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Last-minute holiday shoppers, under pressure to make impressive selections quickly, have been known to fail in spectactular fashion. But those deadline-driven woes might just be a thing of a past, thanks to University of Toronto students, staff, faculty and alumni.

What about the well-read family member who just happens to be tongue-tied in social situations? Two U of T staff members have created an aesthetically appealing solution called : a package of clever conversational gambits to see you through everything from awkward family dinners to stressful cocktail parties. The best part? .

“There’s nothing like actually applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world,” says third-year Faculty of Arts & Science student Vlessing, who credits an introduction to entrepreneurship course at U of T with helping her launch her company. Her brand of products hit retail stores in Ontario December 15 and will be available nationally and internationally through the Sporting Life retail chain.

Vlessing produces a line of different fur trims for Canada Goose jackets that allow cold-weather fashionistas to customize their beloved parkas: . All are locally produced and manufactured with materials primarily sourced from small Toronto vendors.

And, for tech-oriented family and friends, . For the person who keeps forgetting passwords, how about a biometric wristband? The Nymi, from startup Bionym, allows users to remember passwords and unlock devices, by recognizing the unique signature of the wearer's heart.  

• Adventure through High Park and the Green Belt after listening to U of T PhD candidate and author Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer discuss how .
• Walk through downtown Toronto's concrete jungle and imagine how may someday result in a lush forest of grass-covered skyscrapers.
• Or simply throw on your boots and stroll through the landscape of the University of Toronto's .