We've been there: hours of well-intentioned holiday baking that yields one pan of lopsided cupcakes (and a few empty Chardonnay bottles).

But even the most dire desserts can be rescued with the right packaging. Enter Aussie expat Jordan Bariesheff from Polkadot Prints Studio, creator of the most darling party supplies. The red-dot treat sticks ($4.60) are absolutely perfect for the holiday season - use them to present of-the-moment cake pops or pie pops. Several colours and prints are available for a chic mix-and-match display.

Half baked? Hardly! —Kait Kucy

Polkadot Prints Studio, www.etsy.com

When it’s your birthday, wedding day, or any celebration day for that matter, you can always have your cake and eat it too. 


At the new Itza Bakeshop you can also have almond croissants ($2.75), pain au chocolat ($2.75) and mini éclairs ($4).
The tiny bakery is located in the wedding mecca, a.k.a. 17th Avenue’s Devenish Building, but even if you’re not in the market for a three-tier work of art, go early for the fresh-baked pastries or pop in at lunch for a hearty quiche. 


Although the pastries are a tad more petite than other baked goods we’ve devoured, they make up for it with layer upon layer of flaky goodness.



Itza Bakeshop, 111, 908 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-0044, www.itzabakeshop.com