $85 9. TUSHY, Portable Bidet, $29 10. LavenderandLumber, Name Plaque, $65 11. MEC, Travel Aeropress Coffee Press, $44.95 12. GlamCoDesigns, Personalized Mug, $16.72

P16. NEW PARENTS + BABIES 1. Beluga Baby, Baby Wrap, $78.95 2. Uber Eats, Gift Card, $ variable 3. Cuddle + Kind, Handmade Bunny, $109 4. Hatch, Baby Rest Sound Machine, $146.99 5. Bombas, 4-Pack Socks, $23.75 6. Oneberrie, Hands-Free Towel, $52.95 7. Nanit, Baby Monitor, $399 8. Kyte Baby, Women's Pajama Set, $75 (USD) 9. Kyte Baby, Baby Bow, $15 (USD) 10. Nike, Court Legacy Baby Shoe, $42 11. Nike, Force 1 Baby Shoe, $55 12. GoldHill Jewelery, 14k Initial Necklace, $21.95 13. Hey Pomelo, Feeding Bib, $18 14. GrowandCompany, Growth Chart, $103.50 15. Rowe, Kids' Lounge Set, $54 16. Made by Mira, Name Bracelet, $18

P17. FOR KIDS

1. Melissa & Doug, Grocery Cart, $89.95 2. Blast Pad, Stomp Rocket, $24.99 3. LEGO, Rollercoaster, $139.99 4. KidCraft, Dollhouse, $163.68 5. Better Threads, Kid's T-Shirt, $30 6. Magna-Tiles, Magnetic Blocks, $149.99 7. Lands' End, Kid's Animal Slippers Cat, $36.47 8. Lands' End, Kid's Animal Slippers Dog, $36.47 9. Abercrombie Kids, Boy's Puffy Coat, $110 10. Happy Tears, Posivibe Backpack, $89 11. Barbie, Dream Camper, $149.99 12. Waboba, Extreme Beach Ball, $14.99 13. BALU Organics, Ball Pit, $129.99 14. Nickelodeon, Slime Kit, $19.99 15. Wonderbly, Where Are You Book, $44.99 16. Zibbers, Bubble Poppers, $8.99 17. Playmobil, Large Hospital, $218.99 18. Outset, Scissors Paper Stone, $19.99 19. L.O.L. Surprise!, Sunshine Gurl Doll, $33.19

IN THIS GUIDE P19. GIFTS UNDER $30

1. Rose City Goods, Pizza Puzzle, $19 2. Metis Spirit Walker, Drop Earrings, $20.67 3. Alicja Confections, Dark Chocolate, $9.99 4. Rose City Goods, The Office Colouring Book, $12 5. Intelligent Change, Journal, $25 6. Canada Untamed, Playing Cards, $25.31 7. Rose City Goods, Hair Clips, $18 8. TinTin, Waffle Maker, $25.99 9. Freon Collective, Cotton Face Cloth, $15.18 10. Rose City Goods, Schitt's Creek Card, $6 11. Seacosmo, Charging Stand, $20.99 12. Cup of Te, Honey, $12 13. Cup of Te, Teacups, $29.99 14. The Cocktail Box Co, Kit, $24.99

P20. FOR TEENS

1. Nike, Air Force 1 Shadow, $145 2. Nike, Air Force 1 '07, $120 3. Meer. Mini Projector, $75.99 4. TikTok Cookbook, Valentina Mussi, $24.99 5. Popov Leather, Wallet, $99 6. Bauer, Nexus Geo, $299.99 7. Happii Beads, Phone Strap, $16.87 8. Ruby Singer Designs, Hair Clips, $12.65 9. Lila Silk Co, Silk Face Masks, $16.45 10. Monos, Backpack, $215 11. One of the Good Ones, Malika Moulite, $23.75 12. Courant, Charging Tray, $175 13. Olive, Love Skateboard, $85 14. Ethereal & Co, Tote Bag, $16.86

P21. DECK THE HALLS

1. Little World Boutik, Stocking, $46.39 2. Anthropologie, Advent Calendar, $78 3. The Kanata Shop, Ornament, $17.95 4. Cb2. Menorah, $249 5. Pipsy Shop, Dog Ornament, $19.55 6. Anthropologie, Diffuser, $38 7. Design & Dandy, Dish Towel, $15.95 8. Shop Gold Rose, Ornament, $11 9. Lilys Boutique, Wreath, $29.51 10. Anthropologie, Pillows, $88 11. 7 Symbols of Kwanzaa, Set, $69.95 12. Cb2, Garland, $99.95 13. Cb2, Ornaments, $44.95 14. EleyOri, Menorah Art Print, $39

P22. THE BOOK NOOK

1. The Sweetest Remedy, Jane Igharo, $21.78 2. You Concrete Me, Bookends, $26.99 3. Tiffany Dawn Creations, Mug, $15.18 4. This Book Is Anti-Racist, Tiffany Jewell, $14.99 5. Cb2, Bookshelves, $599 6. The Push, Ashley Audrain, $14.96 7. Seventh & Oak, Candle, $40 8. Amazon, Kindle, $139.99 9. LeWillowbean, Bookmark, $5.90 10. Cup of Te, Lemon Ginger Tea, $14 11. Tokyo Ever After, Emiko Jean, $25.41 12. Blue Pine Innovations, Nursery Shelves, $35.61 13. Cotton Blanc QC, Pillow Cover, $48.59 14. Able, Dylan Alcott, $33.50

P23. FOODIES

1. Anova Culinary, Sous Vide, $146.99 2. Mary's Brigadeiro, Gift Wrap + Tin, $42 3. Chideno, Spoon Rest, $22.40 4. Island Sauce Co., BBQ Sauce, $6.49 5. Montaneros Coffee, Exotico, $18.99 6. Lillicity, Tea Towels, $9.45 7. True North, Dammann & Johns, $39.60 8. Anthropologie, Knife Set, $34 9. Anthropologie, Glasses, $56 10. Anthropologie, Cheese Board, $68 11. Innsky, Air Fryer, $149.99 12. Loveable Labels, Spice Jar Labels, $24.90 13. The Silk Road, 4 Jars, $44.99 14. Anthropologie, Wine Holder, $58 15. Paderno, Dutch Oven, $79.99 16. Peace by Chocolate, Variety Box, $41

P24. HEAR THE BELLS

1. Designs By A Studio, Acrylic Ornament, $21.09 2. Cinstar Creations, Ring Dish, $19.40 3. Artisaire, Wax Seals, $1.40 4. Kate Spade, Tumbler, $48.97 5. JM Labonne, Champagne Flutes, $53.90 6. Harmony Mind Body Soul, Jean Jacket, $75.92 7. Home Sick, Candle, $34 8. Straga Cutting Boards, Board, $34 9. Venus Et Fleur, Small Square, $299 10. Artisaire, Wax Stamp, $48 11. Inspired Print Store, Portrait, $19.37 12. The Newlywed Table, Maria Zizka, $29.95

P25. LUXURY LOVE

1. Playstation, PS5, $1,359 2. Cb2, White Speaker, $849 3. Ooni, Pizza Oven, $449 4. Indigo Arrows, Lumbar Pillow, $119 5. Brother Veillies, Pump, $795 6. Jonathan Adler, Vase, $415 7. MrDecorator, Chess Set, $316.31 8. Skevik, Loken Skis, $899 9. Google, Nest, $249 10. Portolano, Gloves, $90 11. Kelly Grace, Midnight Sun, $450 12. Omi Woods, Necklace, $120 13. Our Place, Pan, $145 14. Mackage, Boot, $690 15. Mackage, Boot, $650 16. Cb2, Marble Bowl, $449

STAY TUNED FOR OUR WINTER EVENT GUIDE, COMING SOON Connecting top talent with opportunity all year long. excelHR.com