Cupcakes are a preferable alternative to birthday cakes, whose constant accompaniment by off-key singing has depleted the planet’s finite supply of forced smiles. Garner genuine grins with today's Groupon: for $8, you get a dozen cupcakes at Rideau Bakery (a $16.80 value), valid at both Ottawa locations.

For more than 80 years, Rideau Bakery's expert kneaders have drawn upon traditional Ukrainian recipes to craft kosher breads and pastries, such as cupcakes in a variety of flavours. Bakers whip batches of chocolate and vanilla cupcake batter and can swirl them together into a tantalizing marbled confection. Red velvet cupcakes don a towering crown of chocolate or vanilla frosting garnished with a flurry of festive sprinkles. Treats are ready for nibbling within 72 hours after phoning in orders or relaying them via Morse code smoke signals.